Richard D. Boonstra, Partner
Richard “Rick” D. Boonstra focuses on resolving contentious family and business conflicts, including divorce, business dissolution, church property control, as well as complex trust and estate litigation. The goal is the strategic preservation of property and maintaining the integrity of human relationships. Over the 30 years that he has been practicing in downtown Chicago, Rick has developed a particular set of skills in the resolution of seemingly intractable conflicts.
A former real estate broker and adjunct professor of real estate drafting, Rick also guides clients through complicated property, building and corporate transactions and litigation. He advises businesses on a wide variety of corporate issues and has significant experience in a variety of legal areas. In addition to zealously advocating for clients, Rick is a certified mediator with the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Rick has argued cases to the Illinois Supreme Court, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and is also a member of the Trial Bar of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He is a current member of the Family Law and Civil Practice & Procedure committees of the Illinois State Bar Association, a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, and a former member of the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association.
Rick has served on numerous church, private school, legal clinic boards and volunteer committees. He believes in giving back to the community and has been recognized for his outstanding contributions by the Chicago Legal Clinic’s Pro Bono Program. Rick is also licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan.
- Calvin College, B.A. Philosophy, 1979
- John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1983
Professional
- Admitted to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Eastern Division, its Trial Bar, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Previous member of Judicial Evaluation Committee, Chicago Bar Association
- Current member, Family Law and Civil Practice & Procedure Committees, Illinois State Bar Association
- Member, DuPage County Bar Association
- Former Adjunct Professor of Law, Drafting Department, DePaul University
Civic activities
- Former member of the board of Daystar School and its Executive Committee
- Southwest Chicago Christian School; previously served two three-year terms on the board and five years on its Executive and Education Committees
- Served many years on the board of trustees of the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic
- Served his church in other leadership capacities