Deadra Woods Stokes

As a licensed practicing attorney for over 25 years, Deadra Woods Stokes, has developed a reputation as a leader and wealth advisor. She has earned the name, the “Wealth Counselor”, because of her sound legal advice to clients in the area of Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, Bankruptcy Reorganization, and Business Succession Planning. Her insightful understanding of each client’s personal needs and her hands-on approach has enabled her to serve as a legal advisor for over 1500 clients and their families.

Her outstanding leadership skills and exceptional business acumen were recognized through her selection as one of thirty-seven business owners out of approximately 200 applicants to participate in the first cohort group of the Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Business Program in 2012. Completing this 6-month program armed her with entrepreneurial skills which were taught and developed by professors from Babson College in Boston, MA. She has received several other recognitions and most recently was awarded the 2016 Women of Excellence Business/Entrepreneur award by the Chi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

In the legal community, Deadra is recognized as a woman of high personal integrity and one who is distinguished by exceptional client confidence and trust. In recognition of this, she and her legal team experience an 85% client retention rate and secure 99% of their business through client referrals.

Realizing her commitment to educating others in the law, she also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Governor’s State University in University Park, Illinois. Her commitment and dedication to the community is further evidenced through her service as a board member and/or Officer for various not-for-profit organizations including, but not limited to, United Way Southwest, RESPOND Now, JASSAC Foundation, South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated and South Suburban PADS.

Legal Practice

Attorney Stokes has practiced for over 19 years and her experience has covered a broad spectrum.

In 2009 she decided to primarily concentrate in the areas that she characterizes as wealth management and wealth preservation for consumers, including:

• Estate planning

• Real estate acquisitions

• Sales and business law

Over the years she has conducted seminars on estate planning and wealth management. Her passion is to assist and advocate for those who have experienced hardships and are striving to rebuild and restructure their finances.

Over the years she has conducted seminars on estate planning and wealth management. Her passion is to assist and advocate for those who have experienced hardships and are striving to rebuild and restructure their finances.

She has taught Business Law as an Adjunct Professor at Governor's State University located in University Park, Illinois.

Educational & Community Involvement

Attorney Stokes has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated since 1986, and as a committee co-chairperson for the Home Preservation Committee in the Joliet Area South Suburban Chicago Chapter (JASSAC). This chapter received a National award for providing community grants to local residents who were facing foreclosure in 2010.

She currently is the President of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, and has served in this capacity since June 2013. She has served on several boards for various organizations such as South Suburban Pads, RESPOND NOW, and United Way Southwest.

In her spare time, Attorney Stokes loves to read, exercise, and spend time with her husband of 16 years, their three daughters, her mother, and immediate family members.