The Law Office of Erin M Wilson LLC
Description of your practice:
I own a family law practice in downtown Chicago. I offer services in litigation, mediation, parenting coordination and am appointed by the Court to represent children as a Child Representative or Guardian ad Litem. We take on all types of family law cases in Cook County ranging from uncontested divorces to high conflict parenting and financial cases, post-divorce matters, orders of protection and prenuptial agreements. My firm is small, and I am the only attorney, but with my team including my legal assistant and law clerks, we advocate fiercely for our clients. We work very hard, providing cost-effective services, delivered in an honest and straight-forward manner. I think my talent is focusing on the big picture and devising a strategy that will help clients reach their achievable goals. We always strive for an amicable settlement by crafting creative solutions while aggressively protecting our client’s rights and interests in a courtroom
Why are you a member of the WBAI?
I joined WBAI at the time I was launching my new firm in January 2019. I saw this as a way to meet new people and begin to form new networks. I was so fortunate to meet other attorneys who helped me as I was starting out on my own, in similar situations as me and others with a wide range of background. It’s been such a great experience for me – all of the members are so welcoming, kind, bright and fun. There is a wide variety of practice areas represented, not just family lawyers, so it gives me a great network of women attorneys I can refer my clients to when they are in need of other legal counsel. I refer out all aspects of cases that do not directly involve divorce so it has been a great resource for me and my clients. I have enjoyed the events, ranging from the Judicial Reception and Annual Dinner to the more intimate events such as Galentine’s Day at the spa and the cooking event.
What do you think is the best way to empower women in law?
I think there are so many ways that women can be empowered in the law, but I will list a few that I try hard to do most days.
- Mentor young women attorneys and law students. If someone is interested in family law or law school, I never turn down an informational call or day at the office with me. I have historically hired women law students as clerks, which I think is the best way to learn if that field of law is right for you.
- Refer to women attorneys.
- Find your circle of women. I have a group of female attorneys who all have their own family law firms or are partners in small firms. We used to meet once a month but now we talk once per week. I look forward to the comradery, advice, stories, support. We all have common stressors and want to support one another as much as possible.
- Compliment young female attorneys to their partners. This really goes for all young attorneys, but I think it’s so important that if you’re working with a younger attorney as an opponent who is doing a great job, then let their boss know. All too often, when an associate is hard to work with, the opponent will go to the partner to complain, but rarely does this happen to applaud an opponent. I am a big believer in the importance of this, and it helps that young associate stand out at their firm.
What are you most looking forward to in the following year, personally/professionally ?
Professionally, I am very excited to see my law clerk Olivia Basu (a WBAI member) study for the bar this summer, pass and become a licensed attorney, and my first associate since starting my firm. She was my first hire about two months after I opened my practice, and it’s been so nice to see her learn and develop the family law skills that will make her a great addition to the practice of law.
Personally, I am looking forward to a time when my children can safely go back to school. I think we’ve done a solid job with the Wilson Home School academically, but my six-year old daughter and four-year old son miss their friends and (real) teachers.
Tell us something interesting about you.
It is a well known fact that I am a complete work-a-holic. I love what I do and I love to work. This means I don’t like to take time off – I usually work early in the morning and into the evening, plus most of the day. I’m not saying this is a great or healthy habit but it is who I am. I really do value a high work ethic in my employees, although we do take breaks every once in a while to have firm happy hours and catch up on things outside of work. Our team at The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC are motivated and bright women who appreciate the value of hard work!