Karen Conti
Attorney
(312) 332-7800
For more than 32 years, Karen Conti has been a dynamic and influential attorney in the local and national legal community. Karen has intensive and diverse trial experience from the Circuit Court of Cook County to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the same time, Karen has exceptional negotiation skills which allow her to quickly and creatively settle matters with the least possible expenditure of time and money. She is formally trained and certified as a mediator and in collaborative law. Karen’s handling of numerous high-profile cases has created her reputation for fierce advocacy among judges and other lawyers.
Karen now concentrates much of her practice in family law, where she has gained prominence among her peers and the bench. She was appointed by Illinois House Speaker to assist in redrafting the new family laws that took effect in Illinois in 2016. She was solely responsible for the statute regarding grounds for divorce, which modernizes and streamlines the dissolution of a marriage. Karen was a keynote speaker at the Family Rights Rally at the Lincoln Monument in Washington, D.C. on the issue of child custody and parental alienation. As a former partner with the prestigious family law firm of Beermann LLP, she handled cases from the highest net worth clients to simple matters of dissolution of marriage and entertainment. She has represented sports celebrities, politicians, police officers, teachers, artists and stay-at-home mothers.
Karen further distinguishes herself from other lawyers because she is in constant contact with her clients. She and the client discuss goals and devise a game plan. This gives the case direction and allows Karen to prepare aggressively for hearings and arguments, achieving the very best results.
Some of Karen’s other accomplishments include:
- Member of the Illinois, California, and U.S. Supreme Court bars
- Handled a successful appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court in a nationally-followed election dispute
- Represented a convicted serial killer in his death row appeals
- Adjunct Professor of Law at University of Illinois (15 years) and DePaul University (7 years)
- Taught and lectured at Stanford University and American University in Washington, D.C.
- Won a million dollar plus jury verdict against a nationally-prominent home builder
- 40 under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch by Chicago Lawyer Magazine
- One of the 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago by Today’s Chicago Woman
- Outstanding Alumni of the Year, Distinguished Graduate Award at University of Illinois College of Law
- Leading Lawyer, part of a network of elite lawyers in the State
- Recipient of the Impresa Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
For over 23 years, Karen has been a part of the local and national media. Her name recognition lends her instant credibility and authority wherever she practices. Among Karen’s vast media experience:
- CNN: Regular legal commentator for over 10 years
- Fox Chicago, Legal Analyst on local Fox affiliate, giving weekly commentary on diverse issues such as family law, business matters, criminal cases, and appellate decisions.
- Regular appearances on MSNBC, Fox News, The O’Reilly Factor, truTV, and other media venues
- Over 20 years of experience in hosting and producing radio talk shows including “Chicago Law” on WJJD, “Legally Speaking” on WGN Radio in Chicago
- Currently host of “The Karen Conti Show” on WGN Radio
- Columnist for Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
- Winner of numerous awards for radio broadcast including Achievement in Radio for Best Public Affairs and a Kogan Award
- 2010 Chicago’s Most Fit Lawyer.
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Brenda Wapner
Attorney
(312) 332-7800
Brenda has dedicated her career to representing clients in all areas of family law. Since she became a member of the Illinois Bar, Brenda has focused her practice primarily in divorce, child custody, visitation, orders of protection, DCFS cases, child support, maintenance and complex property division. Prior to joining ContiLaw, Brenda was an associate attorney for four years at a well-established Chicago-based family law firm where she represented over 200 clients. Brenda received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago and her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, where she was a member of the Dean’s List. During law school Brenda was an intern at the Center for Disability and Elder Law and following her completion at Loyola University Chicago, received a Loyola Public Interest Fellowship with that organization.
Kara Nally
Attorney
(312) 332-7800
Kara has been an attorney for more than a decade. Kara is an experienced trial lawyer and focuses her practice primarily on divorce, custody and visitation, maintenance, financial and property division, and post-decree issues. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law.
Kara serves on the Associate Board for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, the Project Support Committee for Girls on the Run Chicago, and as the Programming Co-Chair for the Chicago Bar Association’s Alliance for Women.
Kara is an avid runner and sports fan.
Samantha Zullo
Attorney
(312) 332-7800
Samantha has dedicated her legal career to the practice of family law. She handles all aspects of divorce: parenting issues, child support, maintenance, property division, and civil orders of protection. Previously, Samantha worked as a law clerk at another prominent Chicago family law firm and for the Office of the Public Guardian in the Domestic Relations Division. Samantha received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago, where she graduated cum laude. During law school Samantha focused her studies primarily in family law courses, earning her a certificate in family law upon graduation. While at DePaul, Samantha worked as a research assistant for Professor John Decker and was credited in the publication of the sixth edition of Illinois Criminal Law: A Survey of Crimes and Defenses.
Samantha is a lifelong resident of the Chicago area and has competed as a figure skater.
Zaneta Brzezinski
Paralegal
(312) 332-7800
Zaneta is a seasoned paralegal and legal assistant. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business Administration and has devoted her career to assisting lawyers in representing clients in family and business law matters. Her attention to detail, maturity, and compassion for clients sets her apart from other legal professionals. Her understanding of business issues allows her to facilitate the organization and synthesis of complicated financial documents which are used in the litigation process.
Zaneta is fluent in Polish and proficient in Spanish.