About Us

Education
J.D., with distinction, The University of Iowa College of Law, 2004

B.A., summa cum laude, Illinois State University, 2001

Admissions
Illinois, 2004

Practice Areas
Divorce
Parentage
Child Support
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (formally child custody)
Adoption
Mediation

Memberships
Chicago Bar Association

Member, Family Law Section Council, Illinois State Bar Association

Past Chair and Member, Adoption Law, Chicago Bar Association

Secretary and Past Chair, Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Illinois State Bar Association

Executive Board, Attorneys Advisory Board Program, Illinois State University

Member, Domestic Relations Committee, Chicago Bar Association

Member, Women's Bar Association of Illinois

Past Member, Women's Bar Association of Illinois, Judicial Evaluations Committee

Fellow, Illinois Bar Foundation

Member, Association of Conflict Resolution-Chicago Chapter

Member, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago

Member, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois

Member, Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago

Member, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Member, Association of Conflict Resolution-Chicago Chapter

Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

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Featured Videos

View more at our Youtube channel.

Rachael N. Toft

Rachael offers effective representation in all areas of family law with a focus on divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly child custody), paternity, adoptions and mediation. She works with same-sex couples in allocation of parental responsibility cases. She acts not only as a litigator, but also a negotiator and mediator when necessary.

She offers a unique insight into family law issues from her personal experience with adopted siblings and trial experience as an Assistant State's Attorney handling juvenile abuse and neglect cases. Rachael routinely handles hearings and trials on child support, visitation, and enforcement. She has represented clients in marriage dissolution proceedings, child support, child custody (now allocation of parental responsibility cases), and visitation proceedings.

Rachael is accessible and responsive to client's needs in what may be the most difficult emotional time in his or her life. She offers efficient and well-prepared representation, and is an effective advocate for clients. Her accessibility is evidenced by providing her cell phone number to all clients.

Speaking Engagements

  • "The Attorney's Role in Adoption and Ethical Considerations," DePaul University College of Law, Guest Lecturer, November 2017
  • "LGBTQ Family Building Panel Discussion," MB Financial Bank, Presenter, November 2015
  • "Ethics Case Law," Chicago Bar Association, Adoption Law Committee, Presenter, May 2015
  • "Going out on Your Own? Hear From Women Who Have Succeeded," Chicago Bar Association, Alliance for Women Committee, Panelist, March 2013
  • "Building Your Family Fortress, Guardianship and the Second Parent Adoption," Chicago Women's Health Center, August 2012
  • "The New Civil Unions Act," Illinois Law Cable TV Program, Panelist, 2011
  • "Adoption 2011-New Rules, Regulations & Practice Procedures," Chicago Bar Association, Adoption Law Committee, Moderator, February 2011
  • "LGBT Marriage and Family Law Issues," Illinois Law Cable TV Program, Panelist, 2010
  • "Contrast of Adoption and Guardianship Law," Chicago Bar Association, Probate Committee, Speaker, February 2010
  • "Adoption of Foreign Born Children," Chicago Bar Association, Adoption Law Committee, Moderator, February 2010
  • "Creating Safe, Permanent Homes for Children," Illinois Law Cable TV Program, 2009
  • "The Child Custody Kit: Navigating Your Custody Trial," Chicago Bar Association, Domestic Relations Committee, Moderator, February 2009
  • "Adoption 101: The Basics," Chicago Bar Association, Adoption Law Committee, Moderator, February 2009
  • "Please Doc, May I Have Some Sperm? Non-Spousal Requests for Posthumous Sperm Harvesting," Chicago Bar Association, Panelist, June 2009

Publications

Women's Bar Association, of Illinois, Spring 2017 Newsletter, "A Big Change is Coming to Child Support Calculations."

Honors & Certifications

Illinois SuperLawyers, 2019-2021

Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers, 2010, 2012-2018

Emerging Lawyer in Adoption & Reproductive Technology & Family Law, Leading Lawyers, 2015-2020

Parenting Coordinator Training

Certificate in Collaborative Law Practice

Certificate in Divorce Mediation

Volunteer & Pro Bono

President, Friends of Ogden Board of Directors, 501(c)(3)Practice

President, Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Board of DirectorsPractice

Co-Chair, Women Everywhere: Partners in ServicePractice

Volunteer Attorney, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services