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Masters Law Group Recognized in 2026 Best Law Firms® Rankings: A Milestone of Excellence

We are thrilled to share the exciting news: Masters Law Group has been recognized in the 2026 edition of the Best Law Firms® rankings. 

This prestigious acknowledgment reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal services and our dedication to serving our clients with integrity, experience, and compassion.

Being named among the best is more than just an accolade; it is a testament to the years of hard work, client-focused advocacy, and professional excellence that define Masters Law Group.

What the Best Law Firms® Rankings Represent

2026 Best Law Firms

The Best Law Firms® rankings, now in their 16th edition, have become a benchmark of excellence in the legal industry. These rankings serve as a trusted guide for clients seeking top-tier legal representation, offering an in-depth view of the firms that consistently deliver outstanding results across multiple practice areas.

The rankings cover an impressive 127 practice areas and 188 local jurisdictions, helping ensure that clients can identify the most qualified firms in their specific legal matters and geographic regions. 

For Masters Law Group, inclusion in this list highlights our leadership and success in domestic relations, family law, Hague Convention cases, and other complex legal matters.

Why This Recognition Matters

Being recognized in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings carries significant implications for Masters Law Group, our clients, and the legal community at large.

1. Client Trust and Confidence

For clients, this recognition serves as a powerful signal of trust. Legal matters, particularly in areas like family law or international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention, are deeply personal and often complex. Knowing that a firm has been vetted through rigorous evaluation and recognized for excellence provides clients with confidence that their legal matters are in capable hands.

2. Professional Reputation

Awards like these help strengthen a firm’s professional reputation. In an industry where credibility and expertise are critical, being acknowledged by a prestigious, independent ranking amplifies the firm’s standing among peers, prospective clients, and the wider community.

3. Attracting Top Talent

Recognition as a top law firm is also a powerful tool in attracting the next generation of legal talent. Lawyers want to work for firms that are respected, successful, and committed to professional growth. The Best Law Firms® ranking positions Masters Law Group as a destination for top-tier legal professionals seeking a collaborative and high-achieving environment.

Masters Law Group: A Legacy of Excellence

2026 Best Law Firms

At the heart of Masters Law Group’s success is a team of dedicated professionals committed to serving clients with both skill and compassion. Founded on principles of integrity, advocacy, and client-centered service, the firm has built a reputation for delivering results in even the most complex legal matters.

Domestic Relations and Family Law

Masters Law Group is highly experienced in family law matters, including divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, and more. These matters often involve emotional, financial, and legal complexities that require a nuanced, strategic approach. Our team is skilled at guiding clients through these challenging processes with professionalism, empathy, and a relentless commitment to their best interests.

Hague Convention and International Child Abduction Cases

We also stand out in Hague Convention cases, which involve the international recovery of abducted children. These cases require not only extensive legal knowledge but also the ability to navigate international law, coordinate with foreign authorities, and act swiftly to help protect children’s rights. 

Client-Centric Approach

Across all practice areas, Masters Law Group emphasizes a client-centric approach. We believe that effective legal representation goes beyond knowledge of the law; it involves active listening, strategic problem-solving, and clear communication. By understanding each client’s unique circumstances and goals, the firm can develop tailored solutions that achieve meaningful outcomes.

The Rigorous Path to Recognition

While accolades are gratifying, what makes the Best Law Firms® recognition truly meaningful is the rigorous journey behind it. The award is not based on self-nomination or promotional efforts; it relies on objective data, peer input, and client satisfaction.

Client Perspectives

With over 110,000 client references, the data gathered reflects real-world experiences. Clients share detailed feedback on the firm’s responsiveness, professionalism, and effectiveness, giving the rankings a practical foundation that speaks to results.

Peer Insights

Peer evaluations provide another critical lens. Lawyers are often the most informed judges of legal competence, and their input helps ensure that the recognition reflects both client satisfaction and professional excellence.

Industry Analysis

Finally, in-depth analysis of firm operations, outcomes, and market presence completes the picture. Only firms demonstrating consistent, exceptional performance across these dimensions earn a place on the list.

By excelling across all these measures, Masters Law Group demonstrates that its success is not accidental; it is built on decades of experience, careful strategy, and dedication to clients’ needs.

What This Means for Clients

For individuals and families seeking legal guidance, Masters Law Group’s recognition provides assurance of quality, credibility, and reliability. Whether you are navigating divorce, parenting agreements, adoption, or complex international child custody matters, you can trust that our team has the experience and knowledge to guide you.

The Best Law Firms® ranking is a practical resource for clients seeking assurance that the firm they choose is not only skilled but also highly respected by both peers and former clients.

Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Commitment

At Masters Law Group, we are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence, adapting to evolving legal landscapes, and expanding our services to meet the needs of clients in Chicago, across Illinois, in California, and internationally.

Some of the initiatives we are focused on include:

  • Enhancing Client Experience: Implementing innovative solutions and technologies to streamline communication and case management.
  • Professional Development: Continuing to invest in our team’s skills and knowledge to help ensure clients receive the most informed guidance possible.
  • Community Engagement: Supporting initiatives that strengthen families and communities, aligning with our core values of service and advocacy.

Testimonials and Client Success Stories

Our clients’ experiences are at the heart of why we do what we do. Over the years, we have guided countless families through complex legal challenges, and their feedback has been instrumental in our recognition by Best Law Firms®.

“I found Anthony Joseph and Erin masters of Masters Law Group on Avvo. I needed desperate help for a case that I had been dealing with alongside the state for years. Calling in tears, Anthony assured me he’ll fight for me. He has done nothing less! Dealing with a tough year, he was always there to tell me it’s going to be okay and deal with my ever-so-gracious ex. He is there whenever you need him! Email, call, how up in court the day before Thanksgiving! I would highly recommend!” – Lynn

“If I didn’t have the direction and focus of these two, we wouldn’t have won. Anthony is a shark; no one will work harder and smarter and know every detail in the court like this man. AND ERIN!!!!! She is dotting all the i’s and crossing the T’s. Because of these two, my children are safe with me in the USA, and we won an extremely difficult to win case. 9/10 times, the children have to go back to the country they were taken from, in this case, it was Mexico. I had the odds stacked against me hugely. Because of their expertise in Hague, they found the important details to keep my kids and me away from our abuser, who tried to get us back into the scary situation we were living in. THANK YOU TO YOU BOTH. Every day I’m grateful for them changing my life.” – Sharon H.

Strengthening Our Legacy Through Recognition

2026 Best Law Firms

Recognition in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings strengthens our firm’s legacy. It affirms that Masters Law Group continues to meet the highest standards of legal practice and positions us to expand our influence and impact in the legal field.

Being named one of the best is not just an honor; it is a responsibility. It reinforces our commitment to deliver outstanding results, maintain ethical excellence, and continue building lasting relationships with clients.

Acknowledging Our Team

Of course, this recognition would not be possible without our dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and staff. Each member of Masters Law Group contributes to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and client-focused service. Their skill, diligence, and passion for the law are the foundation of our firm’s success.

Final Thoughts

The recognition of Masters Law Group in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings is a moment of pride for our team, our clients, and the communities we serve. It underscores our dedication to providing exceptional legal services, upholding ethical standards, and continuously striving for excellence.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to continuing our mission: helping clients navigate complex legal matters with confidence, care, and clarity. Our inclusion in the Best Law Firms® rankings is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to these principles and a promise that we will continue to deliver the high standards our clients deserve.

We are grateful to our clients for their trust, to our peers for their respect, and to our team for their tireless dedication. Here’s to another year of excellence, growth, and outstanding service.

For more information about Masters Law Group and our services, visit masters-lawgroup.com.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal assistance, please contact the qualified attorneys at Masters Law Group. Our firm can help you handle your family law case in Illinois, including divorce, custody, and mediation services.

