Katie Ann Cotter grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago. She attended St. John Fisher grammar school and Mother McAuley High School, both in Chicago, Illinois. Katie graduated cum laude from Lake Forest College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Politics. As an undergraduate, Katie was actively involved in the college's student government and residence life programs. During her college career, Katie received the Jacob Wardell Edwards Prize, the Unsung Leader Award, CASCHA Residence Life Award and the Senior 25 Award for her involvement and devotion to the college community.
Katie received her Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. While pursuing her legal education, Katie clerked for the Office of the Cook County State's Attorney and the City of Chicago Department of Law. Following graduation, Katie worked in an area law firm developing her skills in the areas of family law, civil litigation and criminal law. As an attorney with Jahnke, Sullivan and Toolis, Katie works primarily in the areas of family law and criminal law. Katie strives to get favorable results for her clients, while offering the most efficient and effective legal service for their case.
Katie is experienced in negotiating and litigating family law cases, including complex custody arrangements, divorces, paternity matters, visitations and child support. Katie's primary concern in family law matters is the best interests of the children. Katie has been successful in custody disputes, collecting on past due child support from delinquent parents, litigating financial aspects and property distribution and negotiating visitation schedules that are in the best interest of the children and family.
In addition, Katie protects the rights and freedom of clients facing DUI and criminal charges. Katie provides aggressive representation in attempt to reduce or eliminate the charges filed against you. Katie explains the statutes and legal process to her clients so the clients understand their options and the possible results of their case.
Katie also dedicates her time to the Les Turner ALS Foundation as the Team Coordinator for TEAM JEAN. Since 2008, when TEAM JEAN joined the Foundation's efforts to find a cure for ALS and educate the community about the disease, Katie has coordinated fundraising events and brought hundreds of people together to walk with TEAM JEAN in the Foundation's annual Walk 4 Life. Since 2008, TEAM JEAN has raised over $80,000 for the Les Turner ALS Foundation's research facilities, patient support programs and awareness efforts.
Education
- Juris Doctor, The John Marshall Law School
- Bachelor of Arts, Lake Forest College
Bar Admissions
- State of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Professional Organizations and Memberships
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association