Matthew Bayens
Matthew Bayens founded Bayens Law with a clear, mission-driven goal: to bridge the gap between high-end legal expertise and the everyday person. His practice focuses on providing affordable and accessible legal services, specifically within the areas of estate planning and family law.
Attorney & Certified Mediator
Matthew brings a unique blend of high-stakes litigation experience and compassionate advocacy to our firm. Licensed to practice in Illinois and a Certified Mediator, Matthew has dedicated his career to navigating complex legal challenges with a focus on strategic solutions and client empowerment.
A Proven Advocate in Family Law
Matthew’s practice is rooted in helping individuals through some of life’s most significant transitions. He provides full-scale representation in a wide range of family law matters, including:
Divorce & Property Division
Child Custody & Decision-Making
Adoption & Domestic Violence Protective Orders
From conducting rigorous discovery and depositions to presenting compelling oral arguments in court, Matthew ensures his clients’ voices are heard and their interests are protected.
A Foundation in Public Service & Resolution
Before joining our team, Matthew served as a Staff Attorney at CARPLS Legal Aid in Chicago. There, he provided vital counsel to Cook County residents on a broad spectrum of civil and criminal issues, with a particular emphasis on landlord-tenant disputes and consumer debt.
His background in legal aid taught him the value of transparency, efficiency, and accessibility—principles he brings to every case today. Matthew doesn't just look for a legal fix; he looks for the most effective path to a fresh start.
Skilled Negotiation & Mediation
Not every dispute belongs in a courtroom. As a Certified Mediator through the Center for Conflict Resolution, Matthew is an expert negotiator. He excels at reaching favorable settlements with opposing counsel, saving his clients the time, stress, and expense of protracted litigation whenever possible.
Education & Admissions
J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Admitted to Practice: Illinois State Bar
Certifications: Certified Mediator, Center for Conflict Resolution
Memberships: Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association
The Bayens Law Approach
By combining the sophistication of boutique practice with the efficiency learned in legal aid, Matthew established a firm that prioritizes:
Transparent Pricing: Moving away from the intimidating "black box" of legal billing.
Streamlined Services: Using modern tools to make estate planning (like wills and trusts) and family law matters less daunting.
Client Empowerment: Ensuring clients actually understand their documents rather than just signing them.