Patrick Semrad

As the Managing Partner of The Semrad Law Firm, also known as DebtStoppers, I lead the largest consumer law firm in the United States. Over the years, I've dedicated my career to ensuring access to affordable legal representation for bankruptcy clients, irrespective of their income level. Since 2004, I have been instrumental in growing the firm from four attorneys in Chicago to a team of over 85 legal professionals spread across five states and even in Europe. I find practicing consumer bankruptcy law to be an immense privilege. The opportunity to create an immediate, positive impact on my clients' lives is what motivates me every day. I believe in servant leadership and execute my role by providing resources, fostering professional development, and creating a supportive environment for every member of the DebtStoppers team. I am also a co-founder of Talkt, a unified communication and back-end automation platform, which enables high customization without the need for expensive coding. I also volunteer through the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and advise the Together for Childhood Network in Lake County. I'm an advisor to The Balance Project, a non-profit organization founded by my wife, Agi, which focuses on promoting mental health in our community. I am an active member of the Windy City Chapter of YPO and a member of the Illinois Bar, Florida Bar, and General Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. I graduated magna cum laude from DePaul College of Law and served on the DePaul Law Review. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Finance from DePaul. When I'm not working, I enjoy woodworking, anything on the water, and playing mediocre paddle at The Birchwood Club. I'm proud to be a member of the Union League Club of Chicago. I've called Highland Park home for fifteen years, where I live with my wife, Agi, and our two daughters, Espi and Isa.