Biography

Education
DePaul University College of Law, J.D., With Honor, Order of the Coif
DePaul University College of Law, LL.M. (Taxation)
Mundelein College, B. A., Summa Cum Laude 

Effective and winning advocacy requires specialized skills to analyze the pertinent legal issues and see the case the way trial court judges and appellate justices do. An effective lawyer must be well-versed in pertinent case law and applicable procedural rules, with the ability to identify those issues and arguments which are likely to be most successful, and to convey them persuasively. In addition, the ability to think "outside the box" and envision novel approaches is required. But, most of all, the lawyer must put the client first, listen closely and be the strong voice which tells his or her story. Michele Jochner is such a lawyer.

Michele served for 15 years as a judicial law clerk to two Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court: the late Hon. Mary Ann G. McMorrow and the late Hon. Charles E. Freeman. During her tenure with our State's highest tribunal, she worked on numerous high-profile matters involving cutting-edge issues of first impression, providing her with a unique breadth and depth of experience in all areas of substantive and procedural law combined with a keen understanding of the mechanics of our trial and appellate courts. Her first­hand experience and crucial insights into the State court system provide her with the basis to craft and communicate compelling legal strategy and arguments.

A recognized legal scholar, expert writer and educator to law students and attorneys, Michele has been honored by her peers in "Best Lawyers in America," as a Super Lawyer and as a "Leading Lawyer" who has ranked in the top 100 Women Consumer Lawyers in Illinois and was profiled in Leading Lawyers Magazine. Michele was also named to the inaugural class of Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s and Chicago Lawyer’s 2020 Salute! Women in Law awards, and the recipient of the Top Women Lawyers in Leadership Award by the Women's Bar Association of Illinois. She also has authored more than 200 articles on a wide array of legal topics appearing in publications nationwide, and her two columns, “Law From a Different Perspective” and "On Appeal," have appeared in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. In addition, she is listed in several “Who’s Who” publications, and was previously recognized as one of “40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch” by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Michele regularly speaks on legal issues to various groups across the State, including seminars on effective legal writing, appellate advocacy, and family law. She has also served as an adjunct professor at both DePaul University College of Law and The John Marshall Law School. In testament to her career-long commitment to legal education, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Michele to serve as the Chair of its Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board.

As a well-known leader in the Chicago legal community, she is active with many organizations, including the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), where she has served as a member of the Board of Managers and on the Executive Committee of the CBA’s Alliance for Women, as well as on the Editorial Board of the CBA Record and as past-chair of the CBA's Committee on Public Affairs. She is similarly active with the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), where she served as Secretary of the Association, as well as a past member of the Board of Governors, the Assembly and the Editorial Board of the Illinois Bar Journal. She also served as past Chair of the General Practice Section Council, as a co-editor of the Bench & Bar Newsletter and as a member of the Family Law Section Council. She also has served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE), the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR), as well as on three panels at her alma mater, DePaul University College of Law: as the immediate past-Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, and as a member of both the Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for the Center for Public Interest Law. She also has held several leadership positions within the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and served on the Leader Council for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

Recognizing the importance of ensuring that the future of the legal profession is in good hands, Michele also actively mentors numerous law students at DePaul, as well as through Phi Alpha Delta. Her mentoring efforts were recognized by The Chicago Lawyer Magazine in honoring her as a "Woman Making an Impact."

Honors and Awards

• Lawyer Spotlight by Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism (2Civility) (2023)
• Salute! Women In Law - Top 50 Most Influential Women (2020)
• Illinois Super Lawyer (2016-2023)
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers (2020,2025)
• 2015 Top Women Lawyers in Leadership Award, Women's Bar Association of Illinois
• Best Lawyers in America - Recognized in the area of Family Law (2015-2025)
• Ranked in the Top 100 Women Consumer Lawyers in Illinois, Leading Lawyers Magazine, (2015, 2016, 2019)
• Profiled in the 2016 Consumer Edition of Leading Lawyer's Magazine
• Illinois Leading Lawyer - Recognized in the area of Family Law (2014-2020)
• Recognized as one of 2013's "Women Making an Impact," Chicago Lawyer magazine (2013)
• DePaul University College of Law Outstanding Service to the Profession Award (2013)
• “40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch”, Law Bulletin Publishing Co. (2004)
• Illinois State Bar Association, Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest, (Record-Holding Seven-Time Recipient – 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
• Illinois State Bar Association, Recipient of Board of Governors Award for exemplary service to the profession and the Association (2009)
• Illinois State Bar Association, Recipient of Presidential Commendation for “Indispensable Service to the ISBA and the Profession Through Many Leadership Roles” (2007)
• Illinois State Bar Association, Newsletter Editor Service Award (2006 - 5 years service, 2011 - 10 years service)
• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International – Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Joseph L. Story Chapter at DePaul University College of Law (2014).
• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, Recipient of the Chicago Alumni Chapter’s Hon. Mary Ann G. McMorrow Service to the Profession Award (2012)
• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, Recipient of the Chicago Alumni Chapter's Centennial Award (2012)
• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, Honored as the International Fraternity’s Outstanding Alumni Chapter Justice (2010)
• Listed in Who’s Who in the World - 16th and 18th Ed.
• Listed in Who’s Who in America - 51st thru 58th, and 62nd thru 63rd Ed.
• Listed in Who’s Who in American Law - 9th thru 15th Ed.
• Listed in Who’s Who of American Women - 27th Ed.

