 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
| Home / Attorneys / Our Team of Lawyers |
| The Attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. |
 |
Leslie S. Arenson received her Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and is a member of the Chicago Bar Association. Ms. Arenson is an accomplished and zealous family law attorney with expertise in divorce and paternity issues including child custody, visitation, child support, maintenance and complex financial matters. Ms. Arenson studied advanced international family law and international procedure, and has participated in high profile child abduction cases. She is well respected by her peers and has earned a reputation as a hard working, tough litigator. CASE VICTORIES:
|
 |
William K. Bass is a veteran trial and appellate attorney with an impressive track record who concentrates entirely in the area of matrimonial law. He is an aggressive advocate for the rights of his clients in both pre-decree and post-decree domestic relations and paternity cases. Mr. Bass has litigated cases in the State Court, Appellate Court and the United States District Court. Mr. Bass is also highly experienced in the drafting of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Mr. Bass received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in film production from New York University. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo, cum laude, in May 1989. While in law school, Mr. Bass was a provisional member of his school’s Law Review, had a significant article published in the Law Review, and was a prominent member of the Trial Advocacy Moot Court Team. After law school Mr. Bass moved to Chicago and joined a large firm where he concentrated in complex commercial litigation, product liability, partnership disputes and family law. Subsequently, Mr. Bass developed an overriding interest in family law which has led him to The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving. A divorced father with three children, Mr. Bass is determined to effectively protect the rights of his clients and is always prepared to fight for those rights to the fullest extent of the law. Mr. Bass is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. |
 |
Michael Benz received his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law where he was a member of the Law Review. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Benz’ professional affiliations include memberships with the Illinois State Bar Association and the Lake County Bar Association. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd., Mr. Benz devoted more than 15 years to practicing matrimonial law, criminal defense and personal injury litigation. His talent and commitment to matrimonial law is well known from his impressive litigation track record of complicated cases. Benz’ keen insight and meticulous preparation has been integral in his continued success of reuniting families. Respected by his peers in the legal community, Mr. Benz is dedicated to providing his clients and their families the passion and the knowledge to be victorious.
|
 |
Anthony S. D’Agostino attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, before he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude at St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota. He graduated in the top of his class in 1993 when he received his Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He is a distinguished member of the trial bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is licensed to practice law in Illinois. During law school, Anthony learned the ins-and-outs of the legal system from the ground up when he worked as a paralegal for a top Chicago Law firm. After graduating law school in January 1993, Anthony litigated for several high profile law firms, including his own law firm, D’Agostino and Associates, where he represented state and federal criminal defendants, state and federal civil litigants, parents in contested dissolution of marriage, child custody, visitation and child support matters. |
 |
Catherine Delgadillo earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Chicago’s prestigious Loyola University. She then proceeded to earn her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University School of Law in Valparaiso, Indiana. She is a member of both the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. Ms. Delgadillo has devoted her legal career to the practice of family law throughout Chicago. She has spent time at the Legal Assistance Foundation in Chicago which offered her invaluable family law experience. Ms. Delgadillo also participated in an external study with the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office that gave her keen insight into DCFS protocol. She also volunteered with special needs children, which significantly increased her devotion to the protection and service of our younger generation. Ms. Delgadillo practices in all areas of family law, including dissolution of marriage, parentage, support and visitation. Her clients rely on her for her never-ending patience and wisdom, both inside and outside the courtroom.
|
 |
William Dowling holds a unique philosophy and has extensive litigation experience in successfully handling sophisticated and emotionally-charged Family Law and Child Custody cases. He firmly believes that every client deserves individual attention; that every case must be hand-crafted; and that each client is entitled to superior representation. Based on this philosophy, he has developed a sound reputation in the legal community as a fierce adversary. Mr. Dowling recognizes the emotional trauma and pain individuals suffer when going through a divorce. As a result, he offers his client the time and the experience necessary to guide them though one of the most difficult experiences in their life. William obtained his Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School in 1980, and was admitted later that same year to the Illinois Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He describes his life’s work as a “struggle for equality in which there are no preferences and no prejudices against either side.” His professional goal is to achieve “equal protection under the law for both genders.” In every case, Bill first attempts to bring about a quick, civilized, fair and inexpensive resolution. However, if that cannot be accomplished, he offers aggressive professional representation. Mr. Dowling has developed a reputation not only as an expert in the area of Family Law, but also in attending to the individual needs of his clients. Mr. Dowling’s practice concentrates exclusively in the area of Family Law. This includes: divorce, child custody, paternity, parenting time, spousal & child support, property division, prenuptial & postnuptial agreements, domestic violence, tax consequences of divorce, division of retirement benefits, change of domicile, grandparent rights, and post-judgment proceedings. His practice extends to various counties throughout the State of Illinois. Mr. Dowling has negotiated and tried cases involving complex domestic relations issues related to divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, tax and valuation matters, maintenance and college contribution. He takes pride in saving one client over $10,000.00 in interest concerning child support arrearages that were being aggressively pursued by the state’s attorney’s office. The order Bill was able to obtain on the client’s behalf was upheld on appeal. The most difficult cases involve child custody. Navigating through the morass that involves such litigation and obtaining or retaining custody of minor children for his clients is the most satisfying aspect of his practice. In 2003, Bill was honored by the Fatherhood Educational Institute, a leading national non-profit organization focused on promoting fatherhood, for his superior legal work on behalf of fathers. William was named one of the “Top Illinois Super Lawyers” in 2006. |
