About Us
Our Story
The Law Offices of Stephen Sutera, P.C., has served the unique estate planning needs of clients throughout the state of Illinois since 1990.
The focus of our practice involves designing estate plans, settling estates, and advice regarding elder law. These are the only areas that we provide counsel to our clients. If our clients have needs in other areas, we do have co-counsel arrangements with other law firms who focus in business law, personal injury, medical malpractice and real estate law.
Your design meeting will take place with Stephen Sutera. The firm’s team includes non-attorneys who have numerous years of experience in assisting in all estate planning-related areas. Our office takes great pride in creating estate planning options, along with implementation of our designs and a commitment to education of clients in order to provide superior service. We look forward to serving you.
About Steve
Steve graduated from UIC John Marshall Law School in 1986. His law practice has focused in estate planning, life care planning, and planning unique to seniors since 1990.
He was named by Chicago Magazine as one of the Top Five Star Accounting and Estate Planning Professionals in Chicago (November 2015).
Association Memberships
Our law office is a member of the following associations:
WealthCounsel, LLC: A cooperative alliance of nationally recognized estate planning attorney members from across the country. Together we provide one another with the support and tools needed to serve our clients better.
National Association of Elder Law Attorneys: A professional association of attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of older Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities.
ElderCounsel: The premier nationwide member services organization supporting elder law and special needs attorneys and their practices.
Being a member of these associations means that we are in close contact with other member attorneys nationwide in our mutual attempts to:
Better serve our clients in a caring and professional manner
Stay absolutely cutting edge in our respective knowledge of estate planning law and innovative estate planning techniques
Share practice ideas with one another — as we develop them independently in our practices — that will better accomplish our clients' objectives
Bring our clients the finest estate planning advice and documentation possible, and to do so with dignity and professionalism within the ethics of our profession
Addressing issues which are unique to the senior population
Creation of life care plans
Our Staff
Karen DeLisa, Certified Estate Planning Assistant (CEPA)
Amanda Kempski, Certified Estate Planning Assistant (CEPA)
Marie Passi, Client Services Coordinator
Shannon Paplawskas, Legal Assistant
“Stephen Sutera and his staff not only are professional, but compassionate. They understand the law and all the ungodly paperwork required. Making your will is necessary, but never comfortable. Stephen Sutera puts you at ease. He asks questions you would never consider, but that are vital to you and your family's protection. Stephen returns phone calls promptly, is patient, and has a knowledgeable staff. He has offices both in Oak Brook and in Oak Lawn. His fees are reasonable. I have recommended him to friends and family, all of whom have been more than pleased and satisfied with his services.”
— Susan Alexander, Client, October 27, 2016 - As reviewed on Facebook
“Steve is a smart and practical attorney who loves his work. He knows the law and can help you plan your estate and provide for your spouse and descendants. Excellent service and extremely personable.”
— Mike Schaller, Client, June 7, 2022 - As reviewed on Google