team-member

Nanette McCarthy

N/A

Licensed for 31 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

Cecilia (Leah) devotes one hundred percent of her practice to the area of family law. She handles complex financial estates, including multifaceted business valuations, income determination issues, valuation and division of employee benefits such as stock options and restricted stock, dissipation claims, tracing of marital and non-marital assets, as well as custody, visitation and removal disputes. She has been hired as a consultant and expert witness in family law matters. During her 29 plus years of practice, Leah has become a strong advocate of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). To that end, Leah has had extensive training in mediation and collaborative law. Whenever possible and appropriate, Leah encourages parties to participate in ADR through which parties can achieve an individualized post-divorce plan for their family. ADR also allows Leah’s clients privacy and confidentiality. However, when necessary, Leah will advocate for her clients aggressively in the courtroom. She has extensive litigation experience and has been a faculty member at the prestigious National Family Law Trial Institute teaching other family law attorneys advanced courtroom skills.Leah began practicing law in 1990 in the areas of environmental and commercial real estate law. Seeking a more family oriented practice, in 1993, Leah transitioned to family law and has never looked back. After six years of training at a well-known Chicago family law firm, Leah struck out on her own, opening the Law Offices of Cecilia Hynes Griffin. Now known as Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP, the boutique law firm practices exclusively in the area of family law. Known for its experience, strength and compassion, Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP has helped thousands of families successfully navigate the divorce process.Leah is a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Admission to this national organization requires extensive oral and written testing, and peer and judicial recommendations. She has served on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Chapter of the Academy and the Family Law Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association. She has been nominated an Illinois Super Lawyer in the area of family law every year for over a decade. She is a frequent lecturer and has authored numerous articles on family law topics. Leah received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and her law degree from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Language

English

Contact

Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP55 W Monroe St Ste 990Chicago, IL, 60603-5143

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
October 5, 2019

Leah did an excellent job for me. She and her team helped me wisely navigate a very difficult and complex situation. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
September 2, 2019

It’s easy finding a divorce lawyer. They are all over the internet. But finding a good divorce lawyer? Not so easy. Once divorce becomes the logical solution, finding the proper family attorney is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions to be made. A good one becomes more than a lawyer. A good family attorney can, and in many cases will, become more than your advocate. They are the foundational expert in legal matters—family and financial—that will lay the groundwork for the post-divorce landscape. They can become your defender, confidant and, at times, even a part time amateur therapist. Given all of that responsibility, finding a skilled and conscientious divorce lawyer that a client can trust is of paramount importance. Without reservation I can say that Leah Griffin is an outstanding family attorney that provides the assurance and confidence that is required. She ticks all the boxes listed for proficiency and professionalism. I hired Leah to represent me in my divorce in 2018. My divorce was an extraordinarily difficult and complex process with many personal and financial angles to measure, manage and negotiate. The set of circumstances involved children, property and a very large estate with multiple trusts and investments to consider and maneuver through and around. Once Leah was presented with all of the details of this highly complex situation, she was able to synthesize the information and, ultimately, present to me a set of potential options with their likely outcomes. She made sure that I understood what the implications were for each decision that I had to make regarding my children as well as my financial future with its inherent responsibilities. Her extensive experience in situations similar to mine provided her with the proper context to assist me in finding a solution that would set the roadmap for my post-divorce life and that of my children. One of her attributes that I found most comprehensive was her ability to size up the desires and demands of the other side. It is understood that each side in a divorce is looking to maximize their position financially and personally—especially when children are involved. In my case, Leah listened carefully to the other side to find the common ground. Her preparation for negotiations was superb. She sized up the motives and inclinations of my ex-wife and her counsel and adapted and used that to protect and support not only my interests, but that of my children as well. Make no mistake. Leah was firm and unforgiving in negotiations. She was not going to put me at a disadvantage. I imagine every divorce has its own peculiarities and landmines to avoid. It is an intensely personal experience that requires sensitivity as well as top level awareness skills on behalf of the professionals. Leah Griffin understands that well. I cannot give her a higher recommendation.

Matt
August 7, 2019

Cecilia (Leah) Griffin represented me in a highly volatile divorce process. If you want a lawyer who is tough, empathetic, listens well, is competitive and honest, then I'd highly recommend that you have Leah on your team.

ASR
August 5, 2019

Cecilia “Leah” Hynes Griffin represented me in a dissolution matter over a period of two years. She was incredibly well prepared for meetings and court matters, as well as during the mediation process. Leah was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate.

