Blacha Law Office, LLC

Attorney Monika Blacha

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois

Education:

• Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago, Illinois
  
  • J.D.
  • Law Review: Journal of International Law, Note and Comment Editor
• Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  
  • B.A.
  • Honors: magna cum laude
  • Honors: Dean's List
  • Major: Political Science

Attorney Erin Victoria O'Connell

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois

Education:

• DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, Illinois
  
  • J.D.
• Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
  
  • Major: English and Women's Studies

Attorney Sean Martin McCumber

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois, 1998
• U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2000
• U.S. Tax Court, 2001
• U.S. Supreme Court, 2002

Education:

• University of Illinois College of Law, Illinois, 1998
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: magna cum laude
  • Honors: Dean's List
  • Honors: University of Illinois Moot Court
• Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, 1995
  
  • B.A.
  • Honors: magna cum laude
  • Honors: Alpha Phi Sigma – Criminal Justice Honor Society
  • Honors: Dean’s List
  • Honors: Illinois State University Presidential Scholar
  • Honors: Order of Omega – Interfraternity Honor Society
  • Honors: Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
  • Major: Criminal Justice Sciences

Attorney Erika Eassa

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois

Education:

• Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana
  
  • J.D.
• Eastern Illinois University, Charleston
  
  • B.A.

Attorney Elizabeth A. Youakim

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois

Education:

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: Certificates in Child and Family Law and Public Interest Law
• Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  
  • B.A.
  • Honors: cum laude

Attorney Lacey Day

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois, 2021

Education:

• Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb, Illinois, 2021
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: cum laude
• Indiana University, 2015
  
  • B.A.
  • Major: General Studies
  • Minor: Psychology and Business

Attorney Nicole M. Janes

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois, 2006
• Indiana, 2009

Education:

• Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan, 2006
  
  • J.D.
• Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, 2002
  
  • B.A.
  • Honors: cum laude
  • Major: Political Science

Attorney Thomas Papanicolas

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois, 2019

Education:

• DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, Illinois, 2019
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: cum laude
• University of Illinois- Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2016
  
  • B.A.
  • Honors: summa cum laude
  • Major: Political Science

Attorney Alyana Abellar

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois, 2019

Education:

• Michigan State University College of Law, East Lansing, Michigan
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: magna cum laude
• University of the Philippines
  
  • Honors: With High Honors
  • Major: English

Attorney Cody Statum

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois

Education:

• University of Illinois College of Law, Illinois, 2020
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: magna cum laude
  • Honors: Dean's List
• Miami University, 2016
  
  • B.S.
  • Honors: Dean's List
  • Major: Criminal Justice

Truly Compassionate

I hired Monika's office because after I consulted with many attorneys, I found that she was the only one that seemed to really care about my case. After I retained her office, I was not disappointed. Monika did an excellent job in Court for me, even though my ex and I were in a bitter custody dispute — I felt like Monika was there for me every step of the way, both in and out of court. Sometimes, I just needed an ear, and she and her staff were always there to lend it. And in the end, we were able to prevail and now I can be a parent to my children for the same amount of time as my ex. I truly believe that without Monika by my side, I would not have been able to be where I am at. Thank you Monika and everyone on your team!
Kevin April 23, 2016

Great, Caring Team Of Tough Lawyers

Monika and her team have handled an incredibly complicated custody case for my family. They are experts who listen to their clients and will always keep you updated. And they are large enough to cover unexpected runs to court. The best thing is to see their written and trial presentations. They cover all the bases powerfully and as efficiently as possible. I fully recommend Monika and her growing team.
David April 14, 2016

Highly Recommend

I hired Monika for a post-decree issue regarding maintenance from my ex. She went above and beyond my expectations. Not only was she always there to answer all of my questions and concerns, she made sure I understood the process every step of the way. Monika truly cares about her clients and goes out of her way to accommodate their busy schedules. I am truly grateful I had Monika as my attorney. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome!
Tammy April 5, 2016

Great Service

Mrs. Blacha was helping us with will and estate documents. She really made the whole process easy and smooth. We highly recommend her!
Barb Jan. 15, 2015

Outstanding Professional Services

I have used Mrs. Blacha's services for our estate planning. Mrs. Blacha was very professional and very knowledgeable in this area. Through her expertise and guidance, the process was completed smoothly and in a timely fashion. Thank you Mrs. Blacha for patience!

Excellent Lawyers

Ms. Blacha helped make sure that my husband paid his child support and alimony after our divorce. She always made me feel comfortable and was very good about answering questions and making sure I knew what was going on at all times. We won exactly what we had wanted but most importantly I felt like every penny I spent on Ms. Blacha was worth it. Highly recommend this lawyer.
Danny August 15, 2014

I Highly Recommend Monika's Service

I really had no idea what to expect when I filed for divorce, but I had heard all kinds of horror stories about how long it was going to take, and how much it was going to cost, and how ugly it was going to be. When I hired Monika, I did so based on my gut feeling that she really cared about my case and would fight for me. Not only did this turn out to be true, the whole process did not seem as bad as I had heard it was from others. I found Monika to be a fantastic advocate for me at all times while in court, and I was always able to reach out to her and would hear back almost right away. I was really impressed with her abilities to be my lawyer, but also someone I trusted talking to at the same time. Overall, I felt like she made the process as smooth and tolerable as I could have hoped for.
Divorce Client July 16, 2014

Would Definitely Recommend

Monika went above and beyond expectations. I highly recommend her services. My divorce was clean, cut and dry thanks to her. Even when she was busy she took the time to answer my questions in a timely manner. If I get divorced again, I know who I am hiring.
Mark April 25, 2014

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