Peck Ritchey, LLC > Elder Law Blog > News > Peck Ritchey, LLC Welcomes Associate Attorneys Jonathan Lee, Nicholas Zausch and Stephanie Berardi!

Jonathan J. Lee is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. Jon earned his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. During law school, Jon received a CALI award for excellence in Mediation and summered as a judicial extern for the Honorable Judge Coleman. He was also a senior editor on the Washington University Law Review and published a note in 2016. Prior to law school, Jon graduated from Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology—graduating magna cum laude.Jon’s practice areas include Trust and Probate Litigation, Guardianship Litigation and Administration, Wills Contest, Elder Law, and Fiduciary Defense Litigation. Jon is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association.

Nicholas W. Zausch is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. In addition to representing individuals and families, Nick represents financial institutions, medical institutions, and various fiduciaries.

Nicholas joins Peck Ritchey after serving as the Staff Attorney for the Probate Division of Cook County. While there, Nicholas assisted the Judges in every aspect of Probate, including drafting written opinions, attending oral argument, and reviewing motions and exhibits. Nicholas also helped implement the procedures for virtual court in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicholas earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. While attending Loyola, Nicholas was named to the Dean’s List each semester, received CALI awards for excellence in 5 classes, and was named a Top 10 Oralist at the National Moot Court Competition in Child Welfare and Adoption Law. Nicholas was also a Fellow of the Civitas ChildLaw Program and received the Nina S. Appel Scholarship for outstanding scholarship and service.

Prior to law school, Nicholas graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and Sociology. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Nicholas completed a year of service with the AmeriCorps program City Year. As an AmeriCorps Member, Nicholas served in a 6th grade classroom while providing in class support and individual tutoring and mentorship.

Nick’s practice areas include Trust and Probate Litigation, Guardianship Litigation and Administration, Estate Administration, Fiduciary Defense Litigation, and Elder Law. He is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association.

Stephanie M. Berardi is an associate attorney at Peck Ritchey, LLC. In addition to representing individuals and families, Stephanie represents financial institutions, medical institutions, and various fiduciaries.

Stephanie earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law, where she was one of ten graduates inducted into the Order of Barristers for excellence in courtroom advocacy, an honor conferred upon graduating law students who have demonstrated exceptional skill in trial advocacy, oral advocacy, and brief writing. During law school, Stephanie served as President of DePaul Appellate Moot Court Society and competed in two national competitions. She additionally served as a clinical staffer for the DePaul Civil Rights Clinic and a research staffer for the DePaul Business and Commercial Law Journal. Prior to law school, Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a double major in Political Science and Communications and a minor in Leadership Studies.

Stephanie’s practice areas include Trust and Probate Litigation, Guardianship Litigation and Administration, Estate Administration, Will Contests, Fiduciary Defense Litigation, and Elder Law. She is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association.

Categories: News

Testimonials

Attorney Kyle Fahey handled our matter with skill and professionalism, and was always responsive. 10/10, would work with him and the firm again.

–Jon T.

The peace of mind that Peck Ricthey's office has given me is worth every penny. The services they provided me and my family in an emergency medical situation is beyond outstanding. Last minute notice, Peter Brady and team were compassionate, understanding and most importantly efficient and got the job done. Look no further if you have any needs that this office can provide for you. Definitely in good hands! Thank you, a thousand times over for all of your help.

–Christine K.

Very responsive and knowledgeable at handling our brother’s estate. Would definitely recommend!

–Ralph C.

I solicited Peck Ritchey, LLC for assistance with a living trust for which I became the beneficiary. I needed assistance with understanding the details of how it all worked. However, I was especially concerned because there were threats of allegations made by family members and a lawsuit was filed against me. I needed a solid professional who had my best interests in mind. Peter Brady took my case and he managed it flawlessly. He explained everything in a way I could understand, he knew the law inside and out, he was always available to answer questions, and even offer support when things seemed like they could become extremely problematic. In addition to this, he had a plan. He navigated the course as if he already knew the next move by the opposing attorney. He made me feel like everything was in control and that’s because he knew exactly what he was doing and he consulted with me about everything. We ended up settling out of court and ultimately the court officially dismissed the lawsuit. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Peter and his expertise this could have gone in an entirely different direction. Peter did a stellar job and I couldn’t be more pleased and impressed with his performance.

–John T.

Tim Ritchey is as smart, honest, and genuine as they come. He truly puts helping people above making money. If you have a need, don’t hesitate to hire him.

–Jay T.

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