CHRISTINE BARONE
AGE 37
FIRM Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.
LAW SCHOOL Loyola University School of Law
AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Elder law, estate and trust administration, estate planning
2024 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
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C hristine Barone is among select company: She is one of only 13 Certified Elder Law Attorneys practicing in Illinois. The CELA designation is only given to highly qualified attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. Barone's inclusion in this group is evidence of the esteem in which her clients and peers hold her. Those who have worked with Barone aren't surprised by this honor. Barone routinely delivers the best results for her clients. During her career, she has worked with clients on contested and uncontested adult guardianships, decedents' estates, trust ad- ministration and litigation, estate planning and asset protection. Barone also handles the estate planning for those with dis- abilities or special needs and strategizes and implements long- term care plans for those seeking eligibility for Medicaid. She, too, has represented nursing homes in securing and appealing Medicaid benefits for their residents and claims for payment from the state in the Illinois Court of Claims. "Christine is more knowledgeable in this area than just about anyone else I know," said Chicago attorney Stephanie Sexauer. "She's extremely patient and kind, working with people from all walks of life." As one of the busiest elder law specialists in Illinois, Barone has helped hundreds of clients resolve their elder law issues. "Christine is excellent at listening to a client and presenting a solution that allows the client to feel comfortable and con- fident," said Simon Mayali, director of estate planning with
Her technical expertise is second to none. ”
BakerAvenue Wealth Management. "She is incredibly responsive and treats every client with kindness and respect. Her technical expertise is second to none. This combination makes her one of the top attorneys in Illinois." Donald Higgins, vice president and senior trust advisor with the Oak Brook office of Fifth Third Private Bank, says that he is often "floored" by Barone's wealth of knowledge. Barone helped mentor Higgins as he transitioned from estate planning and ad- ministration to elder law planning. Her knowledge, he said, made this transition a far simpler one. "The Medicaid process can be overwhelming for clients, but Christine's patient and thorough demeanor always turned a mountain of a challenge into something manageable, leaving clients with a true confidence in her abilities," Higgins said. "She is never afraid to go above and beyond for her clients, who just so happen to be among the most vulnerable class in America." Barone enjoys any downtime with her husband and four young children in the northwest suburbs and surviving water- park vacations.
40 Under Forty 2024
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CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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