Jeffrey P. O'Kelley

A partner at the law firm of Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP, in Lake Forest, Illinois, Jeffrey P. O’Kelley focuses on estate and trust litigation, serving clients in Chicago and its suburbs. He is well-versed in handling complex disputes, including:

• Will and trust contests
• Will and trust construction
• Fiduciary litigation 
• Contested guardianship proceedings
• Financial exploitation claims involving the elderly and disabled

Additionally, Mr. O’Kelley has significant experience in appellate litigation, with notable published decisions such as In re Estate of Walsh (2012 IL App (2d) 110938) and In re Estate of LaPlume (2014 IL App (2d) 130945). He is a respected educator and author. He has lectured at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and contributed to the Illinois State Bar Association Trusts and Estates Newsletter, the Illinois Bar Journal and the Lake County Bar Association Docket. His published works include co-authoring articles on quantum meruit claims, probate and real estate, and financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals. 

Graduating with honors from the Chicago–Kent College of Law in 2009, Mr. O’Kelley has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since then. He also holds a B.A. in English and rhetoric from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. 

Throughout his career, Mr. O’Kelley has participated in numerous seminars and radio programs, sharing his knowledge on ethical considerations in trusts and estates, wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and other related topics. His involvement in these educational activities reflects his dedication to providing valuable insights to both the legal community and the public.

Mr. O’Kelley's professional associations include long-standing memberships in the Lake County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. His contributions to these organizations and his role as a leader in the Trusts and Estates Committee highlight his dedication to his field and his clients.