Anita Ventrelli
Senior Partner
"I work for my clients in the same patient, thoughtful and thorough way that I would want a professional to work if they were taking care of a member of my family."
Meet Anita
- Bio
- Honors & Awards
- Admissions
- Memberships
- Articles & Publications
- Videos
Education
DePaul University, J.D. (1989)
University of Michigan, A.B. (1986)
Recognizing that, regardless of whether you are a stay at home parent, a business-person or a professional, experiencing any legal process in your personal life is unnerving. Anita Ventrelli focuses her practice on getting to know each client as an individual and tailoring communications and the case strategy to his or her needs and goals which can sometimes be moving targets.
Anita, a partner in the firm, represents professionals, athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and those who value their wealth, lifestyle, and well-being. Although she is an experienced litigator, she is equally comfortable devising smart settlement solutions for her clients. She utilizes her analytical skills to master both facts and finances for an optimum position for her clients at trial or settlement. Anita has also completed her 40-hour mediation certification.
Anita prides herself on giving each client an honest assessment of how the process will work for him or her. She educates clients on their available options and the consequences of those options. As a result, her clients are confident in the plan of action they choose to pursue their goals. Knowing that their lawyer is planning for their interests, investigating all options, and keeping their cases focused, helps Anita’s clients reduce their stress and stay strong throughout the process.
Anita’s peers respect her courtroom results and have recommended her for inclusion amongst a group of elite family law practitioners. Since 1997, she has been a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. In 2003, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin named her one of “40 Attorneys Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch.” Since 2005, she has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer. Anita has also been included in the Leading Lawyers Network and the Best Lawyers in America. Anita is also On the Board and Faculty of the American Bar Association/National Institute of Trial Advocacy Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute.
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers (2025)
- Listed as a Top 100 Lawyer in Illinois by Super Lawyers (2023)
- Illinois Top Leading Lawyers (2022)
- Top 100 Women Lawyers in Illinois by Illinois Super Lawyers by Law and Politics and Chicago Magazine
- Corporate Counsel's 2018 National Women in Law honoree
- Chair's Cup for extraordinary service to the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association (2018)
- Listed in Crain's Chicago's Notable Women Lawyers 2018
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, by Neifeh and Smith (2011-2025)
- Illinois Super Lawyer (2005-2023)
- Leading America Attorneys (2004 – 2012)
- Leading Lawyers Network (2011-2020)
- Top 100 Leading Women Consumer Lawyers in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network Magazine (2016)
- Top 10 Women Divorce Attorneys in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, Women’s Edition (2010, 2012, 2015)
- Top 10 Women Consumer Attorneys in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, Women's Edition (2015)
- Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, Consumer Edition, Biography (December 2009)
- Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, Women’s Edition, Biography (July 2009)
- Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois by Illinois Super Lawyers by Law and Politics and Chicago Magazine (2019, 2022-2003)
- Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois by Illinois Super Lawyers by Law and Politics and Chicago Magazine (2009)
- Top 50 Leading Women Consumer Lawyers in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network Magazine (August 2008)
- Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois in Illinois Super Lawyers by Law and Politics and Chicago Magazine (2007-2008, 2017)
- Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network Magazine (2007)
- Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois Super Lawyers by Law and Politics and Chicago Magazine (2006, 2022)
- 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2003)
- Special Recognition Award, American Bar Association (2002-2003)
- Family Law Section Chair’s Service Award, American Bar Association (2003)
- Outstanding Young Lawyer of Year, Illinois State Bar Association (2001)
- Young Lawyer of the Year Award, Illinois State Bar Association (2001)
