40 Under Forty 2025

2025 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

MELISSA TURK FIRMAGE

AGE 34

FIRM Chuhak & Tecson

LAW SCHOOL Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Missy is a brilliant attorney. “

AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Estate and trust administration and litigation, probate, guardianship

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A fierce advocate who always represents her clients with an eye toward helping them meet their future goals. That's how colleagues describe estate and trust administration and lit- igation, probate, and guardianship specialist Missy Turk Firmage. "She works tirelessly to reach a solution in the best interest of the client," said an, associate judge with the Circuit Court of Cook County. "She is a strong advocate but keeps the big picture in mind at all times. She backs up her strength with the law and reasons her way through the many issues that come with a case in guardianship." One of Firmage's strengths is that she eliminates the legalese of cases and provides clear, easy-to-understand guidance to her clients. This makes it easier for clients to understand their op- tions. As her peers say, Firmage has a unique ability to make her clients feel seen and heard. She provides support, clear guid- ance, and trusted legal insight during times of grief and uncer- tainty, helping her clients navigate life’s most challenging and transitional moments. "Missy is a brilliant attorney," said Rachael Gould, national head of the guardian and special needs trust administration with BMO. “She is a fabulous litigator. She is insightful, creative and compassionate." Susan DeCostanza with Garcia & DeCostanza, P.C., pointed to one matter in which Firmage has had to handle complex issues including distressed real estate, the settlement of outstanding

lawsuits, out-of-state real estate and Medicaid planning and tax sales to ensure that an adult under guardianship could maxi- mize the assets and benefits needed for his well-being. "Missy has gone above and beyond in this case," DeCostanza said. "She appeared in building court, addresses health insurance issues and has ensured that the ward has a say in his care and living arrangements. Missy has masterfully guided this family as they navigate a difficult caregiving situation." Kristen Carey, managing director, guardianship services, with Northern Trust, worked with Firmage on an especially challeng- ing estate plan for a disabled individual under guardianship. The case required a full evidentiary hearing to ensure the ward's in- terests were represented."Missy navigated this with grace," Car- ey said. "She even brought the judge to tears!" Firmage is passionate, too, about community service and pro bono work. Margaret Benson, executive director of Chicago Legal Ser- vices, highlighted, “When it comes to community service and pro bono, Missy walks the walk.” Missy serves as a guardian ad litem (GAL) for children in problematic or contested minor guardianship cases where her compassion is exceeded only by her tenacity for advocating for the best interests of her child-cli- ents. Benson remarked, “Admired throughout the Probate Divi- sion for her skill and kindness, Missy is an extraordinary attorney and generous, effective, champion of our legal profession.”

40 Under Forty 2025

CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN