Susan Hickman Butler

Susan Hickman Butler is the founding partner of Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., where she focuses exclusively on divorce and family law. She has more than 40 years of experience practicing in Central Illinois. Her work includes complex asset division, maintenance, pension issues, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and family law appeals. She represents clients in matters involving professional practices, business interests, farm property, executive compensation, stock options, and retirement assets.

Susan earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from the University of Memphis. She received her J.D. from The Law School of Drake University. At Drake, she served as Editor of the Drake Legal Research Service and as a research assistant to Associate Dean Arthur K. Ryman. Her academic record included recognition through the Mortar Board Society for scholarship, leadership, and service.

Susan began her career as a trial attorney with an insurance defense firm in Council Bluffs, Iowa. After returning to Central Illinois, she became one of the first female trial attorneys practicing in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. She later worked as a law firm partner before opening the Law Office of Susan H. Butler in Peoria. That practice became the predecessor of Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., which was formally established in 2015.

Susan Hickman Butler handles contested family law matters through litigation, negotiation, and settlement strategy. She has substantial appellate experience in the Third and Fourth District Illinois Appellate Courts. Her admissions include the Illinois Supreme Court and the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Her professional memberships include the Peoria County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. She has received recognition from Super Lawyers and several Central Illinois professional organizations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Butler Giraudo & Meister, P.C.
• Member, Peoria County Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Former President, Women in Management, Peoria Chapter
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois
• Iowa (Inactive)

Education

• Drake University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Memphis
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges