Melissa C. Pennuto, JD

Helping Families Navigate Life

Melissa C. Pennuto pursued law school with one goal in mind – to help those that need it the most. While forming her family prior to graduate study, Melissa found her niche in elder and special needs law, greatly enjoying her experience working in a law office with primarily elderly and disabled clients. Her practical experience provided her with a strong passion for her clients and developed a solid foundation for what is now a legal career in elder law (Medicaid & VA benefits), special needs (including guardianships, Special Needs Trusts), and estate planning, basic and advanced.

Melissa, an accredited attorney with the VA, worked countless hours in the Veterans Legal Services Clinic while a student at John Marshall, where she gained extensive experience reviewing and researching the rights and opportunities of veterans of all ages to benefit from VA-sponsored benefits such as Service-Connected Disability, VA Pension (Aid & Attendance), and surviving spouse’s benefits. She understands the complexity of the process in applying for VA benefits, and counsels her clients in order to qualify and communicate with the VA.

Melissa’s extensive Medicaid experience on behalf of elderly and disabled clients in various living situations allows her to guide, analyze, and process Medicaid applications on behalf of all those in need of additional financial assistance to provide for their medical care.

Melissa also provides her clients with sound advice regarding estate planning and ensures her clients are able to provide the highest level of protection and guidance for their loved ones after her clients pass away. She is experienced in basic estate planning, as well as more advanced planning for business owners and individuals with a high net worth, and recognizes that every family presents a unique set of circumstances to incorporate into its plan.

Melissa currently serves as Chair of the Elder Law Committee for the DuPage County Bar Association. She spends her “free” time with her husband, children, and four-legged friends. You can often find Melissa and her family gardening, picking fresh fruits and vegetables in Michigan, or canning up delicious homemade jams.

Melissa C. Pennuto, JD

Education

BA Northwestern University (2008)
JD John Marshall Law School (2015)

Admissions

Illinois State Bar (2015)
Illinois Supreme Court (2015)

Professional Certifications

Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

Professional Organizations

DuPage County Bar Association
– Vice-Chair of the Elder Law Section (2021)
– Chair of the Elder Law Section (2022)

Speaking Engagements

National Business Institute
Various community centers and senior organizations
Various schools for parents and educators