Attorney Michelle Bugajsky focuses her practice on probate, estate planning, and family law. Michelle concentrates on these practice areas because they allow her to be deeply involved with helping people and families attain their best outcomes through stressful times. Whether assisting clients in planning for their futures or helping clients through problems in the here and now, Michelle provides caring and thoughtful legal services. Michelle understands that without someone to guide them in times of strife, clients may struggle with the difficulties involved in making educated and focused decisions. Michelle fills that need – she sees clients through their legal needs in difficult and challenging times and she works intensely to craft results tailored to what is most important to each individual client.
Michelle attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Thereafter, Michelle accepted an academic scholarship to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent School of Law. While attending Kent, Michelle focused her studies on family law, taxation, and estate planning.
During her law school career, Michelle served as a research assistant in taxation and had the privilege of completing a judicial externship in the post-decree domestic relations division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. As a judicial extern, Michelle gained rare insight into judicial decision-making and courtroom strategy. Practicing for two years as a 711 student attorney in Chicago-Kent’s family law and low-income taxpayer clinics, Michelle gained vast and invaluable legal experience. In doing so, Michelle found her true passion for helping families in need. Following graduation, Michelle completed a post-juris doctorate program in advanced legal studies, emphasis on family law and estate planning.
After taking some time away from law to manage a family business, Michelle joined a DuPage County general practice firm. There Michelle established herself and quickly rose through the ranks from associate to senior associate, where she was ultimately entrusted with the day-to-day administration of the firm. Today, Michelle’s goal is to continue to bring her clients personal, creative, and attentive legal services in the areas of decedents’ estates, estate administration, guardianships, estate planning, mediation, and family law. Michelle’s vision for SBK is to offer clients a welcoming environment, high-quality legal services, good value, and personalized care.
At SBK Law Group, Michelle offers representation in all areas of probate and comprehensive estate planning. Michelle’s family law role at the firm often focuses on mediation and financial matters.
Michelle grew up in Arlington Heights in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. She has a history of charitable work for organizations supporting young mothers, at-risk youth, and animal shelters. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys DIY projects, spending time with her family, and traveling. Today, Michelle her husband, and their two young children call West Suburban Naperville their home, enjoying all that the area has to offer.
Michelle is licensed to practice in Illinois. She is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Michelle is a 2018 recipient of the American Institute of Legal Counsel 10 Best Law Firm client satisfaction award in the area of Estate Planning Law and was selected as an Elite Lawyer in 2021.