Morgan L. Stogsdill is the youngest equity partner at Beermann LLP and the second woman to ever bear this title and honor.

Named by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago and quoted in the New York Times, Stogsdill is taking the world of modern divorce by storm. Her impressive client roster includes celebrities, public figures, and titans of business. She earned her reputation in complex divorce issues with her new and creative approach that centers on the idea that ending a marriage doesn’t have to be a terrible experience.

This innovative approach to marriage dissolution is steadily gaining popularity in divorce law, especially among a younger generation of lawyers. Stogsdill recently founded New-Era Divorce, a group comprised of her colleagues who are all committed to making the practice of divorce civil by bringing collegiality and problem-solving to the table. New-Era Divorce members also agree that just because they may be opposing counsels, doesn’t mean that they can’t come together to serve a greater purpose. Without all the posturing of a stereotypical messy divorce, and a mutual respect for one another, opposing counsels can work together to make sure that their clients leave with the best possible solution for their family.

Stogsdill’s top priority is her clients and their families—with a mindset that emphasizes that just because two people divorce does not mean they aren’t still a family. The goal in each of her cases is to go through the divorce process “with dignity and class and leaving a family still intact. The goal is not to destroy a family, like so many cases in the past, but to redefine the family,” says Stogsdill.

Her practice is a concierge service built on maintaining confidentiality, open and honest communication, and a tailored approach to each client’s needs.

One of the biggest mistakes she sees made in divorce law is not taking the time to interview numerous attorneys to find the person you really click with and who can adapt to the situation as it continues to evolve. Stogsdill takes a step-by-step, one-day-at-a-time approach with her clients—taking the emotion out of a situation to lay out different options and potential outcomes on a case-by-case basis. She’s committed not only to communicating with clients but also making sure they understand each step in the process and make the best decision for their family.

“If the client’s not directing the case, it’s because they’re uninformed and that’s unacceptable,” says Stogsdill, stressing that it is always OK to ask why and to bring clarity to the situation.

Another key component of Stogsdill’s new approach to high-end divorce is her extra effort to keep proceedings confidential. While she isn’t afraid of litigation, she advocates for trying to keep the negotiations out of court when possible, so that a judge unfamiliar with you and your family isn’t the one making the family’s decisions.

At the end of the day, Stogsdill will always put her client and their families first. And if the family and especially the children are OK in the end, she knows she’s had a success.

Morgan L. Stogsdill is a partner at Beermann LLP located at 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 3000, in Chicago. For more information, visit beermannlaw.com/team/morgan-l-stogsdill/. Instagram: @divorceattorneychicago