- Distinguished Service Award, Illinois State Bar Association (1995-1996)
- Family Law Section Distinguished Service Award, Illinois State Bar Association (1995-1996)
- Certificates of Appreciation for Service Family Law Section, American Bar Association (1992-1995)
- Who's Who in American Law, Biography (1994-1995)
- Illinois (1990)
Memberships
- DePaul Law Review
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Fellow, 1997-present)
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Illinois Chapter Board of Managers) (Member, 2009-present)
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Committee for Institute for Training New Lawyers) (Member, 2002-present)
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Continuing Legal Education) (Chair, 2010-2011)
- American Bar Association (Section Delegate to ABA House of Delegates) (2012-present)
- American Bar Association (Liaison to American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers) (2001-present)
- American Bar Association (CLE Committee) (Co-Chair, 2006-2007; Member, 2001-2007)
- American Bar Association (Diversity Committee) (Member, 2002-2007)
- American Bar Association (Scope and Correlation Committee) (Member, 2002-2005)
- American Bar Association (Scope and Correlation Committee) (Member, 2002-2005)
- American Bar Association (Publications Board) (Member and Vice-Chair, 2003-2005)
- American Bar Association (Long-Term Planning Committee) (Chair, 2003-2004; Vice-Chair, 2002-2003; Member, 2001-2004)
- American Bar Association (Marital Property Committee) (Co-Chair, 2001-2003; Vice-Chair, 2000-2001)
- American Bar Association (Liaison to Governing Council) (1996-1999)
- American Bar Association (Domestic Violence/Family Abuse Committee of Family Law Section) (Chair, 1996-1997)
- American Bar Association (Policy and Issues Committee of Family Law Section) (Chair, 1995-1996)
- American Bar Association (Ethical Practices and Procedures Committee of Family Law Section) (Chair, 1993-1996; Vice-Chair, 1992-1993; Member, 1992-1996)
- American Bar Association (Section of Litigation) (Member, 1992-1994)
- American Bar Association Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (2002 - present)
- Chicago Bar Association (Current Law Subcommittee) (Member, 1990-1994)
- Chicago Bar Association (Matrimonial Law Committee) (Member, 1990-1994)
- Chicago Bar Association (Liaison to Legislation Subcommittee of Matrimonial Law Committee (1993-1994)
- Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (Family Law Advisory Board) (2003- present)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Standing Committee on Judicial Evaluations (Member, 1998-present)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Special Committee on Mentoring) (Member, 2003-2004)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Committee on Minority and Women Participation) (Chair, 1997-1998; Vice-Chair, 1996-1997; Secretary, 1995-1996; Member, 1993-1998)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Family Law Section Council) (Member, 1994-1998)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Ad Hoc Committee on Women and the Law) (Member, 1994-1998)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Task Force on Attorney Specialization & Certification) (Member, 1997)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Ad Hoc Committee on Discovery) (Member, 1993-1994)
Court Appointments
- Professionalism Orientation Program for Illinois Law Students, Supreme Court of Illinois, August 23, 2006
Faculty Member
- American Bar Association Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Community Involvement
- Mother McAuley Law Society, Founding Member (2011-present)
- “Issues in Domestic Relations Matters,” Speaker, Village of Skokie Senior Citizens Group, June 24, 1996
- “Grandparents’ Rights,” Speaker, Teamster Retiree Club, Local 705, June 19, 1996
- “Grandparents’ Rights,” Speaker, Commonwealth Edison Retirees, May 6, 1996
- “Issues in Domestic Relations Matters,” Speaker, Evanston Lions, April 25, 1996
- “Custodial and Parental Rights,” Speaker, Parents Without Partners, Chapter No. 87, March 24, 1996
Articles and Publications
- Anita Ventrelli Featured in Hinsdale Living Magazine, March 2022
- Coronavirus Tax Relief For Illinois Residents: What It Does And Does Not Do.
- Senior Partner Anita Ventrelli Shares Update on 2020 Federal Tax Return Filing Extension
- Coronavirus and Tax Payments – Welcome Relief
- Shout Out: Anita M. Ventrelli, 2018 National Women in Law Honoree
- Anita Ventrelli presented Resolution 102A during the American Bar Association House of Delegates meeting on August 6, 2018.
- Valentine's Day: Planning to pop the question? If it doesn't work out, who keeps the ring?
