Atty. Barbara Merrey Decoster

Atty. Barbara Merrey Decoster

Barbara Merrey Decoster is a lawyer practicing litigation in state and federal courts, collections, commercial and 13 other areas of law. Barbara received a B.A. degree from George Washington University in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years.

Chicago Chicago 48 yrs experience 48 year
Call (224) 801-3768 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Barbara Merrey Decoster at a glance

Barbara Merrey Decoster is a Member based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Barbara M. DeCoster. They have 48+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1978. Their practice focuses on car accidents, trusts, contracts, probate, and personal injury. Admitted to practice in Illinois (1978), U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit (1983), U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar (1990), and U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois (1993). Educated at University of Iowa (J.D., 1978) and George Washington University (B.A. Stanford, 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations Women's Bar Association of Illinois. Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Barbara Merrey Decoster is a lawyer practicing litigation in state and federal courts, collections, commercial and 13 other areas of law
  • Barbara received a B.A. degree from George Washington University in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years
  • Barbara practices at Barbara M. DeCoster in Chicago, IL

Practice Areas Explained

Barbara Merrey Decoster's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Barbara Merrey Decoster handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Car Accidents

Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.

Barbara Merrey Decoster is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in Illinois →

Trusts

Barbara Merrey Decoster is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Illinois →

Contracts

Barbara Merrey Decoster is one of 76,762 contracts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse contracts attorneys in Illinois →

Probate

Barbara Merrey Decoster is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Illinois →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Barbara Merrey Decoster is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Barbara Merrey Decoster

Where is Barbara Merrey Decoster's law office located?
Barbara Merrey Decoster's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Barbara M. DeCoster. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Barbara Merrey Decoster handle?
Barbara Merrey Decoster focuses on car accidents, trusts, contracts, probate, personal injury. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has Barbara Merrey Decoster practiced law?
Barbara Merrey Decoster has 48+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1978.
Where did Barbara Merrey Decoster go to law school?
Barbara Merrey Decoster earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (B.A. Stanford, 1971).
How can I contact Barbara Merrey Decoster for a consultation?
You can contact Barbara Merrey Decoster directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Barbara Merrey Decoster received?
Barbara Merrey Decoster's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Iowa
- 1978
B.A. Stanford
George Washington University
- 1971

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Illinois
Admitted: 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Admitted: 1983
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar
Admitted: 1990
U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
Admitted: 1993
U.S. U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
Admitted: 1997

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