Tamara A. Meister

Tamara A. Meister is a partner at Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. in Peoria, Illinois, who focuses on family law. Her practice centers on complex financial matters and child custody disputes. She works with clients to establish goals, evaluate available options, and consider the long-term effects of important decisions. Her practice also includes adoption and surrogacy matters, including surrogacy agreements and egg donor contracts.

Meister earned her J.D. from The John Marshall Law School, graduating in the top 25% of her class. During law school, she served as a teaching assistant and research assistant to Professor Rogelio Lasso. She received multiple CALI Awards and the Herzog Scholarship. She previously graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University. Her academic training supports her approach to legal research, case preparation, negotiation, and family law advocacy.

Meister represents individuals and families in contested family law proceedings and takes a firm but reasonable approach to settlement negotiations. When settlement is unsuccessful, she presents clients’ positions in court through detailed preparation and knowledge of applicable case law. Her adoption experience includes private, agency, stepparent, and contested adoptions. She also assists intended parents and other participants with the legal aspects of surrogacy arrangements and related reproductive agreements.

Tamara A. Meister has received recognition for her legal work and professional involvement. She was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She received a 40 Leaders Under 40 award in 2019. Meister belongs to the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and local bar associations. Her community service includes work with the 10th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Butler Giraudo & Meister, P.C.
• Member, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
• Member, Peoria County Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Tazewell County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• John Marshall Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Illinois Wesleyan University
  BS with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges