Top best L Lawyers in Wheaton | 293 available

Kathleen M. May concentrates her practice in the areas of Elder Law and Special Needs planning, Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning, and Estate and Trust Administration. Utilizing her background and experience in the healthcare industry, Katie assists clients and their families navigate the complex system of government benefits as well as to design and implement the legacy they wish to create. She is accredited by the Veterans Administration, and helps veterans qualify for veterans' pension benefits. Katie takes a holistic approach to her practice and understands that the legal issues her clients are facing are intertwined with many other facets of their life and helps clients to reach their objectives. Katie graduated from Eastern Illinois University, cum laude, in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 2011. She distinguished herself by receiving a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law, a program for which Stetson is nationally recognized. During her course of studies, she completed numerous hours of volunteer service at the Gulfport Senior Center and assisted seniors at Gulfcoast Legal Services, a legal aid clinic. Subsequently to obtaining her Illinois license, she became licensed to practice law in the state of Florida in 2012. Katie serves as the leader of the Illinois Collaborative of ElderCounsel, of which she is also a member. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce as well as being a member of the Young Professional Board of Directors for the Center for Disability and Elder Law in Chicago. Finally, Katie serves on the Editorial Board of the DuPage Bar Association publication, The Brief, as the Student Articles Editor.Katie was born and raised in Stickney, Illinois, and currently resides in Westchester with her daughter. She spent four years in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she completed her legal education. Between activities with her young daughter, Katie enjoys sharing her passion for Irish Dance with the children she teaches. She also loves to jog and spends time on the running trails in the suburbs of Chicago.

Kate has been an attorney for over 25 years, with 20+ years of experience in Family Law. She earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Chicago Kent College of law, and has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois Institute of Technology. Kate is also working toward an LLM degree, a Masters of Law in Family Law at Chicago Kent College of Law, and is certified as a Family Mediator and as a Guardian Ad Litem, representing the needs of Children in Divorce and family conflict.. Kate started out as a Public Defender in Cook County in Felonies, and moved on to family law, helping adults and Children in Domestic Abuse situations. Kate and her husband opened an Aerospace Corporation and moved to California in the late 1980’s. She continued with her work in Domestic Abuse while living out of State. Kate still serves as the legal counsel for their family business.. Kate and her family moved back to Illinois in the 1990’s, and she opened a small private legal practice specializing in family law, and taught special needs children and young adults for several years while her own children were young. Kate also volunteered as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children, and became active in her community. During this time, Kate gained additional experience representing the rights of Children, and in representation of Children with Special Needs.. Kate joined Prairie State Legal Services in 2007 and worked as a Legal aid attorney providing advice and brief services to low income clients on a variety of legal issues. She left Legal Aid in 2012 to reopen her private family law practice, Kate Sharp Law PC, and to return to teaching. Kate is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Paralegal Studies Program at College of Dupage. Kate also joined forces with the Law Offices of David G. Stevens in December 2012, and currently handles most of that law firm’s family Law cases, in addition to her own firm’s cases.. Kate believes that Legal Representation should not only be skilled and professional, but that Family Law attorneys should be compassionate, caring and collaborative, and she brings these qualities to her representation of every Client.

John P. Stock III was born in Duluth, MN. He grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois, receiving his undergraduate degree from Monmouth College in 1969 and  his law degree in 1975 from DePaul University College of Law.. Mr. Stock concentrates his practice in civil litigation, divorce/ family law, real estate and business organizations.  He is a trained mediator and arbitrator in DuPage County.. He  is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, where he is a member of the real estate, civil practice, and family law committees. He chaired the real estate law committee in 2005/2006 and was associate general counsel for the DuPage County Bar Association in 2006/2007. Mr. Stock is also a member of the American, Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations.  Early in his practice, Mr. Stock was a member and director of the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association and a past chair of the Professional. Responsibility and Trial Techniques Committees.. He is a member and past President of the Wheaton Lions Club, where he also has served as a director.  He is a past member and director of the Glen Ellyn Jaycees and is currently on the Board of Directors of the B.R. Ryall YMCA. He is married and has two adult children.

