ALICIA PETERSEN
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Homer Glen,IL
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Estate planning and estate administration attorney with 5 years of legal practice experience advising clients, drafting comprehensive estate plans, and handling probate and trust administration matters. Experienced in counseling clients regarding estate planning objectives and preparing wills, revocable trusts, testamentary trusts, powers of attorney, deeds, and trust funding documents. Strong legal research, writing, client counseling, and courtroom advocacy skills, with additional experience in real estate, civil litigation, and commercial lease review.
Work History
Volunteer Attorney
5 Years- Provide pro bono legal services through the Probate Court Assistance Program (PCAP) and Adult Guardian Ad Litem Program.
- Assist clients with probate-related matters, court procedures, and legal resources.
- Draft and review legal documents, including petitions, affidavits of heirship, and other pleadings, for accuracy and compliance.
- Conduct client interviewsws and provide practical legal guidance to individuals with limited access to legal representation.
- Mentor junior volunteer attorneys on legal practices and case management techniques.
- Recipient, 2026 Distinguished Service Award recognizing outstanding volunteer services.
Associate Attorney
2 Years 10 Months- Prepared comprehensive estate planning documents, including wills, powers of attorney, revocable trusts, testamentary trusts, deeds, and trust funding documents.
- Assisted clients with estate planning matters tailored to their individual circumstances and objectives.
- Represented clients in probate and trust administration, including preparation of pleadings, petitions, correspondence, family settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
- Conducted legal research and drafted motions, petitions, discovery, contracts, agreements, and client correspondence.
- Represented clients in real estate and civil litigation matters and appeared in court on clients' behalf.
- Collaborated with senior attorneys to develop case strategies and enhance legal processes.
- Streamlined workflow processes, improving efficiency in case handling and documentation procedures.
Paralegal
8 Years 7 Months- Drafted legal documents including pleadings, motions, and supporting briefs.
- Collaborated with attorneys to manage case files and maintain accurate documentation throughout the litigation process.
- Supervised junior paralegals in document management and preparation, improving team efficiency.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Reviewed court results and prepared documents necessary for the next step in the litigation process.
- Created instruction manuals and trained new employees.
Volunteer
2 Months- Conducted client intake interviews and prepared petitions and affidavits for emergency orders of protection.
- Accompanied petitioners to court to ensure their understanding of the process and provide support during hearings.
- Assisted with special events and fundraising programs.
Education
J.D.
- Dean's List Spring 2018
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award (Guided Research 2020)
Bachelor of Arts - English
Affiliations
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services - Probate Court Assistance Program (PCAP) and Adult Guardian Ad Litem Program
- DuPage County Estate Planning Council
Certification
Illinois Bar, 2021 - Illinois State Bar Association
Timeline
Associate Attorney
Cohen Dovitz Makowka, LLC
09.2021 - 07.2024Read More
Volunteer Attorney
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
08.2021 - CurrentRead More
Volunteer
Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
02.2019 - 04.2019Read More
Paralegal
David T. Cohen & Associates
10.2010 - 05.2019Read More
DePaul University College of Law
J.D.
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University of Illinois At Chicago
Bachelor of Arts from English
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