Erin E. Masters Selected by Her Peers in the 32nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®

Family Law • Family Law Mediation

Masters Law Group is honored to share that Erin E. Masters has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in two esteemed categories: Family Law and Family Law Mediation.

This recognition comes through a rigorous, peer-review process conducted by Best Lawyers®, often regarded as the most respected legal directory in the nation. Selection is based entirely on professional merit, with millions of evaluations taken into account each year.

Why This Recognition Matters

The Best Lawyers in America® was first published in 1983. Since then, the same tried and tested peer-review process has been used consistently for more than 40 years. While the scope and scale of this publication has dramatically grown over the past four decades, the core mission of Best Lawyers to highlight the top legal talent in America has remained unchanged.

In this 32nd edition, Masters Law Group was regionally ranked in both Family Law and Family Law Mediation, highlighting the firm’s longstanding commitment to excellence in those practice areas. Erin’s dual recognition reflects not only her legal acumen but also her mediation skills, her ability to help families resolve disputes empathetically and effectively.

Erin E. Masters: About the Attorney

  • Principal of Masters Law Group with offices in Chicago and Oak Brook, Illinois, serving clients throughout Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties. The firm focuses exclusively on family law, including divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and international child abduction matters.
  • Erin holds a Juris Doctorate and a Certificate in Child & Family Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Licensed since 2004, she is frequently appointed as a court mediator and child representative in complex family law cases.

Erin’s Perspective

“I’m truly honored to be recognized in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for both Family Law and Family Law Mediation,” Erin shares. “This recognition from my peers means a great deal, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help families navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives. I also want to thank our incredible team at Masters Law Group for their ongoing dedication and support.”

Serving Families with Expertise and Empathy

At Masters Law Group, our mission is to guide clients through challenging transitions with clarity, respect, and personalized attention. Erin’s recognition underscores our core values and practice strengths:

  • Litigation Excellence: Erin has represented clients in pre- and post-decree proceedings, custody disputes, support modifications, and Hague Convention international abduction matters.
  • Mediation Leadership: As a court-appointed mediator, Erin helps parties reach balanced agreements without unnecessary conflict, offering a path forward grounded in collaboration.

Congratulations, Erin!

We are proud to celebrate Erin E. Masters’s inclusion in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law and Family Law Mediation. This peer-selected accolade reflects her well-earned reputation as a trusted advocate and mediator. If you’d like to explore how Erin and our team can support your family law journey, please contact us at masters‑lawgroup.com.

About Masters Law Group
Masters Law Group provides dedicated family law representation from offices in Chicago and Oak Brook. With an exclusive focus on domestic relations, the firm offers strategic legal guidance in areas such as divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and international custody matters.

About The Best Lawyers in America®
Founded in 1981, Best Lawyers is the oldest peer-reviewed legal ranking guide in the United States. It evaluates nominations through independent research and confidential peer reviews, without any fee or marketing influence, to identify top-performing attorneys across practice areas.

Family Child Abduction

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that approximately 200,000 of the 260,000 children abducted each year are taken by a parent or other family member. Family Child Abduction is a very serious criminal offense that can have devastating effects on children and parents.

Family child abduction is illegal in every state, and it is often treated as a felony-level offense that can result in prison upon conviction. In many cases, family abductions occur in the midst of bitter divorce or child custody battles. The child may be kept beyond a court allotted visitation period or the parent may pick up the child from school or daycare without permission and not return the child. In other cases, a child may be abducted by a family member and may face physical or sexual abuse.

The Frightening Family Abduction Statistics

David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, led a team of researchers who sought a better estimate of the prevalence of family abduction. They used data from three waves of the National Surveys of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2008, 2011 and 2014, the surveys asked children aged 10 to 17 years about their life experiences. Information about children aged 9 and younger was gathered from caregivers.