John P. Houlihan, co-founder of Beck & Houlihan, P.C., has been practicing law since 1986, offering clients exceptional representation in family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Prior to establishing the firm, John gained valuable experience at Mirabella & Kincaid, P.C., where he developed his formidable legal prowess in handling complex legal issues with professionalism and care.John’s contributions to the legal community are extensive. He has been a member of the Illinois State Bar Association since 1986 and has held numerous leadership positions within the DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA). These include serving as Chairman of the Membership Committee, Chairman of the DCBA, and Co-Chairman of the Criminal Law, Younger Members, and Civil Law Committees. John has also served as an Arbitration Judge for the DuPage County Arbitration Center and as an Arbitrator for the Domestic Relations Fee Arbitration Program. His dedication to his clients and his active involvement in the legal community reflect his commitment to excellence and integrity in the practice of law.

John J. Pcolinki, Jr. focuses his practice in commercial and civil litigation, mediation, general business practice and appellate law. John is an experienced civil litigator with extensive experience representing individuals and businesses in business governance/dissolution, trade secret and non-competition matters, personal and business banking and real estate matters. His practice has included virtually all types of chancery cases including injunction practice, contested probate estates and guardianships. John acts as a mediator/arbitrator of disputes of all types and has been a certified Arbitrator for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit since 1990. John has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Inc.—the highest available rating for legal ability, adherence to ethical standards, professional reliability, and diligence.

Jim Knippen is a principal in the firm who specializes in complex litigation, including personal injury, professional negligence, chancery and business litigation. He also represents units of local government. His work in the personal injury area has included representing both plaintiffs and defendants. He has co-counseled multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts and is a specialist in the creation and use of demonstrative exhibits.. Jim served as an Assistant States Attorney prosecuting criminal cases from 1979-1983. Since leaving the States Attorney's Office he has practiced with Ed Walsh.. Representative corporate clients include, or have included, the Village of Roselle, City of Wheaton, Village of Woodridge, City of West Chicago, Amoco Oil Corporation, Bluff City Materials Corporation, Waste Management Corporation, E/M Corporation, Concord Homes, Pasquinelli Development Corporation, various fire and police chiefs in employment discipline matters and numerous injured persons. He has done local counsel work at the request of many national and Chicago firms including, Jenner and Block, and Katten, Muchen, and Zavis. He also has extensive experience in injunctions, declaratory actions and zoning litigation. His zoning litigation experience has included the representation of both municipalities and private developers. He has lectured at the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.. Jim and his wife Tallya have 3 grown children. He is a lifelong resident of the Wheaton area. Outside interests include: American History, mountaineering, cross country skiing, and fly fishing.

Jesse V. Barrientes is the proprietor of the Law Offices of Jesse V. Barrientes with locations in Wheaton, Villa Park, Aurora, and Joliet, Illinois.  He graduated Cum Laude from Loyola University of Chicago in 1987 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Philosophy.  He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the JohnMarshallLawSchool in 1991.  He was admitted to the General Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1991, and admitted to the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2001.  He is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association and the Will County Bar Association.  He was Vice-Chairman of the Law Practice Management Committee in 2010 – 2011, and was Chairman of the Law Practice Management Committee in 2011 – 2012.. Jesse V. Barrientes’ practice areas include Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Employment Discrimination, Bankruptcy, and a MAJOR concentration in Family Law.  His firm provides aggressive, experienced and quality legal services. He focuses on the equitable and financially feasible resolution of his clients’ legal situations. He does not believe in sugar-coating his advice, or telling clients what they want to hear. He believes that each client must be aware of the realities of their unique legal situation, and the ramifications of their various legal options in order to render an intelligent, informed, and reasoned decision. He also believes in keeping his clients informed of the status and progress of their case at each and every stage of litigation.

