Joseph W. Pieper

Joseph W. Pieper

Joseph W. Pieper (“Joe”) has been practicing law for over thirty (30) years, focusing his area of expertise in Probate, involving the administration and litigation of adult disabled estates, decedent’s estates, and minor’s estates. Joe is regularly appointed as a Guardian ad Litem, attorney for respondents in adult guardianship cases, and as a special administrator in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.  Joe also provides estate planning for his clients, including drafting wills, trusts and Powers of Attorney.  In addition to probate matters, Joe also serves clients seeking residential real estate assistance.  Joe has spoken on various topics, including assisting attorneys in the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation (“CVLS”) training program for Guardians ad Litem, and the Guardian ad Litem’s role in domestic violence situations.

Joe has been a member with CVLS for over 20 years.  In 2002 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the CVLS in recognition of the pro bono work that he has done for the organization.  In 2017, Joe received the Pro Bono Alumni Award from DePaul University College of Law.  Joe was also one of the attorneys featured in the September 2011 issue of Chicago Lawyer in the magazine’s issue on pro bono work.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Joe worked for Merrill Lynch Futures in its Commodity Operations Division at the Chicago Board of Trade for sixteen (16) years.  Joe filled various management roles at Merrill Lynch.  While working at Merrill Lynch, Joe attended Northwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics graduating with honors as a Phi Beta Kappa.  Joe then went on to DePaul University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor, and graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class.  He continues to advocate for his clients with personalized and professional attention to all matters.


In his free time, Joe practices Taekwondo, in which he is a fourth-degree black belt.  He is a Master Instructor that has chiefly instructed individuals of all ages.  Joe also enjoys traveling with his wife and 3 adult children, going on walks with his two rescue dogs, Lady and Jack, and flying model airplanes and helicopters.

Bar Admissions

Admitted to practice in Illinois

Education

J.D., DePaul University, College of Law Graduated with honors

B.A., Northwestern University Graduated with honors Phi Beta Kappa

Memberships

• Former Chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Elder Law Committee

Chicago Bar Association

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Awards

2017 Pro Bono Alumni Award from DePaul University College of Law
2002 Distinguished Service Award from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

Team members

Hayley Pieper Damian

Hayley Pieper Damian

Hayley Pieper Damian joined Joseph W. Pieper, Attorney at Law, LLC as an associate attorney in 2017.  Hayley concentrates her practice on the probate of adult and minor guardianship estates, decedent’s estates, trust litigation and administration, estate planning, and occasional real estate matters.

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Elizabeth M. Toth

Elizabeth M. Toth

Elizabeth M. Toth (“Liz”) joined Joseph W. Pieper, Attorney at Law, LLC as an associate attorney in 2019.  Liz focuses her practice on the probate of adult and minor guardianships, decedent’s estates, as well as some residential real estate.

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Nola C. Pieper

Nola C. Pieper

Nola C. Pieper joined Joseph W. Pieper, Attorney at Law, LLC as an associate attorney in 2021.  Nola focuses her practice on probate of adult guardianships and decedent’s estates.

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