Jaclyn R. DeSana

Jaclyn R. DeSana

Merel Family Law | Law Offices of Jonathan Merel - Highland Park Office β€’ Chicago, IL
Child CustodyPersonal Injury

Is this your profile?

Claim it for free to update your information and connect with clients.

Claim Profile β†’

Contact

Email
Phone
(708) 740-5776
Address
440 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL, 60606, US

Professional

About

Jackie is a skilled and compassionate attorney who is dedicated to helping her clients deal with difficult situations. During her time at the John Marshall Law School, Jackie dedicated her time to helping underserved communities at the John Marshall Law School Pro Bono Clinic representing individuals in foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as victims of State violence and excessive force in Federal Court. While in law school, Jackie also practiced at the Cook County Public Defender's Office, Juvenile Justice Division, and using her Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 license, tried two full jury trials and numerous bench trials. Jackie was also a member of the John Marshall Trial Advocacy Team. Following law school, Jackie worked as an Attorney and Volunteer Recruitment Specialist with First Defense Legal Aid, a non-profit that represents individuals arrested in Chicago and conducts Know Your Rights Trainings for low-income communities in Chicago. Through her work there, Jackie became and effective and confident communicator and learned how to keep calm in the face of adversity and how to counsel clients through the most difficult of situations. It is Jackie's care and compassion for her clients that makes her a fierce advocate for their rights and drives her to work hard to get them the outcomes they deserve. Jackie now practices in the area of Family Law concentrating on Divorce and Child Custody cases. Jackie brings her best client counseling and advocacy skills to each and every one of her cases and does her best to settle her client's conflict efficiently and outside of court. Jackie is currently a member of the Dupage County Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and the National Lawyer's Guild.

About Child Custody Law

Child custody attorneys help parents establish and modify custody arrangements. They advocate for the best interests of children in custody disputes. Common matters include custody disputes, visitation rights, custody modifications, parenting plans.

Credentials

Education
2016 John Marshall Law School, Chicago JD - Juris Doctor 2012 Wayne State University BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English

Recognition & Involvement

Associations
2018 - Present DuPage County Bar Association Member 2016 - Present Women's Bar Association of Illinois Member 2016 - Present Chicago Bar Association Trial Advocacy Committee 2016 - Present Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section Member 2013 - Present Chicago Bar Association Member
Speaking
2017 Illinois Appellate Defender Annual Training Defending Client's Rights in Police Custody 2017 Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee Monthly Meeting Knowing your Client's Rights When Stopped or Detained by Chicago Police 2017 ACLU Chicago Chapter Luncheon Defending Client's Rights in Police Custody
Updated: Mar 08, 2026