Admissions

• Illinois
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• United States Supreme Court

Memberships

Publications

Authorships

• “The Right Place at the Right Time,” a chapter in Reaching the Bar: Stories of Women at All Stages of Their Law Careers, Robin Sax, ed. Kaplan Publishing Co., 2009.

Law Review and Legal Journal Publications

• To Appeal or Not to Appeal, That is The Question, Family Lawyer Magazine (Spring 2017, at 6-7)
• Contributor - Family Law Quarterly, Family Law in the 50 States (Illinois), Vol. 49, No. 4 (Winter 2016). (American Bar Association).
• Contributor - Family Law Quarterly, Family Law in the 50 States (Illinois), Vol. 48, No. 4 (Winter 2015). (American Bar Association).
• Contributor - Family Law Quarterly, Family Law in the 50 States (Illinois), Vol. 47, No. 4 (Winter 2014). (American Bar Association).
• The Buck Stops Here In More Ways Than One, tyl - The Young Lawyer Magazine of The American Bar Association (July 2014).
• Illinois Supreme Court Rules Changes: The Year So Far, 99 Ill. B. J. 520 (October 2011).
• Women in Law Firms: Is Progress Being Made?, The CBA Alliance News, Vol. 15, No. 1, at 4 (Fall 2010).
• Alliance for Women Honors Two Who Follow Motto: We Must Lift As We Climb, 24 CBA Record 22 (June-July 2010).
• The Illinois Supreme Court Defines the Phrase “Arising Out of Patient Care” and Clarifies the Tolling Provisions Found in the Medical Malpractice Statute of Repose in Section 13-212 of the Code of Civil Procedure, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 38, No. 6 (May 2008).
• The Illinois Supreme Court Sheds Light on the “Gray Areas” of the Relation-Back Doctrine in Porter v. Decatur Memorial Hospital, Trial Briefs (ISBA Civil Practice Newsletter), Vol. 53, No. 8 (March 2008); reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 38, No. 5 (March 2008); reprinted in, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 36, No. 6 (April 2008); reprinted in NWSBA Newsbriefs (The Newsletter of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association), April 2008; reprinted in, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2008.
• Recent Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 38, No. 1 (August 2007); reprinted in, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 36, No. 2 (November 2007); reprinted in The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2007; reprinted in NWSBA Newsbriefs (The Newsletter of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association), October and November 2007; reprinted in Trial Briefs (ISBA Civil Practice Newsletter), Vol. 53, No. 6 (January 2008).
• Excellence and Strength Through Diversity: The Positive Impact on the Future of Our Profession, ISBA Diversity Matters Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1 (June 2007).
• Survey of Illinois Law: Search & Seizure Cases, 30 S. Ill. U. L. J. 785 (Summer 2006).
• “Stop and Frisk”in Illinois: Recent Supreme Court Terry-Doctrine Decisions, 91 Ill. B. J. 616 (December 2003).
• What’s The Measure of Judicial Excellence?, 90 Ill. B. J. 516 (Oct. 2002) (co-author and editor).
• Limiting the Limits on Campaign Speech, 90 Ill. B. J. 520 (Oct. 2002).
• Privacy Versus Cyber-Age Police Investigation - The Fourth Amendment in Flux, 90 Ill. B. J. 70 (Feb. 2002).
• The Expanding Scope of HMO Liability in Illinois, 89 Ill. B. J. 64 (Feb. 2001).
• Recent United States Supreme Court Fourth Amendment Rulings Expand Police Discretion, 88 Ill. B. J. 579 (Oct. 2000).
• An Overview of the Juvenile Justice Reform Provisions of 1998, 87 Ill. B. J. 152 (March 1999).
• The United States Supreme Court Expands Excessive Fines Clause Protection in Austin and Bajakajian, 87 Ill. B. J. 78 (Feb. 1999).
• Acquitted of the Crime, But Still Doing Time?, 13 ABA Crim. Just. 18 (Spring 1998).
• The Supreme Court Turns Back the Clock on Civil Forfeiture in Bennis, 85 Ill. B. J. 314 (July 1997).
• Ethical Considerations for the Illinois Judge Preparing a Public Statement, ILLINOIS JUDGE'S HANDBOOK, Illinois Judge's Association (1997)(co-authored with Hon. Francis A. Gembala).
• The Unjustified Expansion of the Double Jeopardy Doctrine to Civil Asset Forfeiture Proceedings, 84 Ill. B. J. 70 (Feb. 1996), reprinted in, The Nevada Public Lawyer, Fall 1996.
• Punitive Damages: The United States Supreme Court’s Meandering Path, 83 Ill. B. J. 576 (Nov. 1995), reprinted in, The Advocate - the Magazine of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, June 1996, at 17.
• The Petrillo Doctrine: A Review and Update, 83 Ill. B. J. 16 (Jan. 1995)(co-authored with Hon. Lester A. Bonaguro).
• From Fiction to Fact: The Supreme Court’s Reevaluation of Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws, 82 Ill. B. J. 560 (Oct. 1994).
• 'Til Habeas Do Us Part: Recent Supreme Court Habeas Corpus Rulings, 81 Ill. B. J. 250 (May 1993).
• When the Taxman Cometh: Challenging an IRS Summons, 80 Ill. B. J. 360 (July 1992).
• The Detrimental Effects of Hostile Takeovers, Leveraged Buyouts and Excessive Debt on the Airline Industry, 19 TRANSP. L. J. 219 (1990).

