Attorney Biography
As a personal injury and criminal defense attorney, I work for clients who are facing difficult challenges. I understand that my clients depend on me for results. I do everything in my power to obtain the best possible results on behalf of each client I represent.
I have been representing clients throughout Chicago and the southwest suburbs for more than 10 years. Throughout my legal career, I have handled a wide range of personal injury and criminal law matters on behalf of clients from all walks of life.
I have lived in the southwest suburbs my entire life, graduating from Robert Morris University in 2008. While there, I clerked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in the Bridgeview courthouse, along with a private criminal defense firm in downtown Chicago. I graduated early from Robert Morris University in two-and-a-half years majoring in both legal studies and business management. After obtaining my undergraduate degree.
I attended The John Marshall Law School/UIC Law School in 2011 with a certificate in Trial Advocacy. While in law school, I participated in mock trial teams, including participating in the 2011 Capitol City Challenge held annually in Washington, D.C., where my team was a semi-finalist. Additionally, while in law school, I clerked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in the Felony Trial Division in the Criminal Courts Building at 26th and California. During this time, I successfully litigated numerous motions and trials, providing me an insight as to what evidence prosecutors look at when prosecuting serious criminal matters.
Prior to having my own office, I was a partner at the firm of James A. Payonk, Jr., P.C. for nearly ten years. During this time, I have litigated well over 100 contested matters, ranging from pre-trial motions, criminal constitutional motions, bench trial and jury trials, both in the criminal defense area and personal injury area. Upon Mr. Payonk's retirement, I took over his practice and I am determined to continue providing quality legal representation to those both charged with crimes and injured in accidents. When my office is retained in any case, I am the attorney that handles the matter from the initial stages to the conclusion. I also understand that everyone has an individual story and no two cases are ever the same. Because of this, I make sure that every option is presented and discussed, whether it is a serious criminal offense, a misdemeanor or traffic offense, or injury arising out of an automobile accident.
