| Attorney Profiles - Child:kyle Fraccaro |
Kyle F. FraccaroPartner kfraccaro@davisfriedman.com When asked about the intangible rewards of his practice, Kyle Fraccaro mentions an e-mail he received from one of his partners at Davis Friedman, which still stands out in his mind: "Most people go to law school because they want to achieve justice, and the times when that happens make it all worthwhile." When an attorney achieves a fair settlement in a difficult case or obtains a favorable verdict in a contested one, Fraccaro says, "that's when you remind yourself, 'This is what I was fighting for.'" Fraccaro's facility with the rules of evidence and civil procedure has earned him a reputation as a very capable litigator. "I have found that during a trial being vigilant to the contradictory statements and claims of my opponent can often open an unexpected door for my client." He adds, "While I think it is generally best to resolve disputes outside the courtroom, I do see great merit in resolving situations about factual disputes and unreasonable adversaries before a judge. I know how the legal system works," he states. "In and out of the courtroom, we are committed to securing the best possible results that take into account the long-term consequences for our clients." He says, "Divorce always is a conflict-driven process. My role is to negotiate what is best for my clients and guide them through the legal system, ensuring that they receive a fair shake." Working after college as a child welfare advocate, and then as a mental health worker for adults battling severe mental illness, led Fraccaro to become interested in the practice of law. I gained some significant trial experience clerking for the Public Defender's office in law school," states Fraccaro. He then moved to the private sector, working in a general practice law office, where he broadened his knowledge of the law. During that time, he began specializing in family law and eventually had a case opposite a partner at Davis Friedman. "I did well for my client and was more than able to hold my own," he recalls, and soon he was invited by that opposing attorney to interview at the firm. At first he felt humbled by the idea of working with Muller Davis and Jody Meyer Yazici, who wrote the book on matrimonial law, which he had used as a student and referred to constantly. He immediately realized, however, that working at Davis Friedman would be an honor, noting he particularly appreciates the camaraderie and advice of colleagues he greatly admires. "To do well in family law, a person has to be level-headed and demonstrate an ability to access a breadth of knowledge. The truth of the matter is that if an individual is an approval seeker or a people pleaser, he or she is going to have a tough time," Fraccaro explains. "There's a balance between being passionate about achieving a just result for my clients and maintaining a sense of objectivity above the fray." |
He takes pride in talking about a recent instance, a pro bono case involving the mother of an autistic child and her protracted fight to keep her child with her and care for him. "She has done everything. She's fought for this child and fought for this child." Fraccaro was able to get visitation reinstated immediately after it was suspended by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. As for the custody issue: "We're still working on it," he says optimistically. Admitted to the Bar2004, Illinois EducationBeloit College, B.A., major in Government, minor in Performing Arts, 1995 Professional MembershipsIllinois State Bar Association Accomplishments and PublicationsCo-author, Child Custody chapter on "Rules of Child's Responsibilities" |
