May 2010
Masters of Law Degree, Loyola University in Chicago, IL School of Law, Child and Family LawMay 2009
Juris Doctorate Degree, Loyola University in Chicago, IL Certificates in International Law and Trial Advocacy Graduated Magna cum Laude Member of Alpha Sigma Nu, National Jesuit Honor SocietyAugust 2002
Paralegal Degree, Loyola University in Chicago, IL Graduated with Honors Member Lambda Epsilon ChiJune 2001
Master of Arts Degree, University of Chicago in Chicago, IL Social Sciences Department Thesis Title: "Street Gangs in the World"April 1997
Bachelor of Arts Degrees, Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH Philosophy and AnthropologyAfter graduating from Antioch College and moving to Chicago, Mr. Brigham completed his MA. While working on his thesis, he became interested in the law. He came face-to-face with the reality that many people who need legal representation don't get it. This can be because of a lack of access, a lack of finances, or a lack of awareness regarding one's own rights.
Mr. Brigham received his paralegal degree and worked 4 years with Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins in Chicago, IL. However, he found that he still wanted a much greater role in the legal system, so law school seemed the obvious choice. While in law school, Mr. Brigham's interest in criminal law continued to grow, and it was also at this time that he was introduced to child and family law.
During law school, Mr. Brigham spent 18 months volunteering at the Cook County Public Defender's office. Here he had the chance, first hand, to see and work with the kinds of clients who have no other choice but to rely on the government for representation. Mr. Brigham had the opportunity to play many different roles in the Public Defender's office, including bail hearings, witness questioning, and trial performances. Mr. Brigham's interests became centered on representing people who are confronted with governmental restrictions on their liberties: i.e. criminal matters, parental custody battles, children facing possible expulsions. These types of family law cases have some of the highest numbers of unrepresented plaintiffs and defendants, and situations such as division of property or child issues often require representation that is often unavailable.
