Joy M. Feinberg is a fierce and focused advocate for individuals of wealth who are contemplating or in the midst of divorce. Joy recognizes the struggle her clients experience prior to initiating and throughout the divorce process. Forming a close bond with her clients to understand and empower them is how she develops a winning strategy to achieve your goals and the best possible results for each individual. As she says, “I never forget that we are reconstituting a family that will remain long after the divorce lawyers are gone.” For many reasons, Joy prefers to resolve cases amicably and with decency. However, should those attempts fail, she relies on her trial prowess to successfully finalize the case.
For decades, Joy has honed her knowledge and professional skill-sets to understand and explain tax-driven financial solutions; executive compensation; perquisites of the “C” suite, high level executives and business owners she represents. Most important is crafting workable and effective parenting plans for the future and protecting the children’s ability to interact with their parents and extended family. “I so enjoy my clients who are creative, intelligent and carry profound wisdom that they share with me. Chicago is a city of entrepreneurs and talents beyond compare.”
Ms. Feinberg has led every local organization devoted to family law along with supporting Family Law national and international associations. She is highly respected by her peers for her professional acumen, integrity and humanity. She has been selected to the prestigious ACFTL – a national group of 100 of the best family trial lawyers in the USA. She is often sought as an expert witness, speaker and author. These engagements allow Joy to share her understanding of the law in a discernible manner where she clarifies complex topics so often immersed in divorce: taxation, business valuation; pensions and executive compensation and the psychology of individuals and family system in place. Joy is most proud of developing Women Empowering Women (WEW), a program to train female divorce lawyers on the vast array of financial knowledge required of sophisticated divorce practitioners. Many attorneys, male and female, will tell you that Joy served as one of their mentors.
Joy and her husband, Greg, a pension, executive compensation and ESOP lawyer enjoy traveling the world. When asked if she travelled to buy art or bought art when travelling, Joy’s response was “YES”!
Education & Publication
Expertise
Joy’s sweet spot is representing business owners, people of wealth and high achieving professionals as she intuitively understands business and the interplay of psychology in the family dynamic. She uses these talents in the complexities of parenting issues and brings her keen insight to bear in a focused examination of family interests.
Education
- Certified in Mediation, 1983
- Harvard Negotiations Institute, 2008
- DePaul College of Law, J.D.
- University of Illinois, B.A.
Admissions
- 1977, Illinois
- 1983, Northern District of Illinois, Federal Court
- 2020, Central District of Illinois, Federal Court
- 2001, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
Speaking
- AAML/BVR Conference in Las Vegas, Creative Settlements and Reaching for the Golden Ring, September 19, 2022 2:40PM – 3:40PM
Joy Feinberg, Joseph EstabrookYou’ve gotten the balance sheet set. You know where you are apart. How do you get from your position to settlement? Joy Feinberg and Joseph Estabrook will discuss creative, dynamic, and persuasive models and methods to achieve resolutions. These are techniques we have used over the years. Consider with us the following:- Dynamic Excel models
- Present value calculations
- Using tax calculations to your advantage
- Formulating percentage constructs
- If, as, and when recipes
- Monte Carlo scenarios
- Investment rate return on investible assets
- Creatively moving to Gen No. 2
- Financing to make a deal work
- Charitable solutions
- Resources in academia to keep the business vital and stem the blood flow from internecine warfare
These methodologies will make you a better presenter/lawyer and achieve more for your clients. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to elevate your practice to the highest levels.
- I’m speaking in Chicago for the AAML Illinois Chapter on October 10, 2022 about using the Monte Carlo method to analyze and achieve settlements.
Professional Memberships
- ABA Family Law Section, Advocate Editorial Board, 1998 – Present
- Elected to the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, 2019
- USA Chapter, International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, President, 2014-2016
- Forensic Forum, President, 2006
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Foundation, President, 1997
- AAML, Illinois Chapter, President, 1995-1996
- ISBA, Family Law Section, Chair, 1994-1995
- Mediation Council of Illinois, President, 1984
Honors and Awards
- American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL), 1 of 100 in the US
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 Family Law
- Selected to Super Lawyers, 2006-2022; Illinois Top 50 Women
- AAML Fellow of the Year (twice)
- Samuel S. Berger Award
- Michael Cohen Award
Community Involvement
- Actively attends plays at Shakespeare Theatre; Goodman Theater; Steppenwolf Theater
- Actively attends and supports the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Articles and Publications
- Expert Witness in Custody Cases, IICLE: 1990 – 2018
- Illinois Custody/Parenting Time, Rights and Responsibilities, IICLE: 1988-2018
- So You’re Getting Divorced: What to Expect and How to Proceed, Family Law Advocate, Summer 2019 (42:1) at 4-6 by the American Bar Association
- Taxation in Family Law, ISBA Family Law