Get to Know Sheryl Ghezzi

Sheryl Rae Ghezzi joined Stern Mendez as a partner in 2026, bringing more than 40 years of experience in divorce and family law. Throughout her career, she has handled complex cases involving sophisticated financial matters, high-net-worth individuals, child custody and parenting disputes, always with a focus on achieving just results for her clients.

Sheryl approaches each case individually, taking the time to understand what matters most to her clients and involving them closely in developing a strategy for moving forward. She believes in exploring every opportunity for an amicable resolution while drawing on decades of litigation experience when going to court is necessary.

Beyond her work with clients, Sheryl has spent more than 25 years representing children by appointment of the Circuit Court of Cook County and has shared her experience through speaking and mentoring others in the legal profession. She is excited to bring that depth of experience to Stern Mendez and collaborate with a team that shares her commitment to thoughtful, client-focused advocacy.

Question: In which areas of law do you specialize?

My practice focuses on divorce and family law, with significant experience in high-conflict and complex matters. I represent clients in pre-decree divorce, parenting allocation and child custody matters, as well as post-decree modifications and enforcement. I also handle cases involving complex business valuations, maintenance, cohabitation and civil unions, and national and international jurisdictional issues.

In addition to litigation, I work with clients through attorney-assisted mediation and divorce coaching. Every family and every case is different, so I focus on finding the approach that best fits each client’s circumstances, priorities, and goals.

Question: What inspired you to become a divorce and family law attorney?

I never aspired to be a divorce lawyer. In the eighteen months following becoming an attorney, I had three successful jury trials, took over a hundred depositions, and honed a passion for just results. With the strong encouragement of my mentor, Justice Anthony Scariano, I started my own practice. Within a week, my father’s attorney referred a client to me who wanted to remove her children from Chicago to Texas. The case had complex issues that seemed insurmountable. We prevailed, my client moved to Texas, and I quickly earned a reputation for being compassionate and effective. The passion for just results continues.

Question: Are there any experiences from law school that have stood out to you?

I worked two jobs and went to law school at night. During my second year of law school, I left a lucrative position in real estate to work for a general practice law firm. My intent was to learn law firm administrative skills. This proved invaluable in the practice of law. The long hours of those early days honed my focus and gave me the ability to respond when unexpected emergencies need to be addressed.

Question: What is something you want your clients to know?

You will be fine, despite all the uncontrollable variables that can be inherent in the divorce process. Change is frightening. Focus on what you want your life to look like post-divorce and work on creating an image that you believe will bring you peace and happiness. Communicate any concerns with your attorney promptly. Don’t overthink…Call or send an email. Focus forward.

Question: What are you most looking forward to about joining Stern Mendez?

I am honored to join the Stern Mendez team. I am now associated with smart, sharp, witty, focused, hard-working, and integral lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.