Justin M. Smit

Associate since December 14, 2000

Profile

Since joining The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. in 2000, Mr. Smit has remained committed to providing his clients with the client first attention to detail along with the knowledge and experience required to accomplish the client's desired outcome. Mr. Smit approaches each individual client with the understanding that it is very important to actually listen to the client and reach a consensus as to what they can expect from the given situation.

Mr. Smit obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University in 1994. Mr. Smit then went on to graduate from the John Marshall Law School and was admitted to the Illinois State Bar in 1998. Since being admitted to the Bar in 1998, Mr. Smit has concentrated his area of practice exclusively to family law and divorce litigation. Mr. Smit practices in all areas of matrimonial law, from a simple divorce to complex financial and custody matters, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, judgment enforcement, pre and post decree custody and support actions, domestic violence and parentage actions.

Mr. Smit has successfully dealt with many unique situations, from negotiating child support and maintenance awards in high wealth cases and the valuation and division of complex marital estates to enforcing pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Mr. Smit's successes also include negotiating and litigating complex custody situations including cases with multiple court appointed and independent experts utilized when necessary to determine the best interests of the child.

Mr. Smit is a member in good standing of the ISBA and DCBA and the Family Law sections of each. Mr. Smit was also appointed by the ISBA President to serve on the Standing Committee on Bar Services and Activities. Mr. Smit is also actively involved in the DCBA mentor-mentee program serving as a mentor to a newly admitted member of the Illinois State Bar.

Year Joined Firm

• 2000

Areas of Practice

• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Collaborative Law
• Mediation
• Family Law
• Appeals

Bar Admissions

• Illinois, 1998

Education

• John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
  • J.D. - 1998
• Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
  • B.S. - May, 1994
  • Major: Law Enforcement Administration

Classes/Seminars

• Mentor, Mentor-mentee program for newly admitted members of the Illinois State Bar, DuPage County Bar Association

Honors and Awards

• Avvo, Top Attorney
• American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015 - 2016
• Lead Counsel Rated
• Lawyers of Distinction, 2019

Professional Associations and Memberships

• DuPage County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
• Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
• Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Bar Services and Activities, Member

Past Employment Positions

• Lake, Toback & Yavitz, Associate Attorney

Fraternities/Sororities

• Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity