Matt Farmer
Principal
Prior to becoming a family law attorney, Matt worked on high-stakes business lawsuits in state and federal courts around the country for over 20 years.
With a big-firm background, Matt can be an aggressive advocate for his clients when he needs to be—in fact, he can step-by-step out-litigate most of his opponents. He believes that the best way to achieve favorable settlements for his clients’ cases is to be well-prepared for trial.
Matt is also known for his ability to guide people compassionately through an incredibly difficult period, allowing them to see a direction for their future. He sees his dual role as helping his clients understand the universe of possible outcomes for their situations and then advising them on the best strategy for obtaining their desired results. Matt does not believe a family law case should ever be used as a vehicle to lash out or cause harm to anyone.
As an advocate for his clients, Matt understands the costs (both financial and emotional) of litigation and will always look to strategic negotiation first. He is upfront and provides his honest opinion about whether a case should proceed to trial, or whether it should be settled.
Matt has served for many years as a faculty member for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy’s “Building Trial Skills Program” and as a NITA faculty member for a trial advocacy class for Cook County public defenders. He has also taught trial advocacy skills to lawyers as a faculty member for the National Employment Lawyers Association’s “Trial Boot Camp.” In addition, he has guest lectured at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Intensive Trial Practice Program at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Over the years, Matt had been a fierce advocate for quality public education. He has written many articles for The Huffington Post, and his writing has also appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times and Washington Post (online edition). He has been a guest on both MSNBC’s “Up with Chris Hayes” and “Chicago Newsroom,” a cable talk show.
Community Involvement
- Philip Rogers School – Local School Council Member (2010-2016)
- DuPage Care Center – Volunteer Musician (2017-present)
- Illinois State Bar Association – Member