If you find yourself facing a difficult divorce or separation, you want to have someone on your side. At Esp Kreuzer Cores,  our family law attorneys understand your need for straight answers and supportive guidance. Your needs and rights are our number one priority. We are compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys who are committed to helping you through the divorce process and ensuring that if children are involved, the best interests of your children are put first.. We have experience negotiating on behalf of parents in all aspects of a divorce, from custody and visitation, to child support, property division, spousal maintenance, fathers' rights and post-decree modification. We also handle paternity matters, adoptions and juvenile matters.. Our lawyers will listen carefully to your concerns and can answer your questions and explain your rights. We can help explain the divorce process to you, help you understand the possible outcomes, and counsel you about what course of action to take. Knowledge is the first step in making the right decision. We understand that this is a difficult time in your life and truly care what happens to you.. Our family law attorneys are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and professional representation. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your family-related legal issue.. Our experience and training in family law is supported by our aggressive and proactive style. We also believe in reasonableness and cooperation, however, and we adjust our representation to suit the needs of each client. At Esp, Kreuzer, Cores & McLaughlin, we assist clients in all aspects of the law relating to the needs of today's families, including, but not limited to:

I was a career adminstratror and attorney with the federal courts and am also a former special education teacher. I have a keen interest in helping families achieve solutions in law and like to spend time getting to know your individual situation.

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with the hope of a career in counseling.  I achieved my goal, but by following a different path and becoming a legal counselor.  My focus has always been on children and families, and my current practice as an associate at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella is devoted entirely to family law issues: divorce, paternity, child support, child custody, etc.  When not engaged in legal work, I enjoy spending time with my my kiddos (human and four-legged), traveling, and catching up on sleep.

I joined Roberts & Caruso as an associate in 2006. I focus primarily on construction and mechanic’s lien law, business litigation, and contested probate. I frequently write articles on emerging issues in the law. My work has been published by the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, the DuPage County Bar Association and the Loyola University Chicago Law Journal. I also serve as a member of the DuPage County Bar Association’s Civil Law & Practice Committee, Business Law Committee and the Publication Board, an invitation only committee responsible for publishing a ten-issue per year legal journal called The Brief.. I graduated from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. While in law school, I completed Loyola’s trial advocacy program, served as a lead article editor of the law review, advanced to the National Quarterfinals of the Wagner Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition, and worked for a federal magistrate judge and then for a large Chicago law firm. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with majors in Economics and Political Science. I am also a licensed Real Estate Managing Broker.

I hve been with DuPage County Public Defender’s Office and assigned to the juvenile division since July of 2007. In February 2011 I was promoted to the position of juvenile supervisor. I  received my  Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in 2002, and my Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 2006. Prior to working at the Public Defender's Office I was a law clerk from 2005 to 2007 at Moore & McCullough and at The Law Office of Margaret O’Connell in 2007.. I currently represent juveniles in delinquency and truancy matters and parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. In this capacity, I represent juveniles in misdemeanor and serious felony cases, as well as defending against petitionsto  transfer to adult court.  I also represent parents in abuse, neglect, educational negelct,  and dependencing proceddings, including termination of parental rights hearings.. I am currently the 1st Vice President of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers after having previously served as Director, 3rd Vice President, and 2nd Vice President since October 2007. I am also on the Child Welfare Committee, the Juvenile Justice Council, Models for Change, and the Prevention Policy Board. I am an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association and has previously served on the Planning Committee. I have presented for MCLE credit on juvenile law through the DuPage County Bar Association Basic Skills training for new attorneys. I also wrote an article on the DCFS guardian D. Jean Ortega Piron which was published in DuPage County Bar Association’s Brief. I have also presented multiple times on the role of the defense attorney at CASA of DuPage trainings, DuPage County Detention Center training, as well as North Central College’s Juvenile Law Class. I have volunteered on a number of occasions as a division leader for DuPage County Juvenile Diversion Program through the probation department and Three Fires Council. .