Tina
August 13, 2014

Upon my initial consultation with Cecilia Hynes Griffin her knowledge, compassion, honesty, conscientiousness, and gracious professionalism shined through immediately. Going through the divorce process with the realization that such a caring, highly qualified individual was representing me helped me tremendously through a very difficult time. Cecilia went Above and Beyond which took away my worry and replaced it with Confidence. Cecilia is a blessing. I do not know what I would have done without her.

anonymous
June 2, 2014

Leah and her team were very helpful through a very tough time. I always felt they kept my best interests in mind and were knowledgeable and responsive throughout the process. Leah kept my needs at the forefront. I felt I had a friend in Leah at the end of the process and would definitely consider using her again if necessary.

Lisa
May 29, 2014

Cecilia Griffin was recommended to me when I was seeking representation for my divorce. From the onset, she represented me with her vast legal knowledge and strategy; however, it was her commitment to me as a person that I feel makes her an exemplary attorney. She was committed to understanding my short and long term- goals through the process and for my life. She listened, validated and communicated in a favorable way that made this most difficult transition easier; every step of the way she outlined what was happening and why and always asked for my input or for questions. I felt heard, validated and very much advocated for. She was timely, compassionate and extremely professional and knowledgeable. It was a privilege to have her represent me and I wish anyone going through this the opportunity to have such outstanding counsel. I highly recommend Cecilia.

Elizabeth
May 26, 2014

Cecelia Griffin is an extremely professional, ethical and well-respected attorney. She believes in settling cases fairly and collaboratively, yet, she is determined to defend the rights of her clients. She is knowledgeable in her field and is exceptional at being attentive to her client’s rights, concerns and even their emotions. Cecelia Griffin gave me the guidance, the strength and the courage to get through a very difficult and unexpected time in my life. She was caring, compassionate and truly had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Cecelia Griffin!

JSM
May 22, 2014

Ms. Cecilia Hynes Griffin has represented me over the course of 11 years. She is smart, professional, compassionate and provides high level legal advice. She is well respected by the court and is known for her integrity. In my situation, she guided me through decisions that were in the best interests of my children. It takes an experienced lawyer to work through what is best for their client and also their children. These matters are not so black and white. I respect Ms. Cecilia Hynes Griffin and hold her in the highest regard. She worked on my behalf during the darkest period of my life. She will not run up legal expenses and always sets expectations so there are no surprises. Most importantly, she is ethical and this differentiates her from the rest of the attorneys in this arena.

anonymous
May 21, 2014

Through a difficult time in life, Cecilia provided excellent counsel and advice.

anonymous
October 5, 2019

Leah did an excellent job for me. She and her team helped me wisely navigate a very difficult and complex situation. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
September 2, 2019

It’s easy finding a divorce lawyer. They are all over the internet. But finding a good divorce lawyer? Not so easy. Once divorce becomes the logical solution, finding the proper family attorney is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions to be made. A good one becomes more than a lawyer. A good family attorney can, and in many cases will, become more than your advocate. They are the foundational expert in legal matters—family and financial—that will lay the groundwork for the post-divorce landscape. They can become your defender, confidant and, at times, even a part time amateur therapist. Given all of that responsibility, finding a skilled and conscientious divorce lawyer that a client can trust is of paramount importance. Without reservation I can say that Leah Griffin is an outstanding family attorney that provides the assurance and confidence that is required. She ticks all the boxes listed for proficiency and professionalism. I hired Leah to represent me in my divorce in 2018. My divorce was an extraordinarily difficult and complex process with many personal and financial angles to measure, manage and negotiate. The set of circumstances involved children, property and a very large estate with multiple trusts and investments to consider and maneuver through and around. Once Leah was presented with all of the details of this highly complex situation, she was able to synthesize the information and, ultimately, present to me a set of potential options with their likely outcomes. She made sure that I understood what the implications were for each decision that I had to make regarding my children as well as my financial future with its inherent responsibilities. Her extensive experience in situations similar to mine provided her with the proper context to assist me in finding a solution that would set the roadmap for my post-divorce life and that of my children. One of her attributes that I found most comprehensive was her ability to size up the desires and demands of the other side. It is understood that each side in a divorce is looking to maximize their position financially and personally—especially when children are involved. In my case, Leah listened carefully to the other side to find the common ground. Her preparation for negotiations was superb. She sized up the motives and inclinations of my ex-wife and her counsel and adapted and used that to protect and support not only my interests, but that of my children as well. Make no mistake. Leah was firm and unforgiving in negotiations. She was not going to put me at a disadvantage. I imagine every divorce has its own peculiarities and landmines to avoid. It is an intensely personal experience that requires sensitivity as well as top level awareness skills on behalf of the professionals. Leah Griffin understands that well. I cannot give her a higher recommendation.

