Joshua E. Stern, Divorce & Family Law Attorney

Joshua E. Stern, Esq. is a principal and the managing partner of Stern Perkoski Mendez. As a dedicated family law practitioner, his goal is to help families through difficult transitions and act as a source of stability throughout the legal process.

Whether you are preparing to marry or are leaving your marriage behind, Joshua provides the legal expertise you need while lending an empathetic ear and remaining sensitive to the individual needs of each and every one of his clients. Because every matter is unique, Joshua takes the time to listen to what his clients want and outline their options, so they know what to expect as their matter progresses.

Despite his extensive litigation experience, Joshua believes most cases can be settled out of court. A talented negotiator, Joshua knows how to strategize and advocate for his clients’ position without creating unnecessary antagonism.

Joshua started his boutique family law firm, The Law Offices of Joshua E. Stern, in 2013. The firm merged in 2020 with The Law Offices of Nancy Stingle Perkoski to form Stern Perkoski Mendez—allowing for expanded divorce and family law services that serve clients across Cook County and the North Shore, as well as Lake and Will Counties. In 2022, Stern Perkoski Mendez welcomed partner Jason Shore and opened an office in DuPage County—and expanded to offer immigration law services.

A respected authority on family law and matrimonial issues, Joshua is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Divorce Magazine, New York Magazine and Your Tango. His articles have been featured in Since My Divorce, Divorce Force, Support for Stepdads and other well-known platforms.

Divorce & Family Law Services

Education

Joshua received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law where he served as a Notes and Comments Editor for Emory’s International Law Journal, a case worker for Student Legal Services and the President of the Emory Law School Democrats. Joshua received his B.S. in Economics from DePaul University’s College of Commerce. Prior to attending law school, Joshua worked as a field economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bar Admissions & Associations

Joshua is admitted to practice in Illinois. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and West Suburban Bar Association.

Awards

  • Super Lawyers Rising Star 2018 – 2024
    • Awarded by Illinois Super Lawyers, the designation is granted to the top 2.5% of lawyers under 40 years of age in Illinois
  • Emerging/Leading Lawyers Lawyers 2019 – 2023
    • Awarded by the Law Bulletin, Emerging Lawyers are made up of the top 2% percent of lawyers who are 40 years of age or under in Illinois
  • Best Lawyers In America 2024
  • Expertise.com Top 22 Divorce Lawyers In Chicago 2017, 2018, 2019

Appellate Decisions

  • Ivey v. Ivey, 2012 IL App (1st) 12-0859U
  • Hort v. Hort, 2022 IL App (1st) 200360-U
  • Kattner v. Kattner, 2023 Ill App (1st) 220803-U

Blog Posts

Quoted

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, “Strategies For Divorcing A Narcissist” – The Lilac Tree –  February 20, 2020
  • Guest Lecturer, Conflict Resolution Training – May 15, 2018
  • Table Ambassador, Divorce University – March 4, 2018
  • Guest Lecturer, Conflict Resolution Training – October 14, 2016
  • Guest Lecturer, Conflict Resolution Training – September 1, 2015
  • Speaker, “Addiction and Mental Illness In Divorce” – The Lilac Tree – June 12, 2014

Charitable Organizations

  • The Lilac Tree – Board Member
  • Jewish United Fund

Joshua E. Stern, Divorce Lawyer in Evanston and Chicago

Joshua E. Stern, Esq.

Principal and Managing Partner
Divorce & Family Law Attorney
jstern@sternperkoski.com
(847) 868-9584

Download Joshua’s
Contact Information

Locations

1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 800
Evanston, Illinois 60201

161 N. Clark Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, Illinois 60601

250 E. Illinois Road, Suite 200
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

1200 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 312
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

Our boutique family law firm is based in Evanston, Chicago, Lake Forest and Oak Brook. We serve clients across Cook County and the North Shore, as well as Lake, DuPage and Will Counties.

Testimonial

“After being asked for a divorce after 20+ years of marriage, I was in shock. Nancy explained things in terms that made sense, and kept me focused throughout the emotional rollercoaster.”

Rose B., Chicago
For a free consultation, call Stern Perkoski Mendez at (847) 868-9584 or contact us.