I have practiced law for over 25 years.  My former experience as a police officer gives me the insight needed to represent my clients in the most effective way.   I teach at the College of DuPage and North Central College and have writen articles on criminal law issues.    I live in Wheaton with my wife and five children, and I am committed to the community.    I take pride in the personal services I offer to my clients at every level of their legal needs.

I have practiced exclusively in the area of family law for my entire legal career. I have extensive experience in all aspects of family law, including divorce, allocation of parenting time and parental responsibilities, removal of children across state lines or internationally, child support, maintenance, property identification and distribution, high asset marital estates, qualified domestic relations orders, post-decree matters, parentage cases and appellate matters.. Understanding that every case is unique, I openly communicate with my clients to ensure that they are informed every step of the way. I strive to zealously represent my client’s interests, whether it be through contested litigation or settlement negotiations.. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2004  in Economics and Psychology. I then attended law school and earned my J.D., cum laude, from Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana, in 2007. During law school, I was awarded the Dean Konop award for excellence in my work as a GAL for minor children and was selected as a member of the Journal of Legislation. Active in the legal community, I am a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and DuPage County Bar Association. Additionally, I serve as a volunteer alumni recruiter for the University of Michigan. I reside in Wheaton with my family and enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring with my kids outdoors, traveling and reading.

I have had a trial practice since 1993, handling commercial disputes, estate contests, emergency litigation, appeals, and criminal defense in federal and state courts in and around Chicago, and throughout the nation. I have won many valuable settlements, judgments, and jury verdicts in civil cases, as well as numerous verdicts in favort of the defense where the plaintiff got nothing and aquittals for clients accused of criminal offenses from judges and juries. I have obtained numerous favorable results in appeals to reviewing courts, including the Appellate Court of Illinois. I have been admitted to practice in Illinois and Maryland since the early 1990s. I am admitted to numerous federal trial and appellate courts, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. I have taught as a law professor at Northern Illinois University. I teach from time to time as an adjuct professor at Aurora University as well.

I have a distinct background from working at the Cook County Public Guardian's Office representing abused and neglected children for 7 years, which gives me an edge over many other fellow family law attorneys. I honed my litigation skills fighting state's attorney's and public defenders every single day in court.   That experience also lead to my nomination as the Chair of the Children's Advocacy Section in DuPage and to many GAL appointments around the area.  I pride myself on being the go-to attorney in the area for DCFS cases, child custody, guardianship and adoption cases.  Notwithstanding my zealous advocacy in the courtroom, I value your money and your time and I do everything in my power to avoid unnecessary drama and keep your legal fees down. Call today to set up a consult.

I handle a broad range of civil litigation and general corporate matters for business entities of all sizes as well as individuals. My practice focuses on commercial litigation, construction and real estate disputes, business torts and shareholder actions, equitable claims (including proceedings for temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions), general corporate matters (both for-profit and not-for-profit), employment issues, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy, appellate advocacy, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and estate planning and wealth management. I practice regularly before all federal courts in the Northern District of Illinois as well as the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit (DuPage County, Illinois), the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, and all other collar counties immediately surrounding Cook County.

I believe that representing clients is a great responsibility and privilege.  I take a personal approach to each client and to each case.  You will have direct contact with the attorney handling your case, never having your legal matters handled by a paralegal, secretary or associate attorney.. As an experienced litigator with over 17 years of experience, I have experience handling the following types of cases, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support/alimony, marital property division, allocating debt, QDRO's, dividing retirement accounts, enforcement, modificaition, orders of protection, domestic violence and juvenile matters.  If you are contemplating filing for divorce, or your spouse has filed for divorce, please contact me.  I will counsel you on the divorce process and help you prepare for the future.

