Stephanie M. Sexauer

Attorney and Founder

Stephanie Sexauer has worked exclusively handling probate, estate, and adult guardianship matters since she first started practicing law. She began her studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where she earned a BFA before pursuing legal studies at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Stephanie has helped hundreds of Chicago families handle the murky waters of probate. She is frequently appointed by Cook County judges as a “Guardian ad Litem” to observe and make recommendations as to the best interests of senior citizens.

When she’s not at work, Stephanie serves on the board of the Red Shoe Society, a group that works to financially benefit and bring awareness to the families living at the Ronald McDonald houses of Chicago.

sms@sexauerlaw.com

Katie Pancewicz

Partner

Katie Pancewicz is a Partner focusing her practice on contested and routine guardianship, probate, and trust matters. She is routinely appointed as Guardian ad litem and Court-appointed counsel in adult guardianship matters.

Katie guides clients with patience, understanding, and a deep knowledge of the law and court system. Katie will gladly take the time to break down complicated legal concepts and processes into clear, understandable terms to empower clients to make confident decisions. She recognizes the emotional and personal aspects of each case and prioritizes not only the best possible outcome, but also each client’s comfort and well-being. Katie’s clients often express that she makes an overwhelming legal matter less daunting and allows them to feel heard, respected, and fully informed at every stage of the process.

Outside of the firm, Katie serves on the Junior Board of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and is actively engaged in their pro bono services. She is currently assisting them and the Circuit Court of Cook County in creating training materials for Guardian ad litems in a new courtroom that combines adult guardianship and mental health cases.

Since 2024, Katie has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, which is an honor given to no more than 2.5% of all lawyers in Illinois.

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2020, with a certificate in Public Interest
  • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, B.A., 2017

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Northern District of Illinois

Publications

  • Adults with Disabilities Have Sex, Illinois Bar Journal, 2024.
  • A Balancing Act: Corporal Punishment to Minors, Illinois Bar Journal, 2023.
  • AI Goes to School – Implications for School District Liability, Buffalo Law Review, 2019.