Justin is an experienced family law practitioner and trial attorney. His matrimonial practice focuses on the representation of high-net-worth individuals, professionals, executives, and owners of closed corporations. Justin represents clients in all manner of family law proceedings, including custody disputes, alimony and support determinations, and the distribution of complex marital estates. Prior to joining Rutkin Oldham Contratto LLC, Justin practiced with well-regarded matrimonial firms in New York and Northern Virginia, where he represented clients in both routine and complex family law matters. Justin began his legal career with the Legal Aid Society of New York, where he initially served as a trial attorney with the Juvenile Rights Practice in Brooklyn, New York, and later served as a trial attorney with Criminal Defense Practice in Manhattan. While at Legal Aid, Justin represented children in abuse and neglect cases, child custody disputes, and juvenile delinquency proceedings; and represented adults charged with all manner of crimes in Manhattan Criminal and Supreme Courts. Justin was elected by his peers to the position of Vice-President of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, a testament to his advocacy. A pragmatic practitioner, Justin recognizes that his clients are often best served by initially attempting to reach a negotiated settlement in their matter, which can allow for greater flexibility and discretion in the resolution of a client’s case. When settlement is impracticable, Justin is equally adept at litigating matters to conclusion. Justin received his B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota, and his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. He is licensed to practice in Connecticut, New York and Virginia.

Franklin J. Contreras, Jr. is a member of the firm’s Litigation Department and is a resident in the Irvine office. Mr. Contreras has been with the firm since 1995 when he initially joined the firm as a law clerk. Mr. Contreras concentrates his practice on appellate matters and business litigation including breach of contract disputes, business torts, corporate director and officer litigation and bankruptcy litigation. Mr. Contreras is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of California, Southern District of California and all courts of the State of California. Mr. Contreras received his undergraduate degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine and his law degree from Western State University College of Law. During law school, Mr. Contreras earned the American Jurisprudence award for legal writing. Mr. Contreras co-authored an article entitled “Bust the Trust: Why the Bankruptcy Trustee Should Carefully Examine the Creation, Funding and Administration of Irrevocable Trusts,” which was published in the California Bankruptcy Journal in 2011.

Judith (Judy) Conway represents victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death, from the initial client introduction through trial and appeal. She focuses on representing victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos related diseases. During her career, Ms. Conway has successfully represented hundreds of clients and their families in recovering for their personal injury or death. She has secured tens of millions of dollars in settlements for wrongful death and survival action cases in Illinois, and serves as lead counsel for plaintiff’s asbestos litigation and sexual abuse litigation across the United States. Judy played a critical role in obtaining a $20 million settlement, which occurred during closing arguments of a three-week jury trial. Ms. Conway received her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. While attending Michigan Law, she was elected President of the Law School Student Senate. Judy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame where she completed a triple major in Political Science, Spanish, and Sociology. As an attorney, Ms. Conway is active in several bar associations and charitable