Allison Trendle is an associate attorney at Giannola Legal LLC, where she has practiced since 2021, focusing on family law. She brings a strong academic foundation and a client-centered approach to each case, guiding individuals and families through complex legal matters with skill, clarity, and compassion.
She graduated summa cum laude from Lewis University in 2018 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She earned her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 2021, again graduating summa cum laude. While in law school, she served as an editor for The John Marshall Law Review and published a comment titled “A Hallmark of Injustice: Illinois Sentencing Regulations Fail Defendants and the Judicial System.”
Her legal writing has also been featured in the DuPage County Bar Association Journal, where she currently serves as an editor. Her article, “Putative Spouses and Their Rights in Illinois,” reflects her deep interest in family law and its evolving legal landscape. She also co-edited the textbook Readings in Restorative Justice, highlighting her continued commitment to equitable approaches within the legal system.
Before joining Giannola Legal LLC, she gained valuable judicial experience as a law clerk for both the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, and the Cook County Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division.
Allison is admitted to practice law in the state of Illinois. She is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association and the Will County Bar Association.
In addition to her legal work, she is actively involved in her community as the Chair of the Arts & Culture Committee for the Palos Heights Woman’s Club. Outside the office, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family.
Q&A:
From the perspective of your role, what’s one thing you wish clients understood better about the divorce process?
That divorce truly looks completely different for everyone. No two sets of facts are the same, and different judges can approach the same or similar sets of facts in wildly different manners. Just because a friend or neighbor’s case went a certain way doesn’t mean yours will, too.
I also wish more people remembered that one day the attorneys and judge will be gone, and it’s just going to be them and their ex trying to figure out how to raise a family together.
From the perspective of your role, how do you ensure clients feel heard and understood?
Clients feel understood when they feel like they’ve been truly listened to. It’s easy for attorneys to only focus on the legal side of things and forget that every issue carries real, human emotion. I always strive to hear my clients out, validate their concerns and their struggles, and then work with them to find solutions that fit within the legal framework.
What makes the culture at Giannola Legal LLC unique?
We truly care about each other and our clients. The legal field is stressful, and it helps knowing that the people on your team will show up, listen, and collaborate. This culture benefits our clients, as well. Because we work collaboratively, they get the strength of an entire team behind them as they go through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
What do you like to do to unwind after a long day in court or at the office?
I like to spend time with my family and friends, have a glass of wine, and read a good book. Not necessarily in that order.
If you weren’t working in the legal world, what career would you want to try?
I’ve wanted to be an attorney since I was little, so it’s hard to picture myself in another career. Probably something equally as stressful and full of paperwork, just to stay consistent.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m the youngest in a big family! I have a lot of siblings, a ton of nieces and nephews, and even a few great nephews and a great niece thrown in the mix. There’s always something going on, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