Newsletter/Newspaper Publications

• Fall Newsletter, 2018
• Lincoln Rides the Circuit in Early Career, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, August 7, 2012, at 4.
• Everyone Must Work to Protect the Courts, Justice and Freedom, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 28, 2012, at 5 (54th Annual Law Day Edition); reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 42, No. 5 (May 2012).
• Lincoln's Path to Becoming a Lawyer Continues to Inspire, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, March 29, 2012, at 5.
• We Must Remember and Celebrate Lincoln the Lawyer, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, March 15, 2012, at 5.
• Douglass Leaves Behind Legacy of Inspiration and Heroism, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 29, 2012, at 5.
• Lincoln's Speech Still Remains a Gift to History, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, November 21, 2011, at 5.
• People Need to 'Get Involved and Use Our Voices', The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, October 17, 2011, at 5.
• Looking Back on King's 'Dream' Speech, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, August 30, 2011, at 5.
• The Hard Road to Women's Suffrage, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, July 28, 2011, at 5.
• Do Not Discount the Importance of the 14th Amendment, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, July 15, 2011, at 5; reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 42, No. 3 (January 2012).
• Forging a New, Independent Nation, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, July 1, 2011, at 5.
• Meet CBA President Robert A. Clifford: A Passion for Justice, a Reputation for Excellence and a Commitment to Giving Back, 25 CBA Record 5, at 34 (June/July 2011).
• 2011 Vanguard Awards, 25 CBA Record 5, at 16 (June/July 2011).
• Discussing the Courageous Who Protect the Law, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 23, 2011, at 2 (53rd Annual Law day Edition).
• King Shows It's Within Our Power to Create Solutions, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 7, 2011, at 5.
• A Single Courageous Act Sets Change in Motion, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Dec. 8, 2010, at 6.
• Women in Law Firms: Is Progress Being Made?, The Alliance News, Vol. 15, No. 1, at 4 (Fall 2010).
• Douglas Holds the Record on the Supreme Court, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Nov. 16, 2010; reprinted in ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 41, No. 4, at 6 (March 2011); reprinted in The Catalyst (Newsletter of the ISBA's Standing Committee of Women in the Law), Vol. 16, No. 4, at 7 (April 2011).
• What Effect Will Three Female Justices Have?, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Nov. 2, 2010; reprinted in ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 41, No. 2, at 7 (Nov. 2010); reprinted in The Catalyst (Newsletter of the ISBA's Standing Committee of Women in the Law), Vol. 16, No. 4, at 7 (April 2011).
• Putting Your House in Order, reprinted in Alliance News, Vol. 15, No. 2, at 3 (Winter 2011).
• 2010 Herman Kogan Media Awards Luncheon: Kurtis and Jacobsen Deliver Perspectives on the State of the News Business, 24 CBA Record 20 (June-July 2010).
• Alliance for Women Honors Two Who Follow Motto: We Must Lift As We Climb, 24 CBA Record 22 (June-July 2010).
• The Unity Dinner and Annual Bar President's Swearing-In Ceremony Unites the Legal Community in a Celebration of Diversity, ISBA Diversity Matters Newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 1 at 9 (June 2010).
• Illinois Legal Community Unites to Raise Over $100,000 for Haiti Rebuilding Efforts, ISBA Diversity Matters Newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 1 at 16 (June 2010).
• Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges, The Chicago Daily Bulletin, April 24, 2010 at 12 (52nd Annual Law Day Edition).
• What is Your Personal Brand? 24 CBA Record 21 (April 2010).
• Abraham Lincoln’s Power Can Be Found in His Words, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 25, 2009 at 13 (51st Annual Law Day Edition).
• Lincoln’s Life Lessons, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 39, No. 6 (April 2009).
• Lincoln Lives On In His Wisdom and Words, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 12, 2009, at 5.
• Communicating Credibility, 23 CBA Record 18 (January 2009).
• Celebrating Unity and Diversity, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Winter 2008-09, at 18.
• Looking Back: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, October 16, 2008, at 5.
• WBAI’s 94th Annual Installation Dinner - A Special Event to Remember, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2008, at 1.
