Philippine Independence Day commemorates the courage of a nation to chart its own future. In this special reflection, Attorney Janice A. Dantes shares how her Filipino heritage inspires her appreciation for freedom, resilience, and the power of new beginnings—values that often guide individuals and families through life’s most significant transitions.
The passing of Judge Carole Bellows marks the loss of a true pioneer in the Cook County legal community. Her decades of service, groundbreaking leadership, and lasting impact on the legal profession helped shape generations of attorneys throughout Cook County and beyond.
Piyesta Pinoy is more than just a festival—it’s a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, heritage, and community. This year’s event is especially meaningful as it also marks Philippine Independence Day, bringing together tradition, pride, and joyful celebration in one unforgettable gathering. Join us for a day filled with authentic Filipino food, cultural performances, local vendors,…
A court order is not just a piece of paper—it is a legally binding directive issued by a judge that must be followed by all parties involved. Whether it arises in the middle of a case as a temporary order or at the end as a final judgment, a court order clearly outlines what a…
In many Filipino households, family is everything. Values like unity, respect, and sacrifice are deeply ingrained, often making separation feel like more than just a personal decision—it becomes a cultural burden. For many connected to the Philippines, ending a marriage can feel like a failure not only to themselves, but to their entire family. Cultural…
On March 6, 2026, I had the honor of attending the inspiring event, “80 for 80: 80 Filipino-American Women Leaders over the Past 80 Years of Philippine–USA Diplomatic Friendship.” This meaningful celebration highlighted the remarkable contributions of Filipino-American women who have helped shape our communities, strengthen cultural ties, and foster lasting connections between the Philippines…
We had a wonderful time at the 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration hosted by the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) last February 28, 2026 at the Marriott Hotel! The evening was filled with vibrant and colorful decorations symbolizing the Lunar New Year—red and gold everywhere, representing prosperity, joy, and new beginnings. I attended…
Every March, we celebrate Women’s Month—a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and impact of women in every field, every community, and every generation. It is a moment to reflect on progress, acknowledge challenges that still exist, and recommit ourselves to creating spaces where women can lead, thrive, and be heard. Women’s Month traces its…
When people think about divorce litigation, they often imagine dramatic courtroom scenes, emotional testimony, and a judge making life-changing decisions. While emotions absolutely run high, many divorce cases come down to something much more practical: dividing assets. Let me explain it in a simple way — using shoes. Imagine you and your spouse own several…
I consider myself the “My Cousin Vinny” of my family. Despite an undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and a law degree from DePaul College of Law, the economic crisis that began in 2008 hurt job prospects for many aspiring lawyers like myself. Further, as a first generation law student and the only lawyer…