Michelle Lawless

As an attorney, I have “seen in all” when it comes to family law. After almost twenty years at a prestigious family law litigation firm, I forged a new path – a new way forward in family law – and founded my own practice, The Law Office of Michelle A. Lawless LLC. I am sought out for my experience and skills in conflict resolution in divorce and domestic relations law having been named by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year for Family Law (Chicago) Mediation in 2025 and Collaborative Law in 2022 and 2024. As an attorney, thought-leader, and business owner, my goal is to create a better, more empathetic avenue to navigate a family law matter. Whether I am acting as a mediator or a lawyer, my ability to understand multifaceted family disputes involving complex streams of income and business holdings allows me to translate my big firm experience into a modern, personalized approach that is flexible based on the specific clients’ needs. Providing advice and supportive advocacy, my goal is to help my clients navigate the emotional and difficult process of divorce with the counsel needed to often reach a resolution outside of court. I strive to be the voice of reason in family law – to help my clients accurately assess their situation and strategize the best way forward, minimizing turmoil and costly conflict. My twenty plus year career journey started as a judicial clerk and family law Division Attorney in Cook County. I continued on as a young associate at a mid-size law firm to then making partner, and now law firm owner. And as a business owner since the pandemic’s “quarantine-era,” I am passionate about personal and professional development, leadership, well-being, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and cultivating meaningful business connections and relationships. I am inspired to help others conquer fear, master calculated risks, and move beyond burnout while empowering them to solve problems by applying years of wisdom both as a litigation attorney and now a mediator and business owner. I truly believe that leadership is not a title or a position. It is a vocation, a calling, and one best nurtured and delivered with authenticity and empathy. Follow me in order to learn more about my approach and philosophies.