Some key findings:

  • 4 percent of children in the sample had experienced family abduction and 1.2 percent had experienced it within the past year. Based on this information, the researchers estimate that 875,000 children a year – 12 per 1,000 — are either abducted by a relative.
  • Parents were the perpetrators in more than 90 percent of abductions. Mothers and female family members were responsible for the majority – 60 percent. However, fathers and male relatives were responsible for 64 percent of all abductions.
  • Children who have been abducted are more likely to be from low-income households and have separated, estranged or divorced parents. In two-parent families, an estimated nine children per 1,000 experience an abduction compared to 84 per 1,000 in single-parent households.
  • 43 percent of abductions were reported to the police, including 86 percent of family abductions.

If you are facing a family abduction matter, call the police immediately. These cases are treated very seriously and many AMBER alerts that are issued stem from family abductions. Even where the child may not face an imminent threat of physical harm, law enforcement will treat these types of abductions as high priorities and will work to return the child to his or her parent.

International Family Abductions

International child abduction is a distressing problem that impacts numerous families worldwide. This issue has profound emotional, psychological, and legal implications for those involved. Due to the increasing ease of international travel, these cases are sadly on the rise.

But what classifies as International Parental Child Abduction? As per Travel.State.Gov, international parental child abduction is the removal or retention of a child outside their country of habitual residence in breach of another parent or guardian’s custody rights.  The Office of Children’s Issues within the U.S. Department of State is a leader in U.S. government efforts to prevent international parental child abduction (both from the United States and to the United States), help children and families involved in abduction cases, and promote the objectives of the Hague Abduction Convention.

Causes and Factors of International Child Abduction

A variety of factors drive international child abduction. Child abduction often occurs after separations, divorces, or custody disputes. Let’s take a look at some additional factors that contribute to international child abduction:

  • Cultural and Economic Reasons: Globalization and increased international mobility have prompted some parents to return to their native countries, often taking their children. These reasons are often influenced by a desire to maintain cultural connections, be closer to extended family, or seek better economic opportunities in their home nation.
  • Fear of Child’s Well-being: Concerns about the child’s safety in the other parent’s environment can drive some parents to abduct their child when they believe it offers better conditions.
  • Parental Alienation: In some cases, one parent might feel alienated from the child due to actual or perceived biases in the custody proceedings. Parental Alienation can foster desperation, prompting the alienated parent to resort to drastic measures like abduction to regain control over the situation.
  • Lack of Robust Legal Framework: Different legal systems and international treaties across countries are challenging. Not all countries are part of the Hague Convention of Civil Aspects. The lack of a legal framework in certain countries creates loopholes that abducting parents might exploit. The absence of streamlined procedures for cross-border child custody disputes can complicate efforts to prevent international abduction.

To effectively tackle the underlying issues of international child abduction, it’s essential to take a thorough approach. An effective process might involve enhancing parents’ communication and establishing robust support systems. We can work together to prevent the detrimental effects of international child abduction families by addressing these factors across borders.

Preventing  Child Abduction

When parents can’t agree on where a child should live, working with an attorney experienced in child abductions can help. If you think the other parent has taken your child, here’s what you can do:

  1. Get a Court Order or Custody Decree: It’s essential to have a clear court order that outlines custody arrangements and travel restrictions. This order can help prevent unwanted travel with the child. Court orders can also address matters like passports and custody details.
  2. Consult a Child Abduction Attorney: Talk to an attorney who knows about these situations. They can help you understand your options and might suggest getting an order that stops the child from leaving the country.
  3. Look for Warning Signs: Watch for sudden changes in the other parent’s life, like quitting a job or selling a home. These changes could indicate plans to move. You can find more information on our Resources for Parents page.
  4. Tell the Police and Share Court Orders: Inform the local police about the situation and give them copies of your court orders, including any custody, protection, or restraining orders you have.
  5. Contact a Foreign Embassy or Consulate: If your child is a dual national of another country, consider contacting that country’s embassy or consulate.
  6. Know About Travel Rules: The United States doesn’t have strict rules for children leaving the country. Even without both parents’ agreement, a child can cross borders. Without a clear court order saying otherwise, it can be challenging for law enforcement to stop an abduction.

