Elizabeth Wakeman's journey traces back to her upbringing in
Inverness, Illinois. Her father, a distinguished World War II Army veteran,
Harvard Law School graduate, and an esteemed Republican Cook County Circuit
Court Judge for two decades, instilled in her a deep respect for government,
business, and community service. Meanwhile, her mother, who served as Ted
Kennedy's personal executive assistant during his senate campaign and
throughout his tenure, balanced a remarkable career in real estate in
Inverness.
From a young age, Elizabeth, or Liz, as she's commonly
known, and her siblings were imbued with a strong work ethic, often tasked with
chores ranging from pulling weeds to babysitting clients' children, ensuring
top-notch service in their family's real estate endeavors.
This early exposure to service and diligence laid the
foundation for Liz's future endeavors. After relocating to Lake in the Hills in
McHenry County, Illinois in 1994 with her husband and son, Liz delved into a
journey of continuous education and professional growth.
Her educational pursuits included a myriad of continuing
education courses, encompassing diverse areas such as mediation, collaborative
law, and legal topics like brewery and distillery law. Liz's commitment to
ongoing learning reflects her dedication to providing comprehensive and
informed service to her clients.
Throughout her career, Liz has not only honed her legal
skills but also shared her knowledge through seminars and instructional roles.
From guiding divorce recovery groups to educating medical practitioners on
legal nuances, Liz has been a prominent figure in legal education and advocacy.
Liz's professional trajectory began at Unocal 76, where she
gained insights into accounting and marketing, excelling in regional sales
while navigating the intricacies of insurance defense litigation at Williams
& Montgomery in Chicago. Her journey led her through various firms, each
enriching her experience in insurance defense, medical malpractice, and personal
injury law.
Her tenure at O'Hagan, Smith & Amundsen/SmithAmundsen in
the Woodstock office saw her handling complex insurance defense claims while
also expanding her practice into family law and plaintiff representation.
Notably, Liz secured significant victories in landmark cases, shaping legal
precedents and championing her clients' rights.
Beyond her legal career, Liz is deeply engaged in her
community, volunteering her time across a spectrum of organizations and
initiatives. From serving as a mediator for small claims cases to her
involvement in numerous professional and civic organizations, Liz's commitment
to service is evident in every facet of her life.
Today, as a respected figure in the legal community, Liz
continues to exemplify the values instilled in her upbringing—integrity,
diligence, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. Whether in the
courtroom, the boardroom, or the community, Liz stands as a beacon of
professionalism and service, leaving an indelible mark on all she touches.