Brendan J. Hammer

Brendan J. Hammer serves as of counsel to Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC in Chicago. He concentrates on complex matrimonial and family law matters, including high-net-worth divorce, parenting disputes, domestic and international relocation, and contested financial issues. His work also includes mediation, arbitration, and strategic litigation consulting for clients and other attorneys. He advises business owners, executives, professionals, athletes, and families facing difficult decisions about finances and parenting.

Brendan received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 2007. He also completed divorce mediation training through Northwestern University and is a Board-Certified Family Trial Law Advocate through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His professional development includes an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers arbitration certification. These credentials support his work in contested hearings, financial disputes, mediated negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings involving complicated family law matters.

Brendan previously spent 15 years at Berger Schatz LLP before joining his present practice in 2022. His representative matters include disputes over business valuations, executive compensation, trusts, child relocation, and maintenance obligations. He has litigated cases involving custody across national borders and successfully defended challenges to family estate plans. His work extends to supporting other lawyers in complex litigation and helping parties explore arbitration or mediation rather than proceeding directly to trial.

Brendan J. Hammer was named Best Lawyers’ 2025 Lawyer of the Year for Chicago Family Law Arbitration and has received recognition in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers. He also teaches and writes about family litigation, evidence, and dispute resolution. His work combines trial preparation with informed negotiation and a focus on practical outcomes for families.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Prior Chair, Advisory Board, DePaul University College of Law Family Law Center
• Member, American Bar Association, Family Law & Dispute Resolution Sections
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section
• Member, State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section
• Member, DuPage County Bar Association
• Member, Advisory Council, David Lynch Foundation (Chicago)
• Founding Member, American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators

Licensed State

• Illinois
• Texas

Education

• DePaul University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges