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After graduating from the University of Chicago (1985), I attended Chicago-Kent College of Law where I was a member of the Law Review.  I was nominated by Appellate Court Justice Warren Wolfson to Chicago’s Lincoln Inn of Court – a most prestigious honor offered to only a handful of trial advocates.. I went solo out of law school in 1991; not sure of which area of law I would eventually concentrate in.  To pay the rent, I had to take any case that walked through the door.  The very first one was a BIG divorce case with a very, very well-respected oponent (top-notch).  I was terrrified . . . but confident.  I ended up winning a number of fights in the case; the client was very happy, and I had learned about art appraisal, child psychology, major investment strategies, bankruptcy, real estate, and criminal defense -- and that was all in the first few months.  I was hooked.. Since that first case, I have concentrated my practice exclusively in the areas of family law and matrimonial matters.. I am licenced to practice in Illinois and have been recognized by the Supreme Courts of New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Indiana, to represent clients in family law matters in those jurisdictions. I have successfully tried numerous cases in Illinois and have successfully argued before the Illinois Appellate Court and have also prevailed before the Illinois Supreme Court.  I have authored several works on divorce and family law in Illinois.. I have been and remain a member of the American Bar Association (Family Law Section), the Illinois State Bar Association (Family Law Section), and the Chicago Bar Association (Matrimonial Law Committee).

Advocating for injured people is the most fulfilling aspect of my career.  Oftentimes, the hard work of recovering from an injury or illness is further complicated by mounting medical bills and decresed income. My own mother died as a result of medical negligence when I was a child.  I understand firsthand the devasting effects injury or death has on the entire family.  At Lucas & Cardenas we help you put your life back together.

A founding partner of Bradford & Gordon, LLC, Derek J. Bradford is recognized in the Chicagoland area as an experienced and innovative advocate in all areas of family law. His areas of expertise include complex financial matters and difficult custody issues. His work on behalf of a wide ranging clientele has provided Mr. Bradford with the experience to not only litigate matters from commencement through trial, but to use that experience to settle cases when it is in his client’s best interest.. Mr. Bradford has successfully litigated cases involving valuations of closely-held corporations, complex financial issues including tax issues, maintenance, paternity, child support, custody, and visitation issues. He has also brought dozens of actions under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. Mr. Bradford has developed creative techniques for litigating and settling family law issues. In addition to his experience in matrimonial law, Mr. Bradford worked as a tax consultant prior to beginning his legal career. He frequently utilizes his background in tax law to assist clients with divorce planning.. Derek has earned a reputation among his peers as an effective problem-solver. He uses his understanding of complex financial matters to help his clients understand their options during what is often a very traumatic time in their lives. Mr. Bradford approaches each case with equal parts compassion and legal acumen.Education. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D.Washington State University, B.A.Leadership & Honors. In 2012, Mr. Bradford was recognized by the Chicago Lawyer Magazine as one of the top “40 Under 40” attorneys working in Illinois. Mr. Bradford was selected for this honor from more than 1,250 attorneys who were nominated for the award.. Mr. Bradford has also used his expertise in family law as a frequent lecturer with the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education as part of the Family Law education programs as well as lectures for the Chicago Bar Association.. Lecture Series Information. IICLE Addiction and Abuse Sept 9 2016IICLE Civil Unions and Their Impact on Family Law 2014IICLE Financial Statements – Dec 18 2015IICLE Income Pitfalls in Child Support & Maintenance 2014IICLE Non Traditional Visitation Issues 2014IICLE Working with Experts 2014Publications & Press. Men’s Book Magazine – Entrepreneurship and DivorceCrain’s Roundtable on Executive DivorceCS Magazine – Women and Divorce Q&ACS Magazine – Power Players 2018Bustle Magazine – Secrets That Can Ruin a Relationship – May 2017IICLE Publication – Preliminary Considerations in Dissolution Actions 2015

A fearless and creative lawyer, Jaime has been able to secure millions of dollars on behalf of her clients and their families. She has experience as a lead trial lawyer seeing a number of personal injury cases to verdict. However, she is also well versed in pre-litigation tactics and routinely secures settlements that spare her clients the years of lengthy litigation and uncertainty that can accompany a trial.. Her genuine concern for her clients and investment in each client's unique case ensures that she fully understands the full effect her clients' injuries have had on their lives and particular situations. Her fearlessness ensures that she will not back down from getting her clients what they deserve, and her conviction in her cases is contagious. Coupled with her creativity which allows her to craft unique solutions to problems that may otherwise be deemed insurmountable, Jaime has had the privilege of assisting numerous clients in putting their lives back together after suffering a catastrophic personal injury.