Rachel Schmidt, Cordell & Cordell

Rachel D.S. Schmidt
Senior Attorney
Office: Edwardsville, Illinois

A background in psychology allows Rachel D.S. Schmidt to help clients keep their case in perspective while dealing with all the emotions a family law matter often brings.

"I try and take the emotion out of the situation so they will understand the options and advice better," Ms. Schmidt said. "The judge isn't emotionally tied to the case and that's what they have to keep in mind in their case."

Communication between the attorney and their client is key whether it is the attorney telling the client about the process, or it is the client telling the attorney the facts of the case, she said. If your attorney does not know the full set of facts then the consequences could be dire.

"If I have no idea about something going on in the case because it wasn't disclosed, then we can't prepare for it, combat it and have evidence to disprove it," Ms. Schmidt said. "I need to know the full history of case and their relationship with the opposing party."

Licenses

Ms. Schmidt is admitted to practice law Illinois and Missouri as well as in the Southern and Northern Districts of Illinois and the Eastern District of Missouri.

Education

Ms. Schmidt received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1999, from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in 2002, where she was an editor of the Public Law Review.

Experience

Ms. Schmidt has trial experience in representing clients who own their own businesses. Additionally, she has trial experience in representing fathers seeking custody of their children in divorce actions, post-divorce actions and paternity cases.

She has been practicing law in Illinois, specifically St. Clair County and Madison County, since graduating law school.

Associations

Ms. Schmidt is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Awards

In 2009, Ms. Schmidt received the Cordell & Cordell Service Hero award, and her office was named Top Team. She was also named a Regional Top Performer in 2012.

Read Ms. Schmidt's articles on Illinois divorce laws.