I began my practice of law on November 5, 2009. I worked on a large number and variety of civil cases between then and now. I also practiced law with several different firms. I learned how to write wills, set up companies, serve on a board of directors, draft trusts, divorce couples, evict tenants, litigate against some of the largest companies in the world, handle probate cases and finally to help people buy and sell real estate. On July 2, 2018, I decided to open TMB law, a local DuPage firm focused on helping people through everyday issues. I handle all questions, concerns, and documents- personally. I am available, by appointment, outside of routine business hours for your convenience.

I am dedicated to helping my clients obtain competent legal advice for a fair price.  I utilize my eighteen years of legal expertise to assist clients in a variety of areas.  I enjoy working with others towards a common goal.

I am an attorney focusing on family law, estate planning and tax preparation. My practice areas include the following: 1. Estate Planning I prepare living trusts, living wills, pour-over wills, last wills, health care powers of attorney, property powers of attorney, HIPAA authorizations, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), irrevocable trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), and family limited liability companies and partnerships (FLLCs and FLPs). I help fund trusts and I also administer trusts after the death of the trustors. 2. Tax Preparation I prepare individual (1040), business (1120, 1065), trust (1041),  estate (706), and gift (709) tax returns. 3. Business Start-Up I prepare and maintain the documents that are necessary to start-up a partnership, S-corporation, or limited liability company. 4. Probate I determine whether a probate is necessary, prepare the requisite paperwork, go to court, and administer the estate from beginning to end.. 5.  Divorce and Paternity. I have experience in the area of complex financial litigation and I have worked on the distribution of multi-million dollar estates and I do the following:. 1. Dissolution of marriage proceedings, including child custody, child support, maintenance, and post-decree matters;2. Parentage cases; and3. Preparation of Pre-Nuptial Agreements.

Honors and Awards:. Past Employment Positions:

Henry D. Kass is a partner at MKFM Law focusing primarily in the areas of domestic relations and criminal law.  Henry formerly prosecuted domestic violence and felony cases as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office where he was awarded a Special Commendation.  He has litigated dozens of jury trials and tried hundreds of cases before the bench.  In addition, Henry taught family law for five years as an adjunct instructor at the College of DuPage.  He has published articles in the DuPage County Bar Association Brief and the Illinois State Bar Association Newsletter, served both as the Vice Chair and Chair to the Child Advocacy Committee, and has been awarded the Pro Bono Service Award by the DuPage Legal Assistance Foundation.  Currently, Henry is licensed both in the State of Illinois and Iowa.  He is a member of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, a Fellow of the Illinois Bar Foundation, and served on the DuPage County Judicial Committee where he and a panel of select other attorneys interviewed applicants who sought to be appointed a judgeship.  He is also serving his second term as an elected Assembly Member to the Illinois State Bar Association where he and other elected attorneys debate and vote on administrative policy as well as on revisions to existing law to be proposed to the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield.