Matt
August 7, 2019

Cecilia (Leah) Griffin represented me in a highly volatile divorce process. If you want a lawyer who is tough, empathetic, listens well, is competitive and honest, then I'd highly recommend that you have Leah on your team.

ASR
August 5, 2019

Cecilia “Leah” Hynes Griffin represented me in a dissolution matter over a period of two years. She was incredibly well prepared for meetings and court matters, as well as during the mediation process. Leah was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate.

Tina
August 13, 2014

Upon my initial consultation with Cecilia Hynes Griffin her knowledge, compassion, honesty, conscientiousness, and gracious professionalism shined through immediately. Going through the divorce process with the realization that such a caring, highly qualified individual was representing me helped me tremendously through a very difficult time. Cecilia went Above and Beyond which took away my worry and replaced it with Confidence. Cecilia is a blessing. I do not know what I would have done without her.

anonymous
June 2, 2014

Leah and her team were very helpful through a very tough time. I always felt they kept my best interests in mind and were knowledgeable and responsive throughout the process. Leah kept my needs at the forefront. I felt I had a friend in Leah at the end of the process and would definitely consider using her again if necessary.

Lisa
May 29, 2014

Cecilia Griffin was recommended to me when I was seeking representation for my divorce. From the onset, she represented me with her vast legal knowledge and strategy; however, it was her commitment to me as a person that I feel makes her an exemplary attorney. She was committed to understanding my short and long term- goals through the process and for my life. She listened, validated and communicated in a favorable way that made this most difficult transition easier; every step of the way she outlined what was happening and why and always asked for my input or for questions. I felt heard, validated and very much advocated for. She was timely, compassionate and extremely professional and knowledgeable. It was a privilege to have her represent me and I wish anyone going through this the opportunity to have such outstanding counsel. I highly recommend Cecilia.

Elizabeth
May 26, 2014

Cecelia Griffin is an extremely professional, ethical and well-respected attorney. She believes in settling cases fairly and collaboratively, yet, she is determined to defend the rights of her clients. She is knowledgeable in her field and is exceptional at being attentive to her client’s rights, concerns and even their emotions. Cecelia Griffin gave me the guidance, the strength and the courage to get through a very difficult and unexpected time in my life. She was caring, compassionate and truly had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Cecelia Griffin!

JSM
May 22, 2014

Ms. Cecilia Hynes Griffin has represented me over the course of 11 years. She is smart, professional, compassionate and provides high level legal advice. She is well respected by the court and is known for her integrity. In my situation, she guided me through decisions that were in the best interests of my children. It takes an experienced lawyer to work through what is best for their client and also their children. These matters are not so black and white. I respect Ms. Cecilia Hynes Griffin and hold her in the highest regard. She worked on my behalf during the darkest period of my life. She will not run up legal expenses and always sets expectations so there are no surprises. Most importantly, she is ethical and this differentiates her from the rest of the attorneys in this arena.

anonymous
May 21, 2014

Through a difficult time in life, Cecilia provided excellent counsel and advice.

anonymous
October 5, 2019

Leah did an excellent job for me. She and her team helped me wisely navigate a very difficult and complex situation. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
September 2, 2019

