Practice areas: Family Law, Civil Rights, Health Care; view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 2010
Education: Florida A&M University College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2026 Call today:
773-770-4771
Free Consultation Pinkston Law Group, P.C.
54 N Ottawa StSte. #110
Joliet, IL 60432 Visit website
Details
Danielle Pinkston is the founding principal attorney of Pinkston Law Group, P.C., in Joliet, Illinois. After earning her Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2010, she immediately established her practice, guided by a commitment to zealous advocacy and compassionate client service. Her legal portfolio is broad and multifaceted, encompassing divorce and family law matters, workers’ compensation claims, civil rights litigation and a variety of personal injury cases, including automobile collisions, motorcycle accidents, trucking incidents, pedestrian and slip-and-fall injuries, nursing home abuse and neglect, day care injuries, defective product liability and wrongful death actions.
Over nearly a decade of practice, Ms. Pinkston has honed her courtroom skills across every division of the Cook County court system, in other Illinois counties, in federal district court for the Northern District of Illinois and before the appellate court. Her diverse litigation experience extends further, covering probate disputes, criminal defense and employment matters. By collaborating with a network of trusted attorneys, her office is equipped to tackle even the most complex or high-stakes legal challenges.
Before embarking on her legal career, Ms. Pinkston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a cognate in psychology from Samford University. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Kingdom of Morocco, where she worked as an English teacher and youth development specialist and became functionally fluent in Derija (Moroccan Arabic). Her early professional life included teaching high school, which deepened her passion for mentorship and community service.
Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 2010 and admitted to the Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois, Ms. Pinkston is a member of the National Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. Through every endeavor, she remains dedicated to delivering outstanding representation and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. She also boasts a “Very Good” rating on Avvo.
Practice areas
Family Law, Civil Rights, Health Care, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff, Workers' Compensation: ClaimantFocus areas
Divorce, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Nursing Home, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 50% Family Law
- 10% Civil Rights
- 10% Health Care
- 10% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff
- 10% Workers' Compensation: Claimant
First Admitted: 2010, Illinois
Professional Webpage: https://pinkstonlawgroup.com/profiles/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Illinois, 2010
- Chicago Bar Association, Member, 2017 - 2021
- Cook County Bar Association, Member, 2017, 2019 - 2021
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member, 2018 - 2021
- American Bar Association, Member, 2018, 2020 - 2021
- National Bar Association, Member, 2014 - 2021
- Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division (General & Trial Bar Member), 2015 - 2021
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Member
- Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, Member, 2021
- Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Association, Member, 2021
- Illinois Trial Lawyers’ Association, Member, 2017, 2021
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Ms. Pinkston settled a case involving allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time. The minor child who resided with his mother will now reside with her male client and the parties will make joint decisions, 2021
- A client was not only reunited with his two minor children after being kept from them for 2010 days, but he was allocated joint parental responsibilities and given parenting time, 2019
- A client was acquitted on four (4) counts of Aggravated Assault on four (4) Chicago Police Officers and one (1) count of criminal damage to government property, 2017
- On February 21, 2020, Ms. Pinkston won a $6.4 million dollar jury verdict in a malicious prosecution case against the City of Chicago. The verdict is currently on appeal, 2020
- Ms. Pinkston settled a night club battery case for $100,000.00 in Cook County, 2017
- Ms. Pinkston settled a car accident case for $50,000.00 in Cook County, 2019
- Ms. Pinkston settled a car accident case for $20,000.00 in Cook County, 2019
- Ms. Pinkston settled a car accident case for $12,285.62 in Cook County, 2019
- Ms. Pinkston settled a trucking accident case for $40,000 in Cook County, 2021
Videos
- This segment deals with the purpose of child support, what child support covers, the legal obligation of parents to support minor children. The children's right to be financially supported. It also talks about how to file a complaint/petition, how a child support award is determined, jurisdictional requirements, etc. Disclaimer: The information on this channel and page is considered informational and advertising material under applicable Illinois ethical rules. This channel and page's information about current events, legal issues, legal developments, may not reflect the most current legal developments, may be incomplete, or out of date. These informational materials are not intended and should not be taken as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. We have stated our individual views and opinions and unless expressly stated, they should not be attributed to the other, 2017, Pinkston Law Group's "What You Should Know Wednesday" Episode 1: Child Support, Legal
