Jesse Footlik
Trusts and Estates
Trusts and Estates
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Jesse A. Footlik is a Partner with Peck Ritchey, LLC. In addition to representing individuals and families as heirs and beneficiaries, Jesse represents corporate and individual fiduciaries, including financial institutions and healthcare providers. Further, Jesse regularly advises clients involved in various Power of Attorney (POA) disputes, breach of fiduciary duty cases, contested heirships, wrongful death dependency hearings, and will and trust construction or interpretation matters.For over a decade, Jesse has delivered successful results to his clients both in and out of the courtroom. Notably, Jesse has successfully litigated numerous cases on both the trial and appellate court levels. Jesse has significant experience guiding clients though the probate process in decedent’s estates and the estates of disabled adults and minors. In addition, Jesse continues to be retained as co-counsel with downstate Illinois attorneys in substantial estate and trust disputes involving farmland.Jesse has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2015, nominated by his peers as one of the best attorneys in Illinois, an honor which is bestowed upon no more than 2.5% of Illinois attorneys annually. He was also selected by Leading Lawyers Magazine as a top Emerging Lawyer in Elder Law and Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law. In recognition of his success and contributions to the legal community, Jesse received the 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award from Chicago-Kent College of Law.Jesse is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, where he serves as Chair of the Probate Practice Rules and Forms Committee. He also serves on the Chicago-Kent Young Alumni Council as a Vice President. Jesse has presented numerous legal seminars to attorneys and non-attorneys, and has assisted in the preparation of new probate and elder law legislation. Prior to law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Jesse graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Further, Jesse regularly advises clients involved in various Power of Attorney (POA) disputes, breach of fiduciary duty cases, contested heirships, wrongful death dependency hearings, and will and trust construction or interpretation matters. For over a decade, Jesse has delivered successful results to his clients both in and out of the courtroom. Notably, Jesse has successfully litigated numerous cases on both the trial and appellate court levels. Jesse has significant experience guiding clients though the probate process in decedent’s estates and the estates of disabled adults and minors. In addition, Jesse continues to be retained as co-counsel with downstate Illinois attorneys in substantial estate and trust disputes involving farmland. Jesse has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2015, nominated by his peers as one of the best attorneys in Illinois, an honor which is bestowed upon no more than 2.5% of Illinois attorneys annually. He was also selected by Leading Lawyers Magazine as a top Emerging Lawyer in Elder Law and Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law. In recognition of his success and contributions to the legal community, Jesse received the 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Jesse is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, where he serves as Chair of the Probate Practice Rules and Forms Committee.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025
Susan Green
When our family was navigating the sensitive and complex administration of my late uncle's trust, which involved multiple out-of-state beneficiaries and a corporate trustee, we were fortunate to engage Jesse Footlik. His deep, 14-year expertise in trusts and estates was immediately evident. Jesse, a partner at Peck Ritchey, LLC, expertly represented us as heirs while also deftly managing the relationship with the institutional fiduciary—a nuanced skill he clearly honed over years of practice. He translated intricate legal concepts into clear, actionable advice, ensuring we understood every option. His calm, methodical approach defused potential family tensions and kept the process moving efficiently toward a favorable resolution. It’s no surprise to see his recognition, like the 40 Under Forty honor, as his professionalism is outstanding. Jesse’s dedication went beyond the paperwork; he provided genuine counsel during a difficult time. For anyone in the Chicago area facing estate planning or fiduciary matters, I cannot recommend Jesse Footlik more highly.