Frances Krasnow is a compassionate and resourceful attorney whose practice encompasses all areas of complex family law, including divorce, marital dissolutions, child custody, allocation of parental responsibility, maintenance and child support, relocation, and asset identification and division. Fran also has extensive experience with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Because Harrison LLP also provides depth in multiple related practice areas, Fran’s clients benefit from sophisticated estate planners, as well as real estate, tax, and transactional advice when needed.
A highly respected family lawyer, Fran has long been a leader in the Chicago community. Fran is an experienced trial attorney, arbitrator, and powerful advocate who frequently engages in mediation.
With a strong commitment to community service, Fran has served on nonprofit boards throughout her entire legal career. She is currently Chair of the board of the nine-state Anti-Defamation League Midwest Region. Fran also serves on the board of her alma mater, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, as well as the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts. She is also on the board of a Wintrust subsidiary.
Fran has received many peer-selected awards, including recently being chosen as a 2022 Top Woman in the Law by Chicago Lawyer magazine and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, recognizing Fran for her professional success and for mentoring and promoting women in the legal profession. Fran has also been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Family Law every year since 2008; she was recognized as a 2024 Illinois Super Lawyer; and she has consistently been recognized in the Leading Lawyers Network, among others. She also received the ADL Woman of Achievement Award and the AFHU Leaders of Distinction Award, acknowledging her professional success and community leadership. Fran is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.
“Family Law: Executive Divorce, A Roundtable Discussion,” Crain’s Custom Media
“Modifying and Defending Pre-Decree and Post-Decree Parenting Allocation Judgments,” NBI
“Planning for When Happier Ever After Ends Sooner Than Expected©,” Greater North Shore Estate and Financial Planning Council
“Common and Not so Common Family Law Issues and Answers,” NBI
“Ethical Dilemmas in Family Law,” NBI
“Clarifying the Confusion on Contempt,” NBI
“Divorce Case Intake and Pre-Litigation Tactics,” NBI
“Advanced Spousal Support and Section 513 Issue,” NBI
“Considerations on Contempt,” NBI
“Ethical Issues in Family Law,” NBI
“Issues Arising Under Section 513,” IICLE
“Ethical Issues in Family Law,” NBI
“The Influence of Electronic Communications and Social Media,” DuPage County Bar Association
“Ethical Considerations in Divorce,” NBI
“Spousal Support,” NBI
Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Federal Trial Bar
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, J.D., 1978
University of Michigan, A.B., with high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa and James B. Angell Scholar, 1973
Chicago Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Chicago Council of Lawyers
The Best Lawyers in America®, Family Law
AV Preeminent® Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Leading Lawyers Network
Illinois Super Lawyers (2006-2009, 2011-2012, 2021-2024)
Top 50 Women Consumer Lawyers in Illinois
Women of Achievement Award, Anti-Defamation League
Leaders of Distinction Award, American Friends of the Hebrew University
American Academy of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy and the Lowden Wigmore Prize, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law