Education
Valparaiso Law School, J.D. (1967)
Northwestern University, B.A. (1963)
Culver Military Academy (1954-1958)

No other family law practitioner has the unique perspective of Charles Fleck, a named partner in the firm and former Illinois state legislator and Chief Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. Since joining the firm in 1982, Charles has exclusively practiced family law and represented business professionals, athletes, entertainers, and their spouses. His time on the bench uniquely qualifies him to assess the issues present in a case, identify an equitable result, and focus his efforts toward obtaining a positive outcome for his client.

Not only is Charles a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom and during settlement negotiations, but he is also a well-regarded mediator and child representative. The Lake County Circuit Court has certified him as both a Mediator for the Lake County Family Law Division Mediation Program and as a Child Representative to represent the interests of children in contested custody cases. 

From 1971 to 1976, Charles served three terms in the Illinois General Assembly where he was a member of the House Judiciary Committee and served as Chairman of the Domestic Relations Subcommittee. In this capacity, he was a prime proponent in renovating and drafting the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the body of law that addresses no-fault dissolution of marriage, property division, child custody and support, and maintenance (formerly known as alimony).  

Awards

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, by Neifeh and Smith (1984-2020)
  • 2011 Chicago Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” selected by Best Lawyers
  • Illinois Super Lawyer (2005-2019); Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers (2006)
  • Leading Lawyers Network – Leading Lawyer in Family Law (2004-2017)
  • Recognition Award from the Illinois Lawyers Political Action Committee
  • Certificate of Merit, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (1995-2012)
  • Illinois (1967)
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (1967)
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section (1982-present)
  • Chicago Bar Association Board of Governors (1980-1981)
  • Judges Association: Board of Directors (1979-1981)
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association Bench and Bar Section (1983-1987; Chairman, 1983)
  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section (1982-2012)
  • Trustee of LAWPAC (1988-1993)

Lectures

  • “Contributions Pursuant to Sec. 503(c)(1) & (2) and 503 (d)(1) of the IMDMA,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Illinois Chapter (September 1991)
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Seminar (June and December 1988)
  • Illinois Institute For Continuing Legal Education (March 1988)
  • Panel DiscussionsClick to Expand
  • Lake County Bar Association Annual Seminar Speaker, “Impeachment and the Provisions of the New Illinois Rules of Evidence”, Puerto Rico, February 2011
  • Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County -- Ethics Seminar - Panel on Deal with Media -- protecting client's privacy (2010)
  • Lake County Bar Association Annual Seminar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (2009) ”Bonds, Liens and Other Gizmos and Doodads to Secure Maintenance and Child Support”
  • Lake County Bar Association Annual Seminar, Washington D.C. (2008). “Pleadings and Motions”
  • Lake County Bar Association Annual Seminar, Napa, California (1998)
  • Seminar Panelist, Illinois Institute, Legal Education, “Marital Settlement Agreements”
  • American Bar Association, Annual Convention, New York City (1993)
  • American Bar Association, Annual Convention, San Francisco (1992)
  • American Bar Association's Joint Family Law-Litigation Seminar Panel, Annual Meeting (1989)
  • American Bar Association, Midyear Meeting (1988)
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Seminar (June and December 1988)
  • Seminar Panels on Matrimonial Law presentations to Chicago Bar Association (1979-1982; Chairman, 1981)

Following his time in the state legislature, Charles served as a judge for the Circuit Court and was subsequently appointed Chief Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. From his position on the bench, Charles presided over numerous divorce matters that included complex financial issues, business valuations, custody and removal disputes, property division, child support and maintenance. He now astutely applies his experience and unrivaled ability to break down complex issues to the benefit of his clients.

Charles' dedication to public service and his clients has not gone unnoticed by his peers. Town & Country Magazine listed him as one of the country’s foremost matrimonial lawyers. Since 1984, he has been listed in Best Lawyers in America. In 2011, he was selected as the Chicago Area Family Lawyer of the Year. Charles has also been recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” and “Super Lawyer,” representing the top 5% of lawyers in Illinois.

Notable Experience

  • Assistant Attorney General – Revenue Litigation Division and General Law Litigation Division (1968-1970)
  • Member – Illinois House of Representatives (1971-1976)
  • Chairman – House Judiciary Committee (Select House – Senate -- Subcommittee on Divorce Legislation, 1974-1975); Legislative Sponsor of Divorce Reform
  • Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, Trial Section of the Domestic Relations Division (1978-1979)
  • Chief Presiding Judge, Domestic Relations Division, Circuit Court of Cook County (1979-1982)
  • Appointed by Illinois Supreme Court to Conduct Domestic Relations Seminars for both Circuit and Associate Judges’ Conferences (1978 – 1981)