By Jonathan D. Steele, Partner at Beermann LLP
The Metric That Matters: Peer Recognition
In a legal marketplace saturated with "pay-to-play" vanity awards and meaningless badges, one metric remains uncorrupted: the judgment of one's peers. I am honored to announce my selection as a 2026 Leading Lawyer, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of all lawyers licensed to practice in Illinois.
1. You Cannot Buy This Distinction
The vast majority of "awards" displayed on attorney websites are marketing products. They are purchased, not earned. Leading Lawyers is different. The selection process is rigorous, driven by a statewide survey of peers, vetted by an ethics review, and approved by a 400-member advisory board.
You cannot buy your way onto this list. You must litigate your way onto it.
2. Validation of the "Fortress" Methodology
This recognition is not just a personal accolade; it is a validation of a specific methodology. For the past decade, I have argued that the traditional "country club" approach to divorce is obsolete. The modern marital estate is digital, decentralized, and complex.
My peers—including those who have sat across the aisle from me in the Daley Center—have recognized that competence in 2026 requires more than just knowledge of the law. It requires mastery of the evidence.
2.1 The Forensic Standard
When opposing counsel recommends me for this distinction, it is often because they have seen firsthand the efficacy of a forensic approach. They have seen what happens when an attorney understands:
- Cryptocurrency tracing and blockchain analysis
- Metadata authentication of electronic evidence
- Operational Security (OpSec) for client communications
- Complex executive compensation structures
3. The Top 5% Standard
The "Leading Lawyer" designation places a practitioner in the top 5% of all Illinois attorneys. This aligns perfectly with the philosophy of our firm: we do not seek to represent the median case. We are built for the outliers—the complex, the high-stakes, and the mission-critical.
The All-or-Nothing Philosophy
"Jonathan is an all-or-nothing operator. This isn't a preference—it's a hard requirement." This internal mandate drives every pleading we file and every discovery request we issue. It is gratifying to see that the Illinois legal community recognizes the results of this intensity.
Conclusion
To my peers who nominated me: thank you. To my clients: this distinction is a promise that the standard of excellence you expect will not only be maintained but elevated. And to those considering counsel for a complex matter: ask your potential attorney if their reputation is bought, or if it is earned in the trenches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Illinois law say about top 5%?
Illinois family law under 750 ILCS 5 addresses top 5%. Courts apply statutory factors, relevant case law precedent, and the best interests standard when applicable. Each case requires individualized analysis of the specific facts and circumstances.
Do I need an attorney for top 5%?
While Illinois allows self-representation, top 5% involves complex legal, financial, and procedural issues. An experienced Illinois family law attorney ensures your rights are protected, provides strategic guidance, and navigates court procedures effectively.
Written by Jonathan D. Steele
Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, ISC2 CC, Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.
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