2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
“
In my view, he is a gifted litigator and one of the most impressive young attorneys to appear before me in trust and probate matters. ”
PETER BRADY
AGE: 39 FIRM : Peck Ritchey, LLC LAW SCHOOL : Loyola University Chicago School of Law
AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Estate and trust litigation
P eter Brady’s practice focuses on some of the most emo- tionally charged disputes in the legal profession. Estate and trust litigation often pits family members against one another in high-stakes legal matters. Brady though, has built a reputation for navigating those difficult cases, easing much of the stress for his clients, thanks to his legal knowledge, preparation and fierce advocacy. Whether a dispute involves allegations of financial exploita- tion, breach of fiduciary duty, contested wills or inheritance claims, colleagues and judges say that Brady combines techni- cal legal knowledge with an ability to explain complex issues in straightforward terms that his clients and judges can understand. As noted by one Cook County Judge, “He demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the unique procedural and sub- stantive issues that arise in probate proceedings. He also exer- cises sound judgment, recognizing when litigation is warranted and when practical resolution may better serve the interests of the parties involved. In my view, he is a gifted litigator and one of the most impressive young attorneys to appear before me in trust and probate matters.” His courtroom results are evidence of his skill. In one mat- ter, Brady represented an executor defending her mother's will after half-siblings alleged that the document was forged and
included fraudulent signatures. Brady successfully challenged the plaintiffs' handwriting expert and secured summary judg- ment, preserving the validity of the will. He also obtained summary judgment on behalf of a widow ac- cused by her late husband's daughters of interfering with their inheritance by allegedly influencing trust amendments and IRA beneficiary changes while their father was cognitively impaired. Brady has demonstrated equal success at trial. Representing the administrator of an estate, he prevailed in claims against a sibling who breached fiduciary duties by taking money from an elderly, disabled mother before her death, winning monetary damages and attorney fees. Brady has shown a willingness to litigate aggressively while recognizing when settlement serves clients best. He has also negotiated favorable resolutions in fiduciary-duty disputes that substantially increased recoveries for beneficiaries and, in an- other matter, persuaded a plaintiff to abandon all claims after he filed a motion to dismiss. “Peter is a strong litigator and advocate for his clients,” said Mallory Moreno, principal with the Chicago office of Chuhak & Tecson. “He has an excellent grasp on trust and estates law, and he is reasonable and easy to work with in negotiating results for the betterment of a case.”
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40 Under Forty 2026
CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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