 |
Andrey B. Filipowicz, a graduate of Northwestern University, earned a Master's Degree from the University of Chicago in International Relations. He speaks fluent Spanish and Ukrainian and is conversant in German, Russian and Polish. He received his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1984. CASE VICTORIES:
|
 |
Maureen Gorman earned her Juris Doctorate from Chicago Kent College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dominican University where she graduated first in her class. Ms. Gorman has more than 20 years of complex litigation experience in which she has successfully defended government agencies and their employees in civil and constitutional rights cases. In addition, Ms. Gorman thrived in litigating numerous complex Section 1983 civil rights cases, sexual harassment, employment discrimination and class action security fraud cases. Case Victories:
|
 |
To accompany his degrees from Boston University and John Marshall Law School, James Hagler also holds an FAA Airframe and Power Plant License from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation and retired in 2005 after serving as a Sergeant First Class in a combat unit of the Illinois National Guard. Jim brings his battlefield tactics to the courtroom on behalf of others. He has represented many high-profile clients including professional athletes, recording artists and public officials. Jim was honored with the Award of Merit from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children due to his experience and knowledge in international Hague Convention custody litigation. The National Center has referred many international cases to him in which he helped reunite many fathers with their children from Poland, Argentina, and Mexico. |
 |
Arthur S. Kallow is a native Chicagoan and he graduated from the Northwestern University School of Law cum laude in 1973. He also received his B.A. in political science from Northwestern. Art was awarded a certificate from Notre Dame Law School for his legal studies at Brunel University in Uxbridge, England. After graduation, he was resident counsel for a major corporation in Washington D.C. He then returned to Chicago, where he has been practicing family law for more than 25 years. Before joining the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., he was partner at a small law firm that concentrated in family law, and he has served as a hearing officer for the City of Chicago. In addition, he has completed training from the National Judicial College and he has been appointed by judges to represent children in contested visitation and custody cases. Art has litigated pro hac vice in Atlanta, Georgia. Art has successfully represented hundreds of clients throughout the decades, including cases which involved complex jury trials, contested custody and visitation, child support, paternity, and intricate financial issues. In addition, he has handled sophisticated appeals in State and Federal Courts. In 2005 and 2006, Mr. Kallow was selected by his peers in the legal community as an “Illinois Super Lawyer” after an extensive nomination and polling process conducted by Law & Politics. “Super Lawyers” are considered the best in their profession and they represent the top practicing attorneys in Illinois and the country. In September, 2007, he lectured at Northwestern University School of Law on Male Stereotypes and the Law. Mr. Kallow is honored by these accolades and continues to hone his craft and seek justice for his clients. In 2008, Mr. Kallow was the keynote speaker at The Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival where he addressed problems that fathers encounter in the legal system. Mr. Kallow also stressed the importance of fathers as an untapped resource in combating youth violence. In both 2009 & 2010, Mr. Kallow received an award for his valuable contribution to the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County as a court facilitator. CASE VICTORIES:
|
 |
Narciso M. Modesto obtained his B.A. from Northern Illinois University and his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1977. After opening his own general law practice in the private sector, he joined Cigna Corporation’s staff litigation department, where he managed the Chicago office. He then became the managing attorney for Warrior Insurance’s staff litigation office and also for a highly successful litigation firm. Narciso (otherwise known as “Narch”) joined the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. in 2007, bringing diversified experience as well as law office management and client services expertise. He has been serving as a Center Chair Arbitrator for the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program since its inception in 1990. |
 |
Michael W. Ochoa graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University with a B.A. in business. He then attended Emory University in Georgia and earned his Juris Doctorate. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois by the Illinois State Supreme Court and has represented fathers pro hac vice in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, California, Kansas, Florida and Minnesota. In 2000, the Consumer Business Review selected Michael as a leading family law and trial attorney for the new millennium. He treats each of his clients as individuals with unique needs, and he has dedicated himself to the humanitarian aspect of the legal community. Michael is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a business school honors society. |
 |
Timothy O'Grady received his bachelor's degree from Loyola University of Chicago, and finished in the top of his class from Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1995. Mr. O'Grady is licensed to practice law in both Missouri and Illinois. In 2005, Tim was appointed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to serve as a commissioner on the Council on Responsible Fatherhood for the State of Illinois. |
 |