If you believe your child has been abducted, always start by calling the police.

Work With a Child Abduction Attorney 

Dealing with international child abduction situations presents significant challenges for parents and children. Seeking the assistance of a child abduction attorney is a crucial step in ensuring the safe recovery of your child.

Taking swift action is necessary if you ever face a child abduction case. In such situations, partnering with an experienced child abduction attorney is needed. Their experience becomes crucial for initiating a Hague Convention application for scaling a defense against any Hague Convention-related legal actions. 

Erin Masters and Anthony Joseph are highly experienced in handling disputes related to international child abduction, particularly within the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois and the United States federal court system. Voted 2023’s Best Lawyers® in America 2023, Masters Law Group is focused on solving problems and achieving the best possible result for our clients, and more importantly, any children involved. 

Contact us to set up a complimentary consultation today to discuss your situation.

Masters Law Group Recognized in the 2023 Edition of “Best Lawyers in America”

Masters Law Group is a Chicago family and divorce law firm focused on solving problems and achieving the best possible result for our clients. We’re proud of our industry achievements, now including being recognized for professional excellence in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in two categories.

As part of the 2023 selection of distinguished firms, Masters Law Group was regionally ranked in two practice areas, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. 

Best Lawyers in America is the oldest and one of the most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

This recognition honors the professional accomplishments of the top tier legal talent in the country who were selected by their peers through Best Lawyers’ rigorous and peer-reviewed selection process. More than 12.2 million evaluations were analyzed, resulting in the recognition of only 5.3% of lawyers in the United States. Achieving this recognition signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

Masters Law Group is delighted to once again receive such recognition. 

About Masters Law Group

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Masters Law Group handles family law matters in Cook County and surrounding counties. Masters Law Group concentrates in the area of domestic relations, which includes divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support and related family matters.

Our recent recognitions in Family Law and Family Law Mediation highlights our experience, dedication and talent in these fields.

Our Attorneys

Best Family Law Attorney

Erin E. Masters (Attorney / Family Law Mediator) and Anthony G. Joseph (Attorney / Guardian Ad Litem/Child Representative) both have extensive experience and knowledge in family law and family law mediation.

Ms. Masters’ recent recognitions include in Family Law and Family Law Mediation, and has represented a variety of clients, both pre-decree and post-decree. 

“We are honored that Masters Law Group has been recognized by Best Lawyers® for the sixth consecutive year.” commented Managing Partner Erin Masters. “We thank all our fellow attorneys in the Chicago Metropolitan area for including us in this prestigious list as well as our attorneys and staff for their hard work and dedication in serving our clients.”

In addition to representing clients, Ms. Masters is also a court-appointed Child Representative and has experience advocating for children in these high-conflict matters. Further, she has also been appointed by the Circuit Court of Cook County to mediate complex family law cases.

2023 Best Lawyers

Anthony G. Joseph has been recognized for his excellence in Family Law and is an active trial lawyer whose practice focuses exclusively on Family Law and on the list of approved Guardian Ad Litem/Child Representatives for the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has an emphasis on International Child Abduction and cross-border custody issues pursuant to the Hague Convention of 1980 and the UCCJEA. Mr. Joseph also publishes in the area of civil litigation.

WORK WITH THE BEST

With a long history of awarded recognitions in Family Law, Masters Law Group LLC has a unique depth of knowledge, experience and talent in the Family Law and Divorce field.

Masters Law Group is dedicated to understanding your individual needs and helping you work through stressful situations in the Family Law and Divorce fields. They move through settlement negotiations, mediation or litigation with their clients’ assurance and well being in mind.

Schedule a consultation here to speak with an experienced attorney regarding your family law matter today.