• Lessons Learned from the WBAI Leadership Training Series, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2008, at 15.
• A License to Practice, a Legacy to Remember, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, September 9, 2008, at 5; reprinted in, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 37, No. 4 (March 2009); reprinted in ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 39, No. 3 (October 2008).
• One Week, Two Historic Civil Rights Anniversaries, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, August 29, 2008, at 5; reprinted in, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2008.
• The Illinois Supreme Court Defines the Phrase Arising Out of Patient Care and Clarifies the Tolling Provisions Found in the Medical Malpractice Statute of Repose in Section 13-212 of the Code of Civil Procedure, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 38, No. 6 (May 2008).
• Co-Editor’s Column, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2008.
• The Illinois Supreme Court Sheds Light on the Gray Areas of the Relation-Back Doctrine in Porter v. Decatur Memorial Hospital, Trial Briefs (ISBA Civil Practice Newsletter), Vol. 53, No. 8 (March 2008); reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 38, No. 5 (March 2008); reprinted in ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 36, No. 6 (April 2008); reprinted in NWSBA Newsbriefs (The Newsletter of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association), April 2008; reprinted in The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2008.
• Making a Positive Difference in Your Profession, Your Community, and Your Life - Volunteer to Serve and Give Back, Women in the Law 2007, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (Winter 2007).
• Co-Editor’s Column, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2007.
• Mark Your Calendars for the Most Electrifying Series of Programs This Bar Year!, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2007.
• Recent Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 38, No. 1 (August 2007); reprinted in ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 36, No. 2 (November 2007); reprinted in The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2007; reprinted in NWSBA Newsbriefs (The Newsletter of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association), October and November 2007; reprinted in Trial Briefs (ISBA Civil Practice Newsletter), Vol. 53, No. 6 (January 2008).
• Excellence and Strength Through Diversity: The Positive Impact on the Future of Our Profession, ISBA Diversity Matters Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1 (June 2007).
• WBAI’s Joint Professional Dinner Honors Women With Vision,The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2007.
• Karen M.Enright - 93rd President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2007.
• More Than 350 Lawyers Shined Up Their Shingles at the ISBA’s Second Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference, Making it a Resounding Success!, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 35, No. 5 (February 2007).
• Former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Seymour Simon, 1915-2006, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 37, No. 3 (October 2006).
• WBAI Honors the Distinguished Career of Our Past President, Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Fall 2006.
• Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow - the First Female Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court - Announces Her Retirement, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2006
• The New MCLE Rules - An Overview, The Catalyst (Newsletter of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women in the Law), Vol. 11, No. 2 (January 2006); reprinted in, The Alliance News (Newsletter of the Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women),Winter/Spring 2006; reprinted in, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois), Spring 2006; reprinted in, The YLD News (Newsletter of the Young Lawyers Division of the ISBA), Spring 2006; reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 36, No. 4 (April 2006).
• Don’t Just Survive - Thrive! Mark Your Calendar for the ISBA’s First Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference, October 7-9, 2005, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 33, No. 7 (May 2005).
• Inspiring Women - The Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Project Marks Six Years of Service to Women and Children in Need, The Challenge (Newsletter of the ISBA Standing Committee on Minority & Women Participation), Vol. 15, No. 3 (May 2005) (Co-author); reprinted in, The WBAI News (Newsletter of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois)(June 2005).
