Our approach

When hiring an attorney, you want sound advice and expect quality representation.

This shouldn’t be an intimidating process…but it is. Because you know, that even though lawyers are trained to know the law – not all lawyers practice the same.

The approach at PUCCI | RHODY is to simply focus on YOU and protecting your RIGHTS.

Beginning with the most logical first step in providing quality legal representation – we develop a personal relationship.

As we identify your needs, we assume the role as advocate in pursuing a legal course of action.

And then we execute.

Our ultimate service goal is to openly delineate the steps each client will need to maneuver and to efficiently and thoughtfully address every question as part of honest communication, as well as to anticipate the many moving variables involved in such proceedings to alleviate concerns or apprehension.

The results are proven with a stellar track record for our clients.

Our Team

Julia A. Pucci, Partner

Stacey M. Rhody, Partner

Julia A. Pucci, partner of PUCCI | RHODY, focuses her practice in the areas of high asset divorce, custody litigation, family law, residential real estate and estate planning.

Ms. Pucci attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois where she received a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Sociology and Political Science. Ms. Pucci subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. During her law school career, Julia taught legal research and writing as a teaching assistant and was also active in the mediation clinic where she obtained her mediation certification.

As a certified mediator, she mediated court-ordered child custody matters and assisted parents in drafting parenting and custody agreements. After being admitted to the Bar, Ms. Pucci was employed as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the County of McHenry where she worked in the civil division, enforced child support orders and handled other civil matters for the County. Ms. Pucci was then employed with a large Schaumburg firm where she concentrated her practice on domestic relations matters and continued to do so as a partner with Schwarz & Pucci, LLC, Pucci | Pirtle, LLC, and, now, PUCCI | RHODY, LLC.

Ms. Pucci obtained advanced training in mediation and firmly believes that mediation is an avenue that many parties faced with tough domestic relations issues may benefit from, both in the area of custody matters and also financial issues. Because of her training, she is more proficient in negotiating fair settlements for her clients. However, Ms. Pucci also understands quite well that some matters simply cannot be settled by way of mediation or other negotiation tactics and thus, if the matter must be litigated, she has a strong courtroom presence and is well respected by the Court.

Julia approaches every case with the goal of problem solving while understanding that each client has a unique set of circumstances. She works closely with her clients throughout the legal process; she is very proficient at finding reasonable and practical solutions in each of her cases, though if the matter proceeds to trial, she is a skilled litigator. Ms. Pucci’s creativity, intelligence and thoroughness afford her the ability to finalize matters expeditiously and with outcomes that are understandable and satisfactory to her clients. Julia is respected by both her clients and peers and has earned a reputation of excellence.

In addition to her advanced negotiations skills, Ms. Pucci is also a known for her abilities as guardian ad litem in custody disputes. Through her strong voice and understanding, Ms. Pucci tirelessly supports the position that is in the best interest of the children. Ms. Pucci gives every investigation her utmost attention using her steadfast dedication to ensure the right outcome.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

Illinois, 2005

Education

St. Louis University School of Law, St. Louis, MO, J.D., 2005

Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, B.A. Sociology and Political Science, Cum Laude, 2002

Honors and Awards

American Society of Legal Advocates, Top 40 Family Law Attorneys Under 40

American Society of Legal Advocates, Ten Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction

Professional Associations & Memberships

Illinois State Bar Association
Family Law Section Council
Kane County Bar Association
Practice Management and Small Firm Committee Chair
Former Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Division Section Counsel Member
Member of Crystal Lake Service League

Published Works

Trial Court’s Award of Sole Custody Affirmed Where Father did not Request Sole Custody in Any Pleading, Illinois State Bar Associations Family Law Section Newsletter, May, 2013, Vol 56. No. 11 at 4.
Are we creating monsters Court holds adult children lacked standing to bring claim for college expenses under 513, Illinois State Bar Associations Family Law Section Newsletter, Nov, 2013, Vol 57. No. 4 at 1.

Stacey M. Rhody, Partner

Stacey M. Rhody, partner of PUCCI | RHODY, focuses her practice in the areas of family law, residential real estate transactions, estate planning and probate.

She graduated from the prestigious John Marshall Law School in Chicago, is published in the Who is Who American Student and has gained certification as Child's Representative in the Illinois counties of Cook and McHenry.

Stacey is also licensed to practice in Illinois Federal courts.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

Illinois, 2000

Education

John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1999

Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota, B.A. Science, Paralegal 1994

Honors and Awards

Who is Who American Student

Professional Associations & Memberships

Illinois State Bar Association
Certified Child's Representative in Cook and McHenry Counties

Laura Goergens, Office Administrator & Billing Manager

Our clients often come to us during the most stressful times in their lives. As our Firm Administrator, Laura works directly with you to make sure you get the services you need. Laura brings to PUCCI | RHODY over ten years of administrative experience and has a strong knowledge of business operations.

Laura has been a firm administrator and the first point of contact for our clients for more than six (6) years.

Education

Northern Illinois University, History, BA (2010)

Rockford Business College, Paralegal, AA (2011)

Shawna M. Krenz, Lead Paralegal & Office Manager

Laura Goergens, Office Administrator & Billing Manager

Shawna brings to PUCCI | RHODY over twelve years of experience as a Paralegal with a strong knowledge of family law, estate planning and residential real estate matters. She understands that each client and case is unique and handles each with skilled attention and refined care.

Shawna also handles the day-to-day office management and marketing for the firm.

Education

Elgin Community College, Applied Science, Paralegal, AA (2010)

Professional Associations & Memberships

Member of NALA, the Paralegal Association
Secretary for Sycamore Youth Football & Cheer Executive Board
Sideline Cheer and Website Coordinator for Sycamore Youth Football & Cheer
Head Coach for Sycamore Youth Football & Cheer
Former volunteer and court monitor for M.A.D.D.
Former Member of the National Association for Professional Women