Profiles of Downs Law's Attorneys and Staff

• Robert K. Downs, Partner
• Cristen E. Meadows, Associate Attorney
• Wayne Jarvis, Of Counsel

Education: Grinnell College (B.S., 1956); Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 1965); Justice, Chicago Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity; Recipient: Grinnell College Distinguished Alumni Award, 1998; American Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award, 1995; Designated: Illinois Super Lawyer; Member: Illinois State Bar Association (President, 2005-2006); Member Board of Governors, 1992-2002; Chair. Family Law Section Council (1996-1997), Chicago Bar Association, Member and Chair, Matrimonial Law Committee (1997-1998); American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, (Board of Managers, Illinois Chapter 1995-2000); The Justinian Society of Lawyers, DuPage County and West Suburban Bar Associations; American Bar Association, (House of Delegates, 2004-2007); National Conference of Bar Presidents (Membership Committee, 2005 to present). State Representative, 79th Illinois General Assembly.

"The most common remark made to a divorce attorney by others is – "How can you stand to put up with all of the emotional sometimes angry grief of clients going through divorce?" I would hope that everybody would reply as I do."

"While there is much to cause anxiety about how the system works, a good family law attorney understands that their client is going through a very difficult time – perhaps the worst ever. The lawyer's challenge is to lead the client through and out of the mess with honest, sensible advice, understanding and vigorous advocacy. Our team brings multiple strengths, as appropriate to restore our client's life (and sanity)."

Education: University of Dayton (B.A., 2004, summa cum laude, Dr. Edward A. Huth Silver Anniversary Award of Excellence), Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D. 2008, Managing Editor of Access to Justice, Public Interest certificate, Chicago-Kent Certificate of Service); Member: Illinois State Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Young Lawyers Division and Immigration and International Law Section Counsel.

"I was drawn to family law because I wanted to work with people who need help getting through tough times in their lives. Through my experience at Downs Law Offices I have had the opportunity to work directly with clients. It is important to be compassionate, straight-forward, and responsive to clients. I have also enjoyed being a part of a true team at Downs Law Offices, where I can jump in and assist any attorney or staff member who needs help. The attorneys have instilled a belief in me that the most effective approach is to be cooperative yet firm in protecting a client's interests."

Education: Northern Illinois University (B.S., 1969); Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., 1973); studies and clinical work in Child and Family Law, Loyola University Chicago, 2002-2005; Member: Illinois State Bar Association.

Profile: tough, aggressive, precise, creative, a conservative risk-taker. Personal Statement: "Having personally experienced divorce, I have great empathy for my clients. Divorce is normally a painful, stressful, and arduous process. Although winning is paramount, it is best to maintain a firm resolve, let go of the past, focus on the future and conclude matters as quickly as possible. The principal battlegrounds of a divorce are children, money and the children must always come first. The concept of a ‘friendly divorce' is largely an illusion. Every client is special and every case is unique. Our responsibility is to achieve a successful outcome and help people get on with their lives."