• Results of DNA Testing Cannot Be Used To Rescind A Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 33, No. 2 (November, 2004)
• Chairperson’s Corner, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 5 (November, 2003)
• Limited Liability Legal Practice Comes to Illinois: An Overview of the Changes to Supreme Court Rule 721 and New Supreme Court Rule 722, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 4 (October 2003); reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 34, No. 2 (November, 2003).
• Chairperson’s Corner, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 4 (October 2003).
• Chairperson’s Corner, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 3 (September 2003).
• Chairperson’s Corner, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 2 (August 2003).
• Chairperson’s Corner, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 1 (July 2003).
• Women Everywhere Project Proves Volunteers Can Make a Difference, 17 CBA Record 34 (June/July 2003) (Co-author).
• Illinois Supreme Court Amends Rule 307 to Allow Early Appeals in Class Action Lawsuits, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 31, No. 3 (December 2002); reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 33, No. 5 (March 2003).
• New Supreme Court Rule Amendments and Court Orders, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 31, No. 2 (Nov. 2002); reprinted in, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 33, No. 4 (Jan. 2003).
• Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow Becomes the First Female Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, The Challenge (Newsletter of the ISBA Standing Committee on Minority and Women Participation), Vol. 13, No. 2 (Nov. 2002); reprinted in, The Catalyst (Newsletter of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women in the Law), Vol. 8, No. 2 (March 2003).
• Illinois Supreme Court Justice Moses W. Harrison Announces His Retirement from the Bench in September; Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow Set to Become the High Court’s First Female Chief Justice, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 31, No.1 (Aug. 2002).
• Chief Justice Moses W. Harrison To Retire In September, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 33, No. 1 (July 2002).
• Recent Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 30, No. 9 (June 2002).
• Remembering Hon. Michael A. Bilandic: Former Chief Justice, Alderman, and Mayor of Chicago, ISBA Bench and Bar Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 4 (May 2002).
• Supreme Court Amends Rules, ISBA Bench and Bar Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 3 (Jan. 2002).
• The Illinois Supreme Court Holds That the Operation of an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Is an Absolute Liability Offense, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 30, No. 4 (Dec. 2001).
• Criminal Law Legislative Update: Intoxication Defense Significantly Limited, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 30, No. 3 (Nov. 2001).
• Hon. William G. Clark, Former Chief Justice, Former Attorney General, Former Legislator Dies on August 17, 2001, ISBA Bench & Bar Newsletter, Vol. 32, No. 2 (Oct. 2001).
• Recent Legislative Developments, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 6 (March 2001).
• Recent Illinois Supreme Court Cases Involving Termination of Parental Rights, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 3 (Nov. 2000).
• Recent Criminal Law Cases Decided By the Illinois Supreme Court, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 2 (Sept. 2000).
• The U.S. Supreme Court Rules That “Bare-Bones” Anonymous Tips Are Insufficient To Justify a Terry Stop and Frisk, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 28, No. 6 (May 2000).
• Recent Legislative Developments, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 28, No. 2 (Oct. 1999).
• U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies Issues Concerning Automobile Searches - Knowles v. Iowa and Wyoming v. Houghton, ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 28, No. 1 (Aug. 1999).
• The Seventh Circuit Issues a “Warning to Lawyers” Concerning Service Time Limits in Troxell v. Fedders of North America, Inc., ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 6 (Feb. 1999).
• The Long and Winding Road: The Seventh Circuit Attempts to Find Its Way in Jansen v. Packaging Corp. of America, ISBA General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Newsletter, Vol. 26, No. 2 (Jan. 1998).

