Anne P. Schmidt, Esq.
Selected To Rising Stars: 2020, 2021, 2022
Licensed Since: 2013
Education: UIC John Marshall Law School
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Family Law
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ERISA
Biography
Attorney Anne Prenner Schmidt is the founder and owner of The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC, in Highland Park, Illinois. A highly credentialed and versatile attorney, Ms. Schmidt represents the rights and interests of clients throughout the greater Chicago Metro area, Lake County and across the Chicago North Shore who have legal needs involving any of the following:
- Collaborative law and mediation for divorce and other family law challenges
- QDRO, QILDRO and DRO issues (nationwide)*
- ERISA and employee benefits (nationwide)*
- LGBTQ and same-sex marriage matters
Over the course of her legal career, Ms. Schmidt has gained a reputation for delivering experienced, compassionate and professional counsel to those she serves to help them during very difficult and uncertain times in their lives. Highly trained and certified in mediation and collaborative law, she seeks to help her clients resolve their conflicts and reach agreements that will serve their families for years to come without having to resort to costly, stressful and adversarial divorce litigation. In 2022, Ms. Schmidt also serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit Collaborative Divorce Illinois.
In addition, Ms. Schmidt has a wealth of knowledge and experience involving employee health benefits, retirement plans and other related issues, particularly as it concerns her clients’ divorces. At all turns, Ms. Schmidt wants to ensure her clients experience as little disruption in their lives as possible as they navigate the divorce process but especially in the years that follow. She has earned numerous accolades from her peers along with many positive reviews and referrals from her satisfied clients for her outstanding professionalism and service.
A 1999 graduate of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, Ms. Schmidt worked in corporate retail and marketing for years before deciding to pursue her legal career. She then attended UIC John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2012. She also earned her Master of Law in Employee Benefits from the school in 2013. Following this, she attended the Center for Conflict Resolution in Chicago, where she received her Certificate in Mediation in 2013.
Since entering private practice, Ms. Schmidt has established herself as a leader in her legal community, and she has published numerous articles involving same-sex marriage issues, employee benefits, health care reform and other subjects. She is also a member of several local, state and national legal organizations, including the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, and the Family Law and Employee Benefits Sections of the American Bar Association, among others.
Ms. Schmidt volunteers her time and legal services with Prairie State Legal Services and the Metropolitan Family Services division of Legal Aid Chicago.
*outside of the state of Illinois, our drafting is considered consulting, not legal representation
Honors
- Mediation Certificate, Center for Conflict Resolution
- Selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars: 2020, 2021, 2022
- Selected to Super Lawyers: 2022
Bar Admission
- Illinois, 2013
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
Education
- UIC John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
- J.D.
- UIC John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
- LL.M.
- Hamilton College
- B.A.
- Major: Political Science/Religious Studies
Professional Associations
- Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association, Family Law Section, and Employee Benefits Section
- Society for Human Resource Management
- Rush Associates Board
- The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association (LAGBAC)
- Lake County Bar Association
- IACP-International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- Metropolitan Legal Service
Classes & Seminars
- Adjunct Professor of Employee Benefits, The John Marshall School of Law
Pro-Bono Activities
- Prairie State Legal Aid
Cheri McIntyre
Biography
Cheri McIntyre, Managing Director, joined The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Business from The University of Michigan, a Master of Business from The University of Wisconsin, and a second Bachelor of Art in Design from Columbia College Chicago. Cheri brings an analytical approach to each of our client’s unique situations, working with Anne to review complex asset assignments, provide and review asset valuations and pension calculations, consult with clients and provide support for post-decree issues.
She brings true understanding, empathy and patience to each client’s situation having navigated her own protracted divorce and experiencing extraordinary emotional strain and financial distress which was made more acute as a stay-at-home spouse at the time. She now has the experience of successfully stabilizing and rebuilding a life and has a deep appreciation of the environmental and monetary stressors that you may have been dealing with in your own divorce situation. With Cheri’s entrepreneurial experience of owning and operating her own businesses prior to raising her family, she draws on that acumen as Managing Director and a provider of Concierge Services and she is a resource for pre- and post-decree financial issues.
Cheri serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Design Archive, the premiere and permanent online record featuring Chicago-related experiential design, graphic design, and product design
More About The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC
Making The Most Of Every Transition
If you face a legal issue related to your family, job or finances, you are likely also experiencing several changes in your life. While these changes can feel overwhelming, a skilled attorney can help ensure that you are on the right track forward.
At the Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC, we help employees and families throughout Illinois find workable solutions. Our founding attorney, Anne Schmidt, can ease this transition with knowledge and compassion. Her hands-on experience allows us to give you clear advice that will match your goals.
Marked Experience With Family Law And Retirement Benefits
Attorney Anne’s unique areas of focus include:
- Family mediation and collaborative divorce: Anne is a certified mediator. She examines the details of each case to reach the most ideal outcome possible.
- Dividing retirement accounts in divorce: Our work with QDROs, pension plan divisions and other retirement issues have fortified our strong reputation.
- LGBTQ family law: LGBTQ couples share many of the same issues and needs as other couples, but they may also face a few distinct challenges.
- Employee benefits and ERISA claims: Your retirement investments and employee benefit accounts are essential for your future. We will protect your hard-earned funds and advocate for your financial needs. We can advise you next steps, plan procedures and connect you to the right people to make sure those assets are protected.
With close attention to the legal, financial and personal details of each case, Anne is prepared to address highly complex issues. From drafting financial documents to negotiating a fair parenting arrangement, we are ready to build a creative solution for you.
Review Your Case With A Qualified Lawyer
Your money and family are significant to your life, but the problems they might face could be complicated. For a consultation, email our office or call at 847-926-7679. The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC serves all clients with respect and empathy.