40 Under Forty 2025

2025 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

JONATHAN STEELE

AGE 39

FIRM Beermann, LLP

LAW SCHOOL John Marshall Law School

He is well respected by his peers and the judges. “

AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Matrimonial law

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I n the emotional crucible of matrimonial law, clients need more than just an expert legal mind; they need a calming, steady guide. Few lawyers balance legal knowhow with empathy better than Jonathan Steele, a rising star in the field of matrimonial law. Not only does Steele earn the best results for his clients, he provides invaluable certainty and stability during what is a most uncertain time in their lives. "Jonathan is exceptional in guiding his clients through the emotional detritus of family law," said Matthew Arnoux, partner with Chicago's Arnoux Sharma Standeford LLC. "He knows what to push and what to settle." David Levy, principal with the Chicago office of Berger Schatz, said that he has argued several family law cases against Steele. Each time, he's come away impressed with the young attorney's legal knowledge, dedication to his clients and work ethic. "I find him to be bright, well prepared, able to identify complex issues and act as a strong advocate for his client," Levy said. "Equally true, he is cooperative and collegial. He is

well respected by his peers and the judges." Levy said that complex cases don't faze Steele, either. He can analyze and distill the most complicated of issues. This allows him to persuasively argue his clients' cases before the court. David Sternfield, partner with the Chicago office of Da- vis Friedman LLP, has also been involved in several cases with Steele. Sternfield said that he has seen Steele earn major vic- tories while executing what he calls "brilliant" case strategies. As Sternfield says, Steele is both a formidable adversary and a pleasure to work with. Steele routinely navigates through the most challenging of facts for his clients, often succeeding when many other attor- neys would have failed, Sternfield said. "Jonathan represents clients in a zealous manner while dis- playing a truly commanding knowledge of the law," Sternfield said. "On numerous occasions I have seen Jonathan use his courtroom and strategic skills to protect his clients from abu- sive litigation in a manner that is truly remarkable."

40 Under Forty 2025

CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN