Julie A. Johnson

Of Counsel

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Julie A. Johnson is experienced in all aspects matrimonial and family law, including crafting pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, divorce, complex financial matters, parentage, child support, allocation and modification of parental responsibilities, relocation out of state, and domestic violence, including orders of protection. She practices in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane and Will Counties.

Julie crafts her representation around the needs and goals unique to each client, while guiding them through the nuances of the law. She is masterful at both negotiating financial settlements and parenting agreements and at litigating when no accord can be reached. Her skilled approach drives the path to the correct resolution, while always mindful of the financial impact on her clients. Using a unique method that combines both formidable legal advocacy and client empowerment counseling for disengagement from toxic conflict and abuse, Julie is distinct among her fellow practitioners.

Using her acumen for written legal argument, Julie has also developed a thriving niche family law appellate practice. Whether by correcting errors by the trial court or defending correct results against unyielding opponents, Julie’s successes on appeal have created lasting precedent to broadly influence Illinois family law.

Julie’s prior career as an advocate and counselor for domestic violence survivors inspires her unique legal practice style. She has assisted hundreds of clients with the requisite tools to safely achieve independence and readiness for the next phase of life.

Julie has been recognized for her excellent work in the field of family law and as a champion of women in the profession. In 2017, she received the prestigious Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women Alta May Hulett Award. This award acknowledged Attorney Johnson’s work in promoting the advancement of women throughout the legal profession and local communities. Since 2015, Ms. Johnson has been named an Emerging or Leading Lawyer by Leading Lawyers and has been recognized as an Illinois Rising Star and Super Lawyer since 2008.

Julie Johnson gives back to her profession through service for the legal community. In addition to her thriving practice, Ms. Johnson is the Founder and Manager of DivorceStrong, L3C, a low profit limited liability company dedicated to helping self-represented divorce litigants better navigate the court process and effectively represent themselves without counsel.

Since she was a student at Northern Illinois University College of Law, Ms. Johnson has been an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and is a Silver Champion for the Illinois Bar Foundation. She was the 2022-23 Secretary of the ISBA, as part of her second elected term on the Board of Governors. She also holds memberships and leadership roles with the DuPage County Bar Association, the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers and the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association. In July 2023, Ms. Johnson received a DCBA Directors Award in recognition of her work and dedication to improving professional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for Illinois attorneys.

Attorney Johnson continues to work to improve the profession as an adjunct subject matter expert for family law curriculum development for the Waubonsee Community College paralegal certificate program.

“At the heart of every divorce or parenting conflict is a personal story worthy of attention and empathy. Justice is scarce in domestic relations court, but there is a special kind of satisfaction in commanding your own destiny. Together we can get you there.” - J

Practice Areas

• Family Law
• Divorce
• Post-Decree Modification and Enforcement
• Adoption
• Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements
• Parentage/Paternity Actions
• Mediation

Bar Admissions

• Illinois, 2007

Education

• Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D., Cum Laude, 2007
• University of Iowa, B.A., 1999

Certifications

• Certified Mediator

Bar Memberships & Affiliations

• Illinois State Bar Association:
  • Two-term elected Board of Governors (2017-23)
  • ISBA Secretary 2022-23
  • Member Services Committee (Current; Chair 2022-24)
  • Standing Committed on Professional Responsibility
  • Other Historical Participation:
  • Family Law Section Council
  • Standing Committee on Women & the Law (Chair 2017-18)
  • Diversity Leadership Council
  • Young Lawyers Division
• DuPage County Bar Association
  • Appellate Section, Chair 2020-21
  • Diversity Committee, Chair 2022-23
• DuPage Association of Women Lawyers
• Appellate Lawyer Association of Illinois
  • Rules Committee
• Northern Illinois University, College of Law
• NIU COL Board of Visitors (Current)
• NIU COL Alumni Council (2013-16)
• Waubonsee Community College
• Adjunct Subject Matter Expert: Paralegal Curriculum Development (current)
• ABA Commission on Domestic Violence, Law Student Liaison (2006-07)

Honors & Awards

• 2023: DuPage County Bar Association Directors Award
• 2017: Chicago Bar Association, Alliance of Women Alta May Hulett Award
• Since 2015: Recognized as either an Emerging or Leading Lawyer by Leading Lawyers in Family Law and Family Appellate Law
• Since 2009: Recognized first as a Rising Star and then as a Super Lawyer in Family Law
• 2007: National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Woman Law Graduate Award
• 2006: ISBA Presidential Commendation
• 2006: Illinois Women’s Bar Foundation Public Interest Scholarship