Alma Learetta Tyson

I have always been interested in history, literature, and the beauty of language. I wanted to become a member of the profession that had advance the cause of civil rights.  At an early age, I was impressed by the eloquence, persistence, and effectiveness of a United States Attorney in Chicago, who brought corrupt judges and attorneys to justice.  I was impressed that the law allowed reasonable people to disagree but resolve still their differences.  I was impressed with lawyers who argued against discrimination and for social change. I marveled at the eloquence of Barbara Jordan and watched in disbelief when a President of the United States was pressured at of office.  I wanted to be one of them.  

   I had the privilege of working for the U.S. Attorney’s Office upon graduation from law school and during my brief stay there, I was energized by the possibilities of change – of actually making a difference.  My studies in Psychology, Criminal Justice, and my legal education blended perfectly with this work.  The experiences I had acquired prior to attending law school, teaching undergraduate students,  marketing capital equipment for a Fortune 500 Corporation and auditing Medicare vendors for state government were also very helpful in taking on this fascinating job.

   Upon leaving the federal government, I passed the Wisconsin and then the Illinois Bar Examinations and started practicing law.  For the past twenty years, I have represented clients in juvenile, criminal, probate, traffic, chancery, divorce, civil, bankruptcy, federal and state appellate courts.  I narrowed my practice to civil law to ensure I would keep current in probate, family law and real estate.  These areas often overlap, and one client may need  legal services in each of these areas.  If they are, I stand ready to assist them.

  I remian current with Criminal Justice issues and strategies.  It is remarkable that many of my recommendations adopted by the City of Chicago are still implemented and effective.  For example community policing, police bicyle patrols  and electronic monitoring devices.  If politicians could become advocates for smart guns, guns that are matched to their owner and not a child or a thief, that would be another step in saving lifes and reducing violence in our city.