As an associate in the Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice group, she finds practicing law most rewarding when at the end of a consultation a client fully understands the plan presented to them, why it is the beneficial course of action, they are comfortable and satisfied that it will accomplish their goals, and that they feel a strong sense of security throughout the process.
Agnes credits becoming a parent and her subsequent concern about her two young daughters’ futures, should she not be around, as the catalyst for her interest in the area of estate planning. In 2019, she received her LL.M. in Estate Planning from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and prior to joining Chuhak & Tecson, Agnes gained extensive insight in areas including consumer fraud and government representation through her nearly two-decade long career in the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Illinois, the majority of which she served in roles including assistant attorney general and supervising attorney. She has considerable experience in both sides of the civil litigation process, having defended the State of Illinois in deprivation of rights’ actions and prosecuting consumer fraud and deception cases.
Agnes makes a concerted effort to learn her clients’ values because along with their assets, she believes they are an equally important part of their legacy. She actively listens to her clients concerns and approaches their needs with an empathetic perspective, building lasting relationships while ensuring that their legacies will pass on to the next generation. In order to continue delivering quality service to her clients, Agnes also seeks out opportunities for professional development including staying up-to-date with changes in estate planning law and through attending educational opportunities such as seminars and continuing legal education courses.
Fluent in Polish and the daughter of immigrants who both cultivated and celebrated Polish culture throughout her childhood, Agnes is passionate about being a resource for members of Chicago’s Polish-speaking community in need of estate planning services. She is an active member of several organizations aimed at promoting Polish culture, including the Polish American Congress, the Polish Chamber of Commerce, the Polish American Association and the Warsaw-Chicago Sister City committee. Agnes also organized the 2012 edition of Quo Vadis, a leadership conference for college students and young professionals of Polish heritage that provides opportunities for them to gain valuable leadership skills through inspirational speakers and interactive worships. In recognition of all her service to Polish interests both locally and internationally, she was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit from the President of Poland in 2014, and Agnes views this honor as continued inspiration to give back to the community that raised her. She is a member of the board of directors of Holy Trinity Polish School and a member of the associate board of the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR). Agnes actively supports women’s business development and philanthropic opportunities through serving as an ambassador of Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women program. She also currently serves on the firm’s Website Committee.
When Agnes is not in the office, she loves cooking for her husband and children, particularly dishes inspired by their travels. When in need of an artistic break, Agnes is a skilled pianist and is partial to playing pieces by Chopin.