Vanessa V. Clohessy

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Contact/Location
Office: Itasca
[email protected]
847-670-9000 (office)
847-670-7334 (fax)

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EDUCATION
Indiana University, B.A., Journalism, 1986  

Indiana University, B.A., Spanish, 1986  

Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1990 

  • Moot Court Society 

Partner Vanessa Clohessy concentrates her practice in counseling and representing non-public schools in personnel matters, student issues, contracts, and policy work. In addition, Vanessa is a seasoned litigator with more than 30 years of experience representing clients in all phases of civil litigation. She has successfully defended public and private schools in judicial and administrative proceedings primarily in employment related disputes, tax exemption, and student discipline.

Private school clients turn to Vanessa for her effective skills in interpreting the ever-increasing number of laws that apply to that sector. She also assists her clients in navigating the myriad of administrative regulations with which private schools must comply. 

Outside of the office, Vanessa is an avid tennis player and downhill skier. She enjoys RV-ing, camping, hiking, and visiting National Parks with her husband, son, and daughter.  



  • Illinois Bar Association, Member, 1990 – Present  

  • Illinois Council of School Attorneys, Member, 1998 – Present  

  • National School Board Association, Member, 1998 – Present  

  • Northwest Suburban Bar Association, Education Law Committee, Past Chairwoman, 2000 

  • Lake County Juvenile Justice Council, School Safety Committee, 2003 – 2005 

  • Hellenic Bar Association, Member, 2014 – Present 



  • BSA Troop 9117, Scoutmaster, 2019 – Present 

  • People for Elmhurst Parks, Vice President, 2015 – Present 

  • Greek Orthodox Metropolis Family Ministry, Chairwoman, 2018 – Present 

  • Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Society (Friends of the Poor), Member, 2000-present 

  • Rotary International, Paul Harris Fellow 



  • Leading Lawyers Network, 2017 – Present 

  • Boy Scouts of America, Silver Acorn Award, 2018