Mara Somlo

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Mara Somlo is an Associate Attorney with the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group by Haid and Teich, LLP (“WDFLG”). She brings a unique and seasoned perspective to family law, joining the firm after more than six years as a prosecutor with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

Prior to joining WDFLG, Ms. Somlo served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Integrity Bureau of the Criminal Enforcement Division. In that role, she collaborated with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving public corruption throughout Illinois. Her innovative and tenacious approach led to successful prosecutions for complex financial crimes, official misconduct, bribery, forgery, and other fraud-related offenses. Ms. Somlo also negotiated guilty pleas in high-profile cases and secured substantial restitution for victims. Known for her clarity and compassion, she now applies her investigative skills to ensure transparency and integrity throughout the discovery process. Her work as an Assistant Attorney General took her to courtrooms across Illinois, where she developed a reputation for diligence and professionalism.

Before her tenure at the Attorney General’s Office, Ms. Somlo was an Assistant State’s Attorney in Kane County, where she gained extensive courtroom experience prosecuting cases involving driving under the influence, domestic violence, and violations of orders of protection. As a zealous advocate for victims of violent crime, she successfully handled numerous jury and bench trials, argued pretrial motions, and conducted sentencing hearings.

As a seasoned litigator, Ms. Somlo understands the high stakes and emotional complexity of contested matters. She believes in meticulous preparation and has a proven record of thoughtful, strategic negotiation.

Before being admitted to the Illinois Bar, Ms. Somlo clerked with the United States Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice’s Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Section, the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Ms. Somlo earned her J.D. cum laude from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2019, where she attended on a merit-based scholarship recognizing her academic excellence. During law school, she was an Alumni Scholar, published in the Seventh Circuit Honors Review, and honored for her community service.

She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri in 2016 with dual degrees in Political Science and Political Communications.