HEINZ J. BRISSKE graduated from Monmouth College in 1971 with an A.B. degree in Economics and German, and then received his law degree from Duke University School of Law in 1974. He earned a certificate of completion of prescribed specialization courses in Estate and Personal Financial Planning from John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1995, and an LLM degree in Taxation from the same institution in 1997.. Mr. Brisske began his legal career as an associate with the law firm of Hinshaw, Culbertson, Moelmann, Hoban and Fuller (now Hinshaw & Culbertson) in Chicago, Illinois. After three years, he and two other attorneys from the same firm formed the general practice law firm of Murphy, Jones and Brisske in Lombard, Illinois. That firm merged with the practice of Allen S. Greene in Wheaton in 1978. The firm of Greene, Jones & Brisske was active in the legal community in DuPage County for over 20 years.. Mr. Brisske co-founded the law firm of HUCK & BRISSKE, LLC of Wheaton, Illinois, with Kevin Huck in 1999. In 2013, after the retirement of Kevin Huck, he merged the law firm of Huck & Brisske with the law firm of Huck Bouma, P.C., of Wheaton, where the estate planning group is now known as the Life & Legacy Planning Group. He currently concentrates his practice in the area of Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning.. Currently residing in Wheaton, Illinois, with his wife of 44 years, Mr. Brisske still enjoys spending time with his two children, Laura and David. Even though they are no longer living at home, they have a close relationship and spend time together regularly. Laura is now married to Corey, and they have two daughters, Lilia and Josephine. Laura is a stay-at-home mom, living in Kalamazoo, MI. David is married to Jona; they have a daughter, Klara. David is a Partner at Permira, a London-based private equity firm, working out of their New York City offices. An avid photographer and wine collector, Mr. Brisske also enjoys the occasional round of golf. The Brisskes' favorite way to relax is to spend time at their getaway in Scottsdale, Arizona, no matter the season.. - Area of practice:. Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning. - Education/Degrees:. A.B. from Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. J.D. from Duke University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina. L.L.M. in Taxation from John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois. - Publications:. Estate Planning Traps and Pitfalls, DCBA Brief, 1995. Implementation of and Substitutes for Advance Medical Directives, DCBA Brief, 1996. The Family Limited Partnership: An Overview, DCBA Brief, 1997. The "Five Wishes" Document: Is it a suitable substitute for a Statutory Power of Attorney in Illinois?. - Speaking Engagements:. Mr. Brisske conducts Practice Building Boot Camps for estate planning attorneys in various cities throughout the country for WealthCounsel, LLC. Over the years, Mr. Brisske has also spoken on various subjects in the field of Estate Planning, Retirement Planning and Family Limited Partnerships in numerous forums.. - Professional Affiliations/Memberships:. DuPage County Bar Association. Chairman: Estate Planning and Probate Committee 1993 - 1994. Chairman: Business Law Committee 1992-1993. Suburban Chicago Planned Giving Council 1997 - 1999. Illinois State Bar Association. DuPage County Estate Planning Council. WealthCounsel. ElderCounsel. Elder Law Answers

Greg has devoted his entire professional career to helping clients involved in complex divorces move their cases efficiently toward resolution and achieve the best possible outcomes. He works on all aspects of family law, but concentrates on complicated high-net-worth financial matters for C-suite executives, business owners, and their spouses. He is equally skilled in resolving complex parenting matters.. Recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, Greg is sensitive to the turmoil and confusion that accompany the divorce process. He puts his clients at ease by assuring they have a clear understanding of what to expect as the process unfolds and by educating them on what the law provides. Aligning expectations with case realities also leads to greater comfort and clarity.. From the beginning to the end of the process, Greg skillfully guides—and stands by—his clients. He helps clarify goals and develops the most appropriate plan and strategy to achieve them. Highly communicative and responsive, Greg keeps clients well-informed, and keeps his promises. He clearly explains the upside and downside of decisions that must be made along the way, as well as the potential outcomes available.. With in-depth knowledge of the law and superb strategic, negotiation, mediation, and trial/litigation skills, Greg tailors his approach to the needs and circumstances of each client, pursuing a cooperative, negotiated settlement when appropriate and viable. When settlement is not viable, he is always prepared and ready for trial. As a trial lawyer, Greg has a reputation for integrity and for being creative, tenacious, and willing to stand up for his clients to protect and secure their futures.. Regardless of whether resolution is obtained through negotiation or litigation, Greg’s broad objective is always the same: to provide exceptional service and value to his clients and assure their satisfaction.. Greg has also held a number of leadership roles throughout his career. While he has served in many capacities, some notable examples include serving: as board member of CASA of DuPage, President of the Kane County Bar Association, a board member of DuPage Children's Museum Next Gen Board, director of the Kane County Bar Foundation, and member of the Assembly for the Illinois State Bar Association (which is the Supreme policy-making body of that organization).