- You’ve been wondering whether you are entitled to spousal support/maintenance, how much, how long, and how it’s terminated. Topics covered: What is maintenance/spousal support? What is the purpose of maintenance? How does the court determine whether a maintenance award is appropriate? What are the relevant factors the court considers? What are the types of maintenance? How is maintenance calculated? How can maintenance be terminated? You may schedule a consultation with Attorney Danielle Pinkston at pinklaw.acuityscheduling.com or call our office at 773-770-4771, 2017, Episode 7, Maintenance or Spousal Support, Family Law
- You’re fed up with waiting 30 minutes for pick and drop off during your parenting time; the other parent switches your actual days and times without your consent; and you never hear about school events like games and parent teacher conferences. You know there’s got to be a better way. THE BASIC WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND WHY OF PARENTING PLANS IN ILLINOIS, PURSUANT TO 750 ILCS 5/602.10 WHO: Each parent must file a parenting plan in a parental responsibilities case. WHAT: A Parenting Plan is a legal document which establishes the legal rights and obligations of both parents as relating to their children. WHERE: In the Circuit Court where you case is filed. WHEN: Parents must file a proposed parenting plan with the court within 120 days of commencing a court case for allocation of parental responsibilities. WHY: It is in the child’s/children’s best interest that both parents work together without all the drama. Disclaimer: What You Should Know Wednesdays is not intended to take the place of a one on one legal consultation, nor does this segment establish an attorney client relationship. If you believe you are in need of legal counsel, you may schedule a consultation with me Attorney Danielle Pinkston at pinklaw.acuityscheduling.com or call our office at 773-770-4771. Thank you for watching and we look forward to meeting your legal needs with professionalism and integrity, 2017, Episode 6, Parenting Plans, Family Law
- Ms. Pinkston discussed the basics of pre-marital agreements in Illinois, Episode 8, Premarital Agreements, Family Law, 2017
- Ms. Pinkston informed her viewers of several tips they can follow if their spouse wants a divorce, 2020, What To Do If Your Spouse Wants a Divorce?, Family Law
- Ms. Pinkston informed her viewers about various ways they can find a divorce lawyer, 2020, How Do I Choose A Divorce Attorney?, Family Law
- Ms. Pinkston briefly discussed common causes of car accidents; risks of distracted driving; fatigue driving; and drunk driving, 2020, What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?, Personal Injury
- Ms. Pinkston informed her viewers about the basic about personal injury claims, cases; common types of injury cases; about the statute of limitations period; and what can happen in one misses the deadline, 2021, What Is A Personal Injury Claim?, Personal Injury
- Ms. Pinkston introduced her new video series to her viewers, 2020, Introduction to Pinkston Law Group's Video Series, All Legal
- In this segment, Attorney Pinkston clarifies Illinois Law 750 ILCS 5/609.2 Sec. 609.2 pertaining to a "Relocating Parent." She informs you of the basics that you should know if you want to relocate and/or if you object as follows: 1. The 3 Types of Removal; 2. The procedure to relocate; 3. What to do if the non-relocating parent agrees to the relocation; 4. What to do if the non-relocating parent disagrees to the relocation; 5. Filing a petition with the court; and 6. The factors the court shall consider before allowing a parent to relocate Disclaimer: What You Should Know Wednesdays is not intended to take the place of a one on one legal consultation, nor does this segment establish an attorney client relationship. The questions that were submitted and always remain confidential. If you believe you are in need of legal counsel, you may schedule a consultation with me Attorney Danielle Pinkston at pinklaw.acuityscheduling.com or call our office at 773-770-4771. Thank you for watching and we look forward to meeting your legal needs with professionalism and integrity. Disclaimer: The information on this channel and page is considered informational and advertising material under applicable Illinois ethical rules. This channel and page's information about current events, legal issues, legal developments, may not reflect the most current legal developments, may be incomplete, or out of date. These informational materials are not intended and should not be taken as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. We have stated our individual views and opinions and unless expressly stated, they should not be attributed to the other, 2017, Episode 3, Parental Relocation in Illinois, Family Law
