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Congratulations 2021 Super Lawyers!

Simply the best! Congratulations!

2021 Illinois Super Lawyers Honorees:

  • Kerry Peck
  • Timothy Ritchey

2021 Illinois Rising Stars Honorees:

  • Brandon Peck
  • Jesse Footlik
  • Patrick Bushell
  • Kyle Fahey
  • Peter Brady

The selection process for Super Lawyers involves nominations, independent research evaluation based on 12 separate indicators of professional achievement and peer recognition, peer evaluation, and then final selection. While up to five percent of the lawyers in the state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list.

Peck Ritchey is proud to have honorees on the list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars year after year!

Peck Ritchey, LLC Welcomes Associate Attorneys Jonathan Lee, Nicholas Zausch and Stephanie Berardi!

Jonathan J. Lee is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. Jon earned his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. During law school, Jon received a CALI award for excellence in Mediation and summered as a judicial extern for the Honorable Judge Coleman. He was also a senior editor on the Washington University Law Review and published a note in 2016. Prior to law school, Jon graduated from Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology—graduating magna cum laude.Jon’s practice areas include Trust and Probate Litigation, Guardianship Litigation and Administration, Wills Contest, Elder Law, and Fiduciary Defense Litigation. Jon is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association.

 

Nicholas W. Zausch is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. In addition to representing individuals and families, Nick represents financial institutions, medical institutions, and various fiduciaries.

Nicholas joins Peck Ritchey after serving as the Staff Attorney for the Probate Division of Cook County. While there, Nicholas assisted the Judges in every aspect of Probate, including drafting written opinions, attending oral argument, and reviewing motions and exhibits. Nicholas also helped implement the procedures for virtual court in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicholas earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. While attending Loyola, Nicholas was named to the Dean’s List each semester, received CALI awards for excellence in 5 classes, and was named a Top 10 Oralist at the National Moot Court Competition in Child Welfare and Adoption Law. Nicholas was also a Fellow of the Civitas ChildLaw Program and received the Nina S. Appel Scholarship for outstanding scholarship and service.

Prior to law school, Nicholas graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and Sociology. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Nicholas completed a year of service with the AmeriCorps program City Year. As an AmeriCorps Member, Nicholas served in a 6th grade classroom while providing in class support and individual tutoring and mentorship.

Nick’s practice areas include Trust and Probate Litigation, Guardianship Litigation and Administration, Estate Administration, Fiduciary Defense Litigation, and Elder Law. He is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association.

 

Stephanie M. Berardi is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. In addition to representing individuals and families, Stephanie represents financial institutions, medical institutions, and various fiduciaries.

Stephanie earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law, where she was one of ten graduates inducted into the Order of Barristers for excellence in courtroom advocacy, an honor conferred upon graduating law students who have demonstrated exceptional skill in trial advocacy, oral advocacy, and brief writing. During law school, Stephanie served as President of DePaul Appellate Moot Court Society and competed in two national competitions. She additionally served as a clinical staffer for the DePaul Civil Rights Clinic and a research staffer for the DePaul Business and Commercial Law Journal. Prior to law school, Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a double major in Political Science and Communications and a minor in Leadership Studies.

Stephanie’s practice areas include Trust and Probate Litigation, Guardianship Litigation and Administration, Estate Administration, Will Contests, Fiduciary Defense Litigation, and Elder Law. She is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association.

Have you planned for the unexpected?

 

Do you have a loved one who suffers from cognitive decline?

We can help!

Call (312) 201-0900 for a no-cost initial consultation.

We protect you and your loved ones in and out of the courtroom so you can find peace at home.

 
Peck Ritchey is proud to educate residents and professionals in the Chicagoland community on a number of important issues surrounding aging and estate planning. Here's what we're currently up to:
 
 

Estate Planning Tips for the Modern Family + Financial Capacity
February 11, 2021 at 2:00pm via Zoom
Sponsored by The Highlands at Westminster Place

Learn how estate planning can give your unique family peace of mind and learn about protecting the finances of your loved ones.

Use this link to register: Register for Webinar

 

Go Fund Me CANNOT Replace Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Family and Your Assets
February 18, 2021 at 2:00pm via Zoom
Sponsored by The Chicago Bar Association

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we see how it is disparately affecting communities of color and older residents. Many in these communities do not have access to lawyers who can provide information and advice on estate planning.  All too often, families depend on raising money through Go Fund Me to cover expenses related to the sudden death of a loved one.  Go Fund Me is a place for charitable fundraising but should not replace a will or estate plan.

Panelists will provide critical information on how to start estate planning, discuss the various forms of trusts, living wills and power of attorney instruments.  Attendees will learn about preparing for incapacity and healthcare directives, planning for guardianship of minor children, and providing for the care of loved ones.

It is important to have your estate planning affairs in order in any stage of life. Estate plans ensure your family is cared for should a catastrophe strike. Older members of our community often find comfort in knowing a plan is in place should they pass.

Use this link to register: Register for Webinar.

 

When Dementia Leads to Drama
February 24, 2021 at 5:00pm via Zoom
Sponsored by Artis Senior Living Lakeview

Learn the impact mental capacity has on legal competence and how decisions are made for someone that does not have the capacity to do so themselves.

Use this link to register: Register for Webinar.

 

Kerry Peck on WGN Radio with John Williams

On January 26, 2021 Kerry spoke with John Williams and a couple of listeners about some common issues that arise within a family over a loved one's estate. Listen here: Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: Disagreement over estates is a stunning epidemic that destroys families

If you are interested in having Peck Ritchey speak in your community, please contact Marketing Coordinator, Lauren Muttschall, at lmuttschall@peckritchey.com.

Financial scams have become increasingly popular, especially among seniors. Seniors typically have worked hard to save money and have large sums sitting in accounts which is exactly what the scammers are after.

Below is an excerpt about a current popular scam to be aware of so you can protect yourself and loved ones.

Beware of Robocalls, Texts and Emails Promising COVID-19 Cures or Stimulus Payments by John Waggoner and Andy Markowitz of AARP

"Coronavirus scams are spreading nearly as fast as the virus itself. As of Jan. 21, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had logged nearly 327,000 consumer complaints related to COVID-19 and stimulus payments, 69 percent of them involving fraud or identity theft. Victims have reported losing $309.4 million, with a median loss of $306.

Fraudsters are using the full suite of scam tools — phishing emails and texts, bogus social media posts, robocalls, impostor schemes and more — and closely following the headlines, adapting their messages and tactics as new medical and economic issues arise.

For example, with the government granting emergency authorization of the first COVID-19 vaccines, federal and state agencies are warning of a flood of vaccine scams, with phony websites and email campaigns promising easy and early access to coronavirus shots. Authorities also anticipate a fresh wave of stimulus scams with Congress approving new rounds of relief payments, enhanced unemployment benefits and small business loans."

Read the entire article here: Beware of Robocalls, Texts and Emails Promising COVID-19 Cures or Stimulus Payments

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