Articles and Publications

• Michele Jochner Profiled as a Legal Leader by Hinsdale Living Magazine
• "Clients With Appeal" Featured in Best Lawyers Magazine
• "All In The Family" Featured in Best Lawyers Magazine
• "The Write Stuff" Featured in Best Lawyers Magazine
• Michele Jochner Shares Insights at Kane County Bar Association Annual CLE Appellate Law Seminar

• MCLE Board Launches Portal For Lawyers To Track Their Credit Hours
• Good writing many times can be difference between a win or loss
• Changing generations bring changes to matrimony
• Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Hosts DePaul University College of Law Dean’s Advisory Council
• 'Monitoring' another via social media may bring felony stalking charges
• Karbin Steps in to Meet Needs of Aging Population, Dying Marriage
• Newsletter - Winter 2017
• In Season of Giving, Parental Gifts Carry Tax, Legal Concerns With Them
• Newsletter Vol. 9, No. 4 - Fall
• New Study Finds Seasonal Increases in Divorce
• Newsletter Vol. 9, No. 2 - Spring
• Divorce Law Changes Makes It Easier On All To Determine Asset Value
• Disgorgement of Fees Ordered in In Re Marriage of Squire
• Recent Studies Confirm Much Still Needs To Be Done For Women to Gain Parity In The Profession
• Honing a Brief to Knife-Like Sharpness
• In a Divorce, Illinois Courts Have No Authority to Order Pet “Visitation”
• Newsletter Vol. 8, No. 4 - Fall
• Lessons from One Size Never Fits All: Business Development Strategies Tailored for Women (and Most Men)
• Writing Your Statement of Facts
• "Enforcement" of a Party's Obligation to Pay Secondary Education Expenses is Not Subject to Petersen's Limitation on Retroactive Reimbursement
• Getting to the Meat of Appellate Briefs
• A Road Map to Successful Appellate Briefs
• How to Write Appellate Court Briefs That Are, In Fact, Brief
• The Illinois Supreme Court Rules that the “Equitable Adoption” and “Functional Parent” Theories Cannot be Raised By a Nonparent Seeking Custody of a Child
• Appellate Briefs and the Different Standards of Review
• Private Conversations Protected Under New Illinois Eavesdropping Law
• Chicago Works to Improve Response to Domestic Violence Cases
• Suffragist Susan B. Anthony's Stand on Voting Sets Stage for Today
• A Guardian’s Standing to Request Authorization to File a Petition for Dissolution on Behalf of a Ward is Codified by the Illinois General Assembly
• After The Appellate Court Rules, What's Next?
• Remembering Civil Rights Pioneers on the Anniversary of Their Passing
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Remedies Available to Illinois Victims
• How to Compile a Record on Appeal
• Filing a Notice of Appeal and Docketing Statement for the Court
• The Federal Government Recognizes the Validity of Utah Same-Sex Marriages
• Interview: The Effects of Mentoring on the Duty to Supervise
• The United States Supreme Court Grants Utah’s Application for Stay, Thereby Halting Same-Sex Marriages in that State
• Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman and Chief Justice Judge Diane P. Wood of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit: Women of Vast Experience and Professional Accomplishments
• Utah Petitions the United States Supreme Court to Stay Gay Marriages After a Federal Court Strikes Down its Ban as Unconstitutional
• Options to Consider to Help Obtain Child Support Payments
• North Dakota Attorney General Issues Legal Opinion That a Man in a Same-Sex Marriage May Marry a Woman
• “Egg Agents” Create a New and Booming Industry
• Olympic Skier’s Cross-Country Custody Battle Has Potential to Create Nationwide Precedent
• Interlocutory appeals before the Illinois Appellate Court
• Giving Thanks for Family Caregivers
• Recent Report Reveals that Billions in Child Support Go Unpaid
• The Illinois Supreme Court Resolves a Split in the Appellate Court Regarding Visitation After a Determination of Parentage
• Appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court
• Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon Encourages Help for Domestic Violence Survivors
• The Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Disgorgement for Interim Attorney Fees and Rejects the Use of Advance Payment Retainers in Dissolution Actions
• Stone blazed path for women's equality, drew others to cause
• How to challenge a judgment before the Illinois Supreme Court
• Disposition of Frozen Embryos is Governed by Contract
• Special Considerations When Marrying a Non-U.S. Resident
• King ’s speech at March on Washington still resonates today
• New Illinois Domestic Violence Laws
• Two Major Same-Sex Marriage Rulings Highlight High Court’s Term
• The Nation’s Highest Court Speaks on the Issue of Marriage Equality
• The Gray Divorce Revolution
• Three Women Who Found Courage in the Face of Hurdles
• The Legacy of Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow
• The U. S. Supreme Court Hears Marriage Equality Cases
• High Court Reviews Two Same-Sex Marriage Cases this Week
• The Illinois Supreme Court Allows Guardians to File Petitions for Dissolution of Marriage on Behalf of Wards in Karbin v. Karbin
• Illinois Enacts “Erin’s Law”
• U.S. Supreme Court Convened for First Time 223 Years Ago this Month

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