Order of Protection

Timothy J. Battistelli

Timothy (TJ) Battistelli is an owner and founder of First Response Family Law. TJ’s unique focus and passion for his clients stems from over 16 years of public service, which leads to great client satisfaction. TJ concentrates his practice on family law and real estate law. TJ is honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force and has spent over 16 years serving the public both as a police officer and firefighter. When it comes to family law, TJ understands the emotional toll the issues can take on his clients and their family. He personally experienced divorce and the complexity of raising children in a two-household environment. This experience allows him to advocate effectively and empathize with his clients. TJ also understands the complexity of landlord/tenant issues, as well as the buying and selling of real estate. This puts his clients at ease while navigating the complex areas of real estate. Prior to joining Walczak Hernandez, P.C., TJ worked for the Honorable John W. Darrah of the Northern District of Illinois. He also worked for a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm.

TJ can be reached at tj@walczaklawgroup.com or (312) 715-8853. This firm does not charge a consultation fee.

Mitha Rao

Garrett Thomas

Garrett is an experienced litigator and trial attorney. His practice focuses primarily on criminal defense, civil rights, orders of protection, and related areas. Garrett has navigated clients through a myriad of criminal and civil proceedings in courts across the Chicago area. He studied political science at Washington University in St. Louis and attended law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. As a new attorney at a criminal justice advocacy organization, he worked on his team’s high stakes defense cases, served clients facing asset forfeiture, and argued on behalf of juveniles before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Garrett has represented clients in a wide range of trials, hearings, investigations, and negotiations. He handles matters throughout Cook County and is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Garrett’s firm is committed to excellent service and regularly obtains positive results for clients. If you need assistance or representation, his office can be reached at 872-256-1228 or info@garrettthomaslaw.com. This firm charges a consultation fee ranging from $200 to $300 depending on the type of case.

Chlece Neal

Chlece Neal’s passion for law is inspired by a desire to see social justice for everyone. She sees the legal system as an instrument for social change and wants to use the legal system to empower, inspire and help people see positive change in their lives, their families and their communities. Chlece graduated from Loyola University School of Law and the Graduate School of Social Work where she focused on child and family law and mental health issues as well as the criminal justice system. Chlece practices in the area of family law, child law, criminal law and nonprofit organization. With flexible office hours, including weekends, and affordable pricing options, there is no reason to go at it alone.

Chlece Neal can be reached at (312) 801-5918 or at cal@chicagoadvocatelegal.com. This firm charges $50 for in-person consultations and $25 for phone consultations.

Mark Almanza

Mark Almanza is an alumnus of University of Chicago Law School and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mark is committed to working with clients to obtain affordable access to the legal representation they deserve. Prior to founding Almanza Law, Mark worked at Lawndale Christian Legal Center, a non-profit law office representing youth in juvenile and criminal court, and has handled numerous felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases ranging from DUI through First Degree Murder. Mark currently works with First Defense Legal Aid providing representation during arrest and investigations by the Chicago Police Department. As a child of immigrant parents, Mark understands the difficulties the immigrant community faces and is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of the immigration system. Additionally, Mark has experience in real estate issues including handling mortgage foreclosures during the housing crisis and landlord/tenant issues. Mark focuses his practice on criminal defense, immigration, and residential real estate.

Mark can be reached at (312) 380-9012 or mark@almanzalaw.com. This firm charges a $100 consultation fee. You can book a consultation here.

January Stramaglia

January assists adults and children in resolving their family law cases, while offering affordable and predictable pricing. Whether her client is facing a divorce, parenting, maintenance, child support or other domestic relations dispute, she wants to work with them to develop a plan for legal services that fits their budget and meets their goals for resolution. She also enjoys working with litigants who are learning English as a second language.

January joined the Justice Entrepreneurs Project in May 2019 to establish a law practice that was efficient and accessible to moderate income families. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina School of Law. Prior to practicing in Illinois, January became an attorney in 2010 in California and, in 2015, established a small law firm in San Jose, California, focused on family law.
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January is licensed to practice in Illinois and am a member of the Chicago Bar Association. January can be reached at (408) 800-7762 or january@januarylawchicago.com. This firm charges a $25 consultation fee. You can book a consultation with here.

Brian Gilbert

Brian Gilbert is a Chicago area attorney specializing in housing, real estate and consumer law, and is part of Chicago Advocate Legal NFP. His practice is dedicated to serving low and moderate income individuals and families with landlord/tenant issues, including security deposit withholdings, evictions, bad conditions, and more. Brian earned his J.D. as a Dean’s List student at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, and his B.A., Cum Laude, from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. He holds a Certificate in Health Law from The John Marshall Law School as well.

You can reach him by phone at (312) 801-5918, or email at bgilbert@chicagoadvocatelegal.com. This firm charges $50 for in-person consultations and $25 for phone consultations.

Paul Lytle

Paul Lytle is a partner at Lytle & Milan, LLC. Paul’s mission is to provide legal representation that is accessible, responsive, and accountable to the unique needs of individuals and families throughout the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. In a divergence from traditional billing practices, Paul seeks to fulfill his commitment to accessibility by offering clients a range of customizable solutions that includes flat rate fees, unbundled services, and limited scope representation. Paul provides clients with comprehensive representation in the areas of Criminal Defense Law and Family Law. Paul also provides limited representation in matters of Consumer Law. As an active member of the community, Paul is extremely proud to provide pro bono services in conjunction with such notable non-profit organizations as CARPLS, LAF, and Universidad Popular.

Paul can be reached at (312) 690-4111 or paul@thelytlelawgroup.com. This firm does not charge a consultation fee.

Amanda Carey

We are the Carey Center: Where you can find solutions and support for problems facing everyday Americans.  Amanda, our founder and Attorney at the Carey Center for Justice, has a deep passion for helping people and has been doing so for well over 20 years.  Amanda started her career in assisting others by working in higher education as a Lecturer at Washington State University where she taught Public Speaking, Linguistics, and Diversity courses.  Ultimately, Amanda became a President of multiple colleges across the State of Illinois and Indiana before deciding to go to law school.  Amanda holds a bachelors and master’s degree in Communication from Washington State University, a Doctorate of Higher Education from Northern Illinois University and a Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline University.  Amanda strives to create a welcoming environment at the Carey Center where client needs are at the center of everything we do.

Amanda can be reached via email at amanda@careycenter.org or 312-870-0098. This firm charges $150 for consultations that will be credited toward the bill if the firm accepts your case.