About Us

In 1989, Stuart began his bankruptcy career at one of Chicago’s largest “Bankruptcy Mills.” He was quickly frustrated with the high volume of cases that were juggled between various attorneys. To his dissatisfaction, the structure of such a large firm did not allow the clients to get the personal and professional attention they deserved, which he enjoyed giving. Therefore, three years later, Stuart opened The Law Offices of Stuart B. Handelman, P.C. Since its beginning, the firm has been devoted to giving its clients the respect, and financial relief that they deserve.

The firm is composed of three attorneys: Stuart B. Handelman, Jean M. Huang and Kelly Smith. These three attorneys have worked together as a team for over nine years. They are knowledgeable and compassionate professionals, who are strong advocates for their clients. They pride themselves in being approachable, responsive, and supportive of their clients in difficult, sensitive situations.

They UNDERSTAND that most people fight against filing for bankruptcy, and unfortunately, in the process, they WASTE precious TIME & MONEY. People drain savings accounts, withdraw critical funds set aside for retirement, borrow from parents & friends – only later finding out that the money did not make a permanent impact on their growing debt crisis – the money was basically thrown down a black hole.

Life is too short to be ruined by pressure and struggles of debt! Call us NOW – we will talk with you and PROVIDE OPTIONS in a no-pressure environment.

We will help you find a PERMANENT RELIEF to what seems like an impossible situation.”

Stuart Handelman

Stuart attended Northern Illinois University where he majored in political science. He received a Bachelors of Arts in 1984 and went on to obtain his Law degree from John Marshall University and was subsequently accepted into the Illinois Bar Association in 1987.

Stuart worked for the State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services for a little over one year before joining the private sector. After getting experience with one of the biggest bankruptcy firms in Chicago, Stuart opened The Law Offices of Stuart B. Handelman in 1992. Stuart is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Will County Bar Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute.

Jean Huang

Jean obtained her undergraduate degree, a B.A. in Political Science, from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She obtained her J.D. degree from Loyola University Chicago, School of Law in 1998.

After working for a large bankruptcy firm, Jean joined the Law Offices of Stuart B. Handelman, P.C. in 2000. Jean has worked for the firm for over eleven (11) years, handling both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Jean concentrates primarily on Chapter 13 cases, working with our clients during the term of the Chapter 13 cases and representing our clients at 341 meetings and in Bankruptcy Court.

Jean has also volunteered at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the Abuse and Neglect Division at Cook County Department of Children and Family Services, and at Pro Bono Advocates, a clinic that obtains emergency orders of protection for victims of domestic violence.

Kelly Smith

Kelly attended the University of York in England where she earned an Honors Degree in Business Management. Kelly worked for a large manufacturing company as an accountant for approximately ten years prior to becoming an attorney. She moved to this country from England in 1998.

Kelly has worked for the Law Offices of Stuart B. Handelman since 2002, working full-time as a paralegal while attending law school on an evening. She then earned her Law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2006 and has worked as an attorney for the Law Offices of Stuart B. Handelman since that date.

Desiree Glapion

Desiree, a native of the South Side of Chicago, graduated from Loudres High School in 1997. After studying a variety of college courses, she entered the workforce, working for the American Diabetes Foundation, Northern Trust Bank, University of Chicago Hospital, and American Visa Company. In August 2008, she joined The Law Offices of Stuart Handelman, P.C., as a Legal Assistant.

She is a pivotal member of our team, who is valued for her knowledge, efficiency and compassion. The attorneys particularly appreciate how she is always considering and preparing for the next phase or step in the process – which ultimately creates a smooth, streamlined process for our clients. She works hard to make the bankruptcy journey/process as easy and painless as possible for all our clients