Rachel Pack is licensed to practice law in Illinois and is a member of the Illinois Bar Association. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies and political science from Kalamazoo College. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., Ms. Pack was a Deputy Magistrate for the Second Judicial Circuit of Alaska. As a presiding judicial officer, Magistrate Pack presided over emergency domestic violence protective orders, search and arrest warrants, conducted felony first appearances and misdemeanor arraignments, set bail, conditions of release and probation, and accepted guilty and no contest pleas in misdemeanor cases in Alaska. Ms. Pack joined and supported her fellow judicial officers and local law enforcement agencies on a bi-weekly basis to address community concerns, such as mental health awareness, domestic violence, and the prevalence of underage drinking and fetal alcohol syndrome. Ms. Pack also served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Judge Michael I. Jeffery in Alaska. Since relocating to Illinois, Ms. Pack has practiced family law, complex commercial and business litigation, and personal injury. Finding that her interpersonal skills and ability to connect with people were maximized in the practice of family law, Ms. Pack has chosen to devote herself to helping clients and their children through the divorce process and thereafter. Ms. Pack is deeply devoted to helping all of her clients, and draws upon her unique experience to address each individual’s situation and goals. Ms. Pack recently was successful in persuading a Cook County Circuit Court Judge to award her client hundreds of thousands of dollars for dissipation of the marital estate by her client’s spouse. She successfully litigated and restored a father’s visitation that had been denied for many months. She finds such victories especially rewarding and is eager to assist her clients in achieving similar success in their cases. |
 |
Firm Manager Kathleen E. Peek obtained her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University School of Law and her B.S. from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ms. Peek is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Indiana. Prior to joining The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., Ms. Peek’s focus was personal injury. She has successfully protected the rights of her clients so that they received compensation for their injuries. Ms. Peek has extensive litigation experience and has litigated as lead counsel on wrongful death cases, birth injury cases, and other complex cases involving serious and permanent injuries. In addition to being a successful litigator for many years, Ms. Peek was also the managing attorney at a highly successful Indiana Law Firm. Ms. Peek has joined The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., as the Firm Manager. Ms. Peek is honored to join the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. and to work with the exceptional individuals at the firm who are seeking justice for our clients. |
 |
Jenét G. Pequeño is an ardent litigator with an impressive matrimonial law track record. He is fluent in both written and spoken Spanish and recognizes the attorney/client relationship is dynamic and evolving as each case is distinct with many different parts. Mr. Pequeno’s successful legal strategies and passion have made him one of the most well regarded attorneys in the legal community. Prior to joining The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., Mr. Pequeño practiced family law at a large firm where he honed his litigation skills in domestic relations proceedings including custody disputes and resolutions, child support and visitation and other areas of family law. He has successfully represented individuals in family law matters from Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Italy and the United States. Mr. Pequeño earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami and is licensed to practice law in Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.
AWARDS:
|
 |
Robert Reardon earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Roosevelt University and his Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall Law School in 1983. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In his more than 27 years of legal experience, Robert has successfully litigated hundreds of high-conflict domestic relations cases, as well as sophisticated criminal defense cases. |
 |
Scott Shell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University and his Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois. Scott is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Iroquois County Bar Association. Scott focuses exclusively on Martial and Family Law matters in Cook County and the collar counties, with extensive and effective litigation experience in Central Illinois. Scott has successfully litigated numerous highly contested custody and visitation cases, as well as child support, adoption and paternity cases. |
 |
Joseph Sparacino is a native of Chicago and earned his Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School. He’s admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Illinois and the U.S. Court for the Central District of Illinois. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., Mr. Sparacino worked for a nationwide law firm in Peoria where he was Managing Attorney. Mr. Sparacino then went on to start his own private practice where he successfully represented clients in contested divorce, paternity, juvenile and domestic violence cases. While being based in Cook County, he’s successfully handled many intricate and complex support, visitation and custody matters in counties throughout the state of Illinois including LaSalle, Stephenson and Hancock. Mr. Sparacino’s vast legal experience encompasses worker’s compensation, personal injury, traffic/DUI law, probate, real estate, consumer fraud/UCC litigation, bankruptcy and defending clients in juvenile and criminal cases. Family law, however, has always been his primary focus and passion. With more than 20 years experience practicing law in Illinois, he has a highly respected reputation throughout the state as a skilled and clever litigator. He is intuitive and has a keen sense of reading witnesses on cross examination. Mr. Sparacino achieves only the best and most favorable results possible for his clients and their families. He always goes above and beyond to preserve the father-child relationship whenever and wherever it is threatened. Mr. Sparacino resides in Utica, Illinois where he has served as the General Counsel to the Utica Fire and Ambulance District. He counseled the district in the planning and construction of a new firehouse and ambulance station after a devastating tornado destroyed them in 2004. Since 2005, Mr. Sparacino has been a regular lecturer at the Fatherhood Educational Institute’s Fatherhood Symposium at Malcolm X College running workshops for fathers on all issues related to custody, visitation, support and property.
|
 |
-In Memoriam- |