Practice areas: Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution; view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 2004
Education: The George Washington University Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2013 - 2014 Call today:
312-872-8328
Madlock Henderson LLC
181 W Madison StSuite 4700
Chicago, IL 60602 Visit website
Ashanti Madlock Henderson is the principal and guiding force behind Madlock Henderson LLC, based in Chicago, Illinois, where she brings a compassionate approach to the practice of family law. With her considerable experience as both a litigator and a certified mediator, she serves clients across Cook and surrounding counties, addressing complex family law issues with both skill and sensitivity.
Upon establishing Madlock Henderson LLC, Ms. Henderson set out to create a law firm that prioritizes the emotional and legal needs of its clients. Her practice encompasses a wide range of family law matters, including adoption, child support, custody, divorce, guardianship and legal separation. Additionally, she is adept at mediating a variety of disputes, whether they arise before, during or after litigation. Ms. Henderson is also a parenting coordinator for the Cook County Domestic Relations Division, assisting parents with post-decree parenting disputes.
After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University, Ms. Henderson pursued her legal education at The George Washington University Law School, where she distinguished herself in several capacities. She clerked for the Honorable John M. Mott at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, focusing on family court matters. Furthermore, she gained practical experience as a student attorney at The George Washington University Civil Litigation Clinic, managing divorce and guardianship cases. Her dedication to child welfare law was underscored through her fellowship in the Bergstrom Child Welfare Law program at the University of Michigan.
Ms. Henderson is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and will serve as the chair of the General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section Council for the 2025 - 2026 bar year. She also contributes to her community through her involvement with various organizations. Her commitment to service is further demonstrated by her volunteer work with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.
Certified as a mediator by the Center for Conflict Resolution and as a Cook County Domestic Relations Court Certified Mediator, Ms. Henderson brings a well-rounded and empathetic approach to each case. She is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, further highlighting her comprehensive legal qualifications.
Practice areas
Family Law, Alternative Dispute ResolutionFocus areas
Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Arbitration, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Juvenile Law, Marital Property, Mediation, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 70% Family Law
- 30% Alternative Dispute Resolution
First Admitted: 2004, Illinois
Professional Webpage: https://madlockhenderson.com/attorney-profile
Bar / Professional Activity
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Illinois Bar Association General Assembly General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section Council (Secretary 2023-2024) (Vice Chair 2024 -2025), Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Council
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Parenting Coordination - Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, 2020
- Cook County Domestic Relations, Court Certified Mediator, 2018
Pro bono / Community Service
- Volunteer mediator for Center for Conflict Resolution
- Volunteer Attorney for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
- Ivy Pearl Foundation, Inc. - member, former Corresponding Secretary and Scholarship Chair
Educational Background
- Northwestern University, B.S., 1997-2001
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- One hundred and one countries including the United States are signatories to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which helps resolve international child custody jurisdictional issues. In Monasky v. Taglieri, 589 U.S. ___ (2020) the United States Supreme Court answered two questions: 1) what is the standard for determining child’s “habitual residence” under the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (“the Convention”) and 2) what is the standard of review for these determinations?, Author, Habitual Residence Under The Hague Convention On The Civil Aspects Of International Child Abduction, ISBA General Practice Solo & Small Firm Section Council, 2020
- Pre-mediation preparation is a key aspect to ensuring that your client’s dispute resolution case comes to a successful conclusion. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of the value of pre-mediation meetings, while getting the tips you need from our seasoned speakers on the essentials of pre-mediation sessions. A discussion on what to expect throughout these meetings is also included. , Presenter, Pre-Mediation Preparation, Illinois State Bar Association, 2024
- There are a number of reasons why you might be considering starting your own law firm – from a desire to have more freedom and independence to take the cases you want, to an unwanted downsizing with your current law firm. Regardless of the why behind your decision, it’s the how that’s most important. Join us for this two-part series that gives you all the information you need to ensure that your decision to branch out on your own will be successful. Topics covered in Part 2 of this two-part series include: How to ethically market your new law practice; How to maintain client relationships and develop referrals; The law firm must-haves you need to hit the ground running; How to successfully manage the demands of the profession (and the resources that are available if you or a colleague is in need); and Much more!, Program Coordinator/Moderator, Starting and Running Your Own Law Practice - Part 2, ISBA General Practice Solo & Small Firm Section Council, 2021
- There are a number of reasons why you might be considering starting your own law firm – from a desire to have more freedom and independence to take the cases you want, to an unwanted downsizing with your current law firm. Regardless of the why behind your decision, it’s the how that’s most important. Join us for this two-part series that gives you all the information you need to ensure that your decision to branch out on your own will be successful. Topics covered in Part 1 of this two-part series include: Choosing the best name for your new practice; How to register your law firm with the required agencies; Which malpractice coverage is right for you (and why you should have it); What you need to know before hiring your first employee; and The ethical issues to consider when setting up your practice., Program Coordinator/Moderator, Starting and Running Your Own Law Practice - Part 1, ISBA General Practice Solo & Small Firm Section Council, 2021
Honors
- Ashanti Madlock Henderson is a pro bono powerhouse. Since 2005, she has handled nearly two dozen family law matters through CVLS, including complex divorce, adoption, and minor guardianship cases. A certified mediator and the principal of her own family law practice, Ashanti accepts some of our most difficult-to-place Child Representative and Guardian ad Litem court appointments. Though she is qualified to take cases on a paid basis as part of the Domestic Relations Division’s Child Representative Roster, she volunteers with CVLS regularly and provides free legal assistance to low-income families throughout the Chicagoland area. She is a compassionate advocate for children and their families, and we are thrilled to acknowledge her longstanding commitment and dedication to CVLS’ mission with this award., Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Honor Roll Inductee, https://www.cvls.org/2021/05/05/2021-awardees/, 2021
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Distinguished Service Award, https://www.cvls.org/2010/11/10/cvls-holds-its-2010-annual-awards-ceremony-hosted-by-kirkland-ellis-llp/, 2010
Office location for Ashanti Madlock Henderson
181 W Madison St
Suite 4700
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-872-8328
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2013 - 2014