- I. VISITATION BY CERTAIN NON-PARENTS (750 ILCS 5/602.9) A. Types Of Visitation By Non-Parents B. Who Can Bring A Petition For Visitation By Non-Parents C. Where & How To File A Petition For Visitation D. Rebuttable Presumption E. Factors To Grant Or Deny A Visitation Petition F. Additional Considerations G. When A Petition For Visitation By Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Step-Parents, And Siblings Can Be Denied Disclaimer: What You Should Know Wednesdays is not intended to take the place of a one on one legal consultation, nor does this segment establish an attorney client relationship. The questions that were submitted and always remain confidential. If you believe you are in need of legal counsel, you may schedule a consultation with me Attorney Danielle Pinkston at pinklaw.acuityscheduling.com or call our office at 773-770-4771. Thank you for watching and we look forward to meeting your legal needs with professionalism and integrity. Legal Advertisement, 2017, Episode 4 Visitation by Non Parents, Family Law
- You’ve tried counselling over and over, and over again, or your spouse won’t even bother showing up, and reached the end of the road in your marriage. You want out! Divorces are an unfortunate part of our society. No one goes into marriage thinking I cannot wait to get out, but unfortunately people marry the wrong person, for the wrong reasons, at the wrong times, or during the marriage, unfortunate circumstances arise, resulting in dissolving the the marital bonds. In this segment, Attorney Pinkston discusses the following: Parties to a Dissolution of Marriage Commencement Of Action Dissolution of Marriage Ways To Serve Your Spouse Time Frame To Having A Judgment Entered Residency Requirements Mandatory & Optional Documents Grounds For Divorce Counseling Or Mediation Requirements Local Rule 13.3.1 Local Rule 13.3.2 Discovery Legal Advertisement, 2017, Episode 5 Dissolution of Marriage, Family Law
- Danielle A. Pinkston, of Pinkston Law Group, publishes her first video to wish everyone a Happy New Year. She also takes time to inform viewers of the new and exciting ventures at Pinkston Law Group for 2017, such practice areas, monthly newsletters, "What You Should Know Wednesdays," and scheduling consultations online. Disclaimer: The information on this channel and page is considered informational and advertising material under applicable Illinois ethical rules. This channel and page's information about current events, legal issues, legal developments, may not reflect the most current legal developments, may be incomplete, or out of date. These informational materials are not intended and should not be taken as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. We have stated our individual views and opinions and unless expressly stated, they should not be attributed to the other, 2016, Happy New Year From Pinkston Law Group, All
- You’ve been wondering what tools you need to persuade the judge that it is in the child’s best interest that you should make majority of the decisions and have majority of the parenting time. This segment discusses the "best interest of the child" factors which the court shall consider when allocating parental responsibilities. Disclaimer: The information on this channel and page is considered informational and advertising material under applicable Illinois ethical rules. This channel and page's information about current events, legal issues, legal developments, may not reflect the most current legal developments, may be incomplete, or out of date. These informational materials are not intended and should not be taken as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. We have stated our individual views and opinions and unless expressly stated, they should not be attributed to the other, 2017, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Decision Making and Parenting Time), Family Law
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certified Cook County Arbitrator on a panel of three Illinois-licensed attorneys, who act in place of a judge and render a decision at the conclusion of the hearing, 2014
Pro bono / Community Service
- Former Peace Corps, Volunteer
- Mock Trial with law students from Loyola University, BLSA Mock Trial this year, Volunteer, 2021
- Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, Volunteer, 2016
- Cook County Bar Association's Pro Bono Probate and Estate Planning Clinic, Volunteer, 2019
Educational Background
- Samford University, B.A., Major: Sociology, Minor: Psychology, 2001
Honors
- Member, Lawyers of Distinction and Attorney
- “Very Good” rating on Avvo
- National Bar Association’s Top 40 under 40
- Member, Law and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Family Law Attorneys
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named at Top 100 Lawyer, Top 100, National Trial Lawyers, 2021
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named on of the 10 Best Personal Injury Law Attorneys, American Institute, 2020
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named one of the Litigator's of the Year, American Institute of Trial Lawyers, 2020
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named at Top 10 Lawyer, Attorney & Practice Magazine’s, 2019
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named an inaugural member, Lawyers of Distinction, 2019
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named a member, Lawyers of Distinction, 2020
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named at Top 10 Lawyer, Attorney & Practice Magazine’, 2020
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named a member, Lawyers of Distinction, 2021
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named at Top 10 Lawyer, American Institute, 2020
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named at Top 40 Under 40 Attorney, The National Bar Association, 2019
- Ms. Pinkston was honored to be named at Top 100 Lawyer., The National Black Lawyers, 2020 - 2021
Industry Groups
- Private
Selections
4 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2026
