Maria Vanessa Favia is the founder of VF Law, Ltd., a litigation-focused law firm serving clients throughout DuPage, Kane, and the greater Chicagoland area. With more than two decades of courtroom experience, Vanessa represents individuals and families in complex family law and criminal defense matters, while also representing individuals and businesses in residential and commercial real estate transactions.
Known for her direct approach and strategic advocacy, Vanessa is frequently retained in matters where the outcome carries significant personal, financial, or reputational consequences. Through her work at VF Law, she has built a reputation for providing practical guidance and strong courtroom representation in cases involving high-conflict family disputes, criminal defense, and important life and business transactions.
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Vanessa has experience working on high-profile criminal matters that have drawn national and international media attention, giving her valuable insight into complex investigations, evidentiary issues, and trial preparation.
In addition to her litigation practice, Vanessa is actively involved in wrongful conviction advocacy, working alongside national criminal justice reform advocates and innocence organizations seeking justice for individuals believed to have been wrongfully charged or convicted.
Vanessa began her legal career with a strong foundation in litigation and public service. During law school, she clerked for several prominent public offices, including the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, the Polk County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Youth Law Center, gaining early experience in both prosecution and public interest law.
Since being admitted to the Illinois Bar and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2005, Vanessa has represented clients across a broad range of legal matters, including high-conflict divorce and custody litigation, criminal defense cases, and real estate transactions.
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Vanessa earned her Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, graduating with honors and receiving a Certification in Litigation and Dispute Resolution. She also graduated with honors from the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communication Studies.
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Her Christian faith plays an integral role in both her personal life and her professional approach to the practice of law. Vanessa strives to practice law with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to truth and justice.
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Vanessa is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, the Christian Legal Society and the Kane County Bar Association. She volunteers as an attorney advocate for Administer Justice. She previously served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for DuPage County, representing the interests of children in the court system.