It’s easy finding a divorce lawyer. They are all over the internet. But finding a good divorce lawyer? Not so easy. Once divorce becomes the logical solution, finding the proper family attorney is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions to be made. A good one becomes more than a lawyer. A good family attorney can, and in many cases will, become more than your advocate. They are the foundational expert in legal matters—family and financial—that will lay the groundwork for the post-divorce landscape. They can become your defender, confidant and, at times, even a part time amateur therapist. Given all of that responsibility, finding a skilled and conscientious divorce lawyer that a client can trust is of paramount importance. Without reservation I can say that Leah Griffin is an outstanding family attorney that provides the assurance and confidence that is required. She ticks all the boxes listed for proficiency and professionalism. I hired Leah to represent me in my divorce in 2018. My divorce was an extraordinarily difficult and complex process with many personal and financial angles to measure, manage and negotiate. The set of circumstances involved children, property and a very large estate with multiple trusts and investments to consider and maneuver through and around. Once Leah was presented with all of the details of this highly complex situation, she was able to synthesize the information and, ultimately, present to me a set of potential options with their likely outcomes. She made sure that I understood what the implications were for each decision that I had to make regarding my children as well as my financial future with its inherent responsibilities. Her extensive experience in situations similar to mine provided her with the proper context to assist me in finding a solution that would set the roadmap for my post-divorce life and that of my children. One of her attributes that I found most comprehensive was her ability to size up the desires and demands of the other side. It is understood that each side in a divorce is looking to maximize their position financially and personally—especially when children are involved. In my case, Leah listened carefully to the other side to find the common ground. Her preparation for negotiations was superb. She sized up the motives and inclinations of my ex-wife and her counsel and adapted and used that to protect and support not only my interests, but that of my children as well. Make no mistake. Leah was firm and unforgiving in negotiations. She was not going to put me at a disadvantage. I imagine every divorce has its own peculiarities and landmines to avoid. It is an intensely personal experience that requires sensitivity as well as top level awareness skills on behalf of the professionals. Leah Griffin understands that well. I cannot give her a higher recommendation.

Matt
August 7, 2019

Cecilia (Leah) Griffin represented me in a highly volatile divorce process. If you want a lawyer who is tough, empathetic, listens well, is competitive and honest, then I'd highly recommend that you have Leah on your team.

ASR
August 5, 2019

Cecilia “Leah” Hynes Griffin represented me in a dissolution matter over a period of two years. She was incredibly well prepared for meetings and court matters, as well as during the mediation process. Leah was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate.

Tina
August 13, 2014

Upon my initial consultation with Cecilia Hynes Griffin her knowledge, compassion, honesty, conscientiousness, and gracious professionalism shined through immediately. Going through the divorce process with the realization that such a caring, highly qualified individual was representing me helped me tremendously through a very difficult time. Cecilia went Above and Beyond which took away my worry and replaced it with Confidence. Cecilia is a blessing. I do not know what I would have done without her.

anonymous
June 2, 2014

Leah and her team were very helpful through a very tough time. I always felt they kept my best interests in mind and were knowledgeable and responsive throughout the process. Leah kept my needs at the forefront. I felt I had a friend in Leah at the end of the process and would definitely consider using her again if necessary.

Lisa
May 29, 2014

Cecilia Griffin was recommended to me when I was seeking representation for my divorce. From the onset, she represented me with her vast legal knowledge and strategy; however, it was her commitment to me as a person that I feel makes her an exemplary attorney. She was committed to understanding my short and long term- goals through the process and for my life. She listened, validated and communicated in a favorable way that made this most difficult transition easier; every step of the way she outlined what was happening and why and always asked for my input or for questions. I felt heard, validated and very much advocated for. She was timely, compassionate and extremely professional and knowledgeable. It was a privilege to have her represent me and I wish anyone going through this the opportunity to have such outstanding counsel. I highly recommend Cecilia.

Elizabeth
May 26, 2014

Cecelia Griffin is an extremely professional, ethical and well-respected attorney. She believes in settling cases fairly and collaboratively, yet, she is determined to defend the rights of her clients. She is knowledgeable in her field and is exceptional at being attentive to her client’s rights, concerns and even their emotions. Cecelia Griffin gave me the guidance, the strength and the courage to get through a very difficult and unexpected time in my life. She was caring, compassionate and truly had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Cecelia Griffin!

JSM
May 22, 2014

Ms. Cecilia Hynes Griffin has represented me over the course of 11 years. She is smart, professional, compassionate and provides high level legal advice. She is well respected by the court and is known for her integrity. In my situation, she guided me through decisions that were in the best interests of my children. It takes an experienced lawyer to work through what is best for their client and also their children. These matters are not so black and white. I respect Ms. Cecilia Hynes Griffin and hold her in the highest regard. She worked on my behalf during the darkest period of my life. She will not run up legal expenses and always sets expectations so there are no surprises. Most importantly, she is ethical and this differentiates her from the rest of the attorneys in this arena.

anonymous
May 21, 2014

Through a difficult time in life, Cecilia provided excellent counsel and advice.