Thank you for visiting the Law Office of Jennifer Y. Wu’s website!
My Professional Experience
I have 20 years of experience advocating for my clients. I began my legal career in the Office of the State Appellate Defender in 2002, where I filed numerous appellate court briefs on a multitude of criminal law and constitutional issues. I also served as an assistant attorney general under Lisa Madigan where I represented the Illinois Department of Labor and prosecuted violations of Illinois labor laws. I also represented a number of state agencies against claims of employment discrimination. I represented state agencies in guardianship matters and hearings before the Civil Service Commission and Illinois State Police Merit Board.
In 2006, I joined the Chicago Board of Education as an assistant general counsel. I defended the Board and its agents against claims of employment discrimination in federal court and before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Chicago Commission on Human Rights. I also represented the CEO in administrative matters before the Illinois State Board of Education and in state court relating to teacher dismissals. I represented the Board and its agents in federal court in matters arising under the First and Fourth Amendments (i.e., free speech and excessive force). I handled all aspects of litigation, and have argued before the Illinois Appellate Court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
After I decided to stay home with my children, I had a lot of time on my hands to think about my career and how to balance it with my family life. In my search to feel “relevant” in my field, I came across an organization providing pro bono legal services. In its inception, Pro Bono Network was a group of women lawyers who were home with their children. These women knew that there was a definite need for legal services and that they had the legal skills to meet that need. PBN provided a workable model for me to provide legal services to those in need. My first foray into pro bono legal services came in the form of the Social Security disability project. I provided assistance to clients whose applications for disability have been denied by the Social Security Administration. As time went on and my flexibility increased, I was able to participate in other projects, assisting clients in estate planning, immigration, and guardianship matters. Despite the varying practice areas, I was able to use my extensive litigation skills to provide efficient yet thorough representation to my clients.
I currently am the project manager for PBN’s Guardianship Litigation Project, which partners with the Legal Council for Health Justice to provide assistance in obtaining guardianship of disabled young adults. I also volunteer with CVLS’s Probate Court Assistance Program (PCAP) to help low-income individuals obtain closure through the probate process.
My Philosophy
I have spent my entire legal career in public service. I strongly believe that everyone should have access to affordable and quality legal services. I have started my own practice in this spirit. I want to provide top-notch legal services at an affordable and reasonable price.
As a mother of two young children, I understand the stresses of family life. I know there is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done. I also understand the importance of protecting your family from whatever life may bring. I am willing to work with your family’s budget and time constraints. I want you to understand the documents you sign and am willing to spend the time to talk through your goals and review and explain these documents to you. Give me a call at (847) 999-0303 to let me know how I can help you!
About Me
I am originally from Philadelphia (cheesesteak, please!) and went to college at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In 1999, I moved to Chicago to attend the John Marshall Law School. I enjoy mud racing and hiking with my family and have two new hobbies: geocaching and orienteering. If you don’t know what either of those are, ask me!