- Legal Fee Savvy
- Business Valuations: Determining A Company's Worth During Divorce
- Newsletter - Summer 2017
- After Divorce, Giving Our Kids Custody of the Home
- Anita Ventrelli was quoted in the article "Who gets the dog in the divorce?" published in the Chicago Tribune
- Freeing custody issues from finances
- The diversity discussion
- Noteworthy Change to Income Withholding Notices for Support Obligations
- Predicting the Court’s Decisions
- Hard Cases Make Bad Law: Recent Trends in College Education Decisions
- The Multi-Disciplinary Nature of Family Law: Expecting the Unexpected
- How to Have an Offence that Makes the Athletes You Represent Smaller Targets
- Is it Really Easier to Seek Forgiveness Than Permission?
- Tips For Tying the Knot: Best Wedding Gift May Be a Candid Discussion
- Trial Practice Considerations
- Tax Law Changes: Children, Education and New Tips
- Do Real Men Get Alimony?
- Discovery Aspects of Privileged and Confidential Information
- Cutting Costs Doesnt Mean Cutting Corners How to Minimize Malpractice Risks
- Handling the Client Who Lies
Lectures
- "The Pathway to Partnership," Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, March 7, 2019
- "Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreement Considerations in Same-Sex Marriages," April 26, 2018
- “Business Valuation and Tax Issues in Divorce,” Planning Committee Member, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2012
- “Evidence Basics and More: To Admit or Not to Admit. That is the Question,” Webinar, December 7, 2011
- “Federal and Uniform Laws Pertaining to Children,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, June 6-8, 2011
- “Planning Prevents Pitfalls: Does and Don’ts for Financial Expert Cross-Examination,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, January 17, 2011
- “Business Valuation, Financial and Tax Issues in Divorce,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2011
- “Basic Skills Short Course for New Lawyers,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, March 8, 2007
- “Basic Skills Short Course for New Lawyers,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, August 17, 2006
- “Relocation Issues,” Moderator, American Bar Association, August 2006
- “Hot Tips From the Experts,” Moderator and Program Producer, American Bar Association, 2002-2006
- “Case Law Update,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, April 5, 2005
- “Success Skills to Launch Your Career,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, March 10, 2005
- “Top Five Tips on Statutes, Rules and Interpretations,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Advanced Family Law Issues, November 11, 2004
- “A Divorce Primer for New Attorneys,” Chicago Bar Association, April 27, 2004
- “Effective Use of the Code of Civil Procedure and Supreme Court Rules to Bolster Your Case,” Illinois State Bar Association, October 14, 2002
- “Pre-Nuptial Agreements – To Enforce or Not to Enforce – You be the Judge,” American Bar Association, April 2001
- “Identification, Evaluation and Division of Stock Options,” Moderator and Program Producer, American Bar Association, April 2001
- “Advanced Seminar on Leading Edge Financial Issues,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, February 12, 1999
- “Tax Law Changes: Children, Education, and New Tips,” Illinois State Bar Association, December 11, 1998
- “Family Law Update,” Moderator and Coordinator, Illinois State Bar Association, December 12, 1997
- “Domestic Violence,” American Bar Association, August 1997
- “Interim Attorney’s Fees: Leveling of the Playing Field in Divorce Litigation,” Illinois State Bar Association, June 20, 1997
- “Comparative Cross Examination,” American Bar Association, April 18, 1997
- “Discovery of Privileged or Confidential Information, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, November 14, 1996
- “The Ethics of Settlement,” American Bar Association, October 1996
- “Preparing a Discovery Plan in an Action for Dissolution of Marriage,” Illinois State Bar Association, May 11, 1996
- “Tax Considerations in Divorce Cases,” Illinois State Bar Association, December 1, 1995
- “Discovery of Privileged or Confidential Information, Illinois State Bar Association, November 30, 1995
- “Effective Use of Motions for Summary Judgment and Declaratory Judgment in Actions for Dissolution of Marriage,” Illinois State Bar Association, June 1995
- “Tax Considerations in Drafting Agreements in Negotiating and Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements,” Illinois State Bar Association, May 13, 1995
- “Update on Attorneys’ Fees – Staying a Step Ahead of Fee Disputes,” American Bar Association, April 1995
- “The Lying Client,” American Bar Association, April 1994
- “Problems and Opportunities in Planning for Children of Divorcing Parents,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, October 1991
- “Sophisticated Property and Tax Planning in Marital Dissolution Cases,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, October 1991