Rachel Nicole Hernandez
Rachel Hernandez, an experienced Collaborative Family Lawyer, is a founding attorney at Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC. With a focus on resolving family legal issues outside of court, Rachel provides practical advice on matters such as assets, debts, maintenance, and child custody, prioritizing the best interests of children. She engages qualified professionals and adopts a comprehensive approach to ensure well-informed decisions and emotional support for clients and their families.
Driven by her passion for helping others, Rachel’s commitment led her to earn her J.D. as a Dean’s Scholar from Northern Illinois University’s College of Law. With a background as an Assistant State’s Attorney handling cases related to child abuse, neglect, and delinquency, Rachel’s mediation skills are highly valued, as she coaches at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies and assists litigants in resolving parenting disputes as appointed by the Court. She also serves as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and has received training as a Parenting Coordinator.
Rachel is an esteemed member of professional organizations including the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Divorce Illinois, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and various bar associations. Additionally, she actively contributes to the Community Crisis Center as Secretary of the Board of Directors and serves on the NIU Alumni Council.
PRACTICE AREAS:
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Divorce
- Child Issues
- Mediation
- Guardian Ad Litem
- Limited Scope Representation
- Mid-Marital Agreements
BAR ADMISSIONS:
- Illinois, 2005
EDUCATION:
- Northern Illinois University, College of Law, J.D. – 2005
- Western Illinois University, Bachelor of Science (Law Enforcement and Justice Administration) – 1997
PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS:
- Of Counsel Attorney-Van Der Snick Law Firm
- Winnebago County State’s Attorney Felony Assistant/Supervisor
- Boone County State’s Attorney Misdemeanor Assistant
- Kane County State’s Attorney Intern Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 711
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
- Illinois State Bar Association (Member of the Solo and Small Firm Practice Institute Committee)
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals – Board of Directors
- Collaborative Divorce Illinois
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
- Kane County Bar Association
- DeKalb County Bar Association
- Community Crisis Center – Board of Directors
- NIU College of Law Alumni Council
PUBLISHED WORKS:
- “DREW’S LAW”: Why the Media Frenzy over Illinois’ Hearsay Exception for Intentional Murder of a Witness is Much Ado About Nothing – DuPage County Bar Journal, July 2010
- The Illinois Collaborative Process Act: A Positive Alternative to Litigation for Family Disputes – DuPage County Bar Journal, 2018
HONORS AND AWARDS:
- Super Lawyers – 2023
- Northern Illinois University – Outstanding Woman 2005
- NIU College of Law – Mentor of the Year 2011
- NIU College of Law – Dean’s Scholar 2002-2005