Ruth Yacona
Lake County State's Attorney’s Office
Public Sector

Ruth Yacona recently moved to the Lake County State's Attorney’s Office, that is not before she made name for herself practicing family law.

Prior to her recent move to the state’s Attorney’s office Yacona, 38, handled a variety of family disputes including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, divorce and dissolution of civil unions, custody, spousal and child support matters at the prominent family law firm of Grund & Leavitt. While practicing family law attorneys have noticed Ruth’s exceptional lawyering skills both in and out of the courtroom.

Dwyane Douglas of the Law Offices of Dwayne Douglas, P.C. recently had a case with Yacona where she was advocating for a parenting time restriction where she used a private investigator to help her case. Douglas said, “Most other attorneys would have considered this a Hail Mary and not even bothered with an investigator and let the judge deny the motion to appease the client for at least having tried. She did an excellent job. It is not always easy to articulate what stands out, but her advance preparation and the manner in which she argued the case did.” Douglas added, “Ruth is both even-tempered and tenacious. In the family law world, it is hard to strike that balance, but she does so, and this gives her clients confidence and permits her to present arguments persuasively. Also, her knowledge of the law is rock solid.”

Opposing counsel are quick to praise Yacona’s abilities. David Del E of The Law Offices of David R. Del Re, P.C. has opposed Yacona on multiple occasions, said” Ruth has a tremendous work ethic and is a very tough negotiator. But when negotiations fail, she can litigate beyond her years.”

Amy Gertler of Mediate North Shore PC said, “She elevates the practice by her conduct. She takes reasonable positions and counsels her clients on the value of settlement.” Gertler continued, she understands the unique charge of a family law attorney--to vigorously represent her client while protecting the family relationships at stake.”

Even with her heavy case load Yacona never hesitated to help young lawyers at her firm Grund & Leavitt. Theresa Lechner now with Dussias Wittnenberg Koenigsberger LLP, clerked and practiced at Grund & Leavitt with Yacona, admired her work at the firm, “Despite her heavy caseload, Ruth always took the time to answer questions and provide thorough explanations.” Lechner said. “She is not only extremely knowledgeable, but also respectful, forthright, and an incredible advocate. Ruth is a skilled negotiator, persuasive writer, and zealous litigator

Yacona is also committed to serving her community she is actively involved in the legal community as a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Lake County Bar Association and the Restorative Justice program at The John Marshall Law School.