Josh Braude

Meet Attorney Josh Braude!

Prior to working for the City, Josh had a decade-long career in government and politics. He served as Chief of Staff for Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor and led Daniel Biss’s State Senate office during the Senator’s 2018 Gubernatorial run. In his free time, Josh enjoys seeing theatre and solving puzzles.

Bar Admission: Illinois

Education:
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, J.D.
Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts

Please provide a summary of your work experience.

Prior to joining the team at Birchwood Law, I worked at the City of Chicago Law Department in the Building and Licensing Department. Prior to that I was at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Civil Actions Bureau.

I began my professional career working in government and politics. I most recently served as Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor’s Chief of Staff. Prior to this, I ran the offices of State Senator Daniel Biss and State Representative Elaine Nekritz.

Can you highlight some of your most significant professional achievements?

Most of my legal career has been focused on public safety. While at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office I compiled the County’s Brady Giglio Do Not Call List which documented officers who were not allowed to give testimony due to police misconduct. This was the first time a list had ever been made public, and I was proud to be a part of this transparency effort.

At the City of Chicago Law Department, I tried a case that shut down a nuisance bar that was causing excessive noise and crime issues in the Lincoln Square Community. The two yearlong included community meetings and formal nuisance charges. It culminated in a multi-witness hearing which I led and eventually resulted in the closure of this problematic business.

In my career in government and politics I am most proud of the work I accomplished with Commissioner Maggie Trevor to draft and write a Coal Tar Sealant ban bill which ensured the health and environmental safety for communities in unincorporated cook county. This passed in early 2024.

I am also proud of the volunteer work I did with the Trevor Project to secure sponsors for HB 577, which was an LGBT suicide prevention bill. This bill passed both houses unanimously in Spring 2021 and was signed by Governor Pritzker in August 2021 becoming Public Act 102-0267.

Were there any stories or experiences in your life that significantly influenced you to become an Attorney?

I went in politics and government initially to make that change but realized that through the law I could make a more direct impact on our communities. I am grateful to work at a firm that is committed to serving our clients and working with community partners.

What guiding principles or legal philosophies do you prioritize in your practice?

Be kind and be honest. I think by leading with kindness and honesty you can come to an understanding of difficult issues and problem solve when parties may seem like a solution is impossible.

Are there lessons from your journey that would benefit aspiring lawyers?

Do not give up. The path to becoming an attorney is a rough one starting with the LSAT, three years of Law School, and then passing the bar exam. It is not an easy path and something is bound to trip you up. For me, the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges by adapting to remote learning and connecting with my colleagues virtually. Despite those challenges, I persevered and was able to graduate early from Law School and pass the Bar Exam. Take advantage of every opportunity, lean on mentors, and soak in everything you possibly can to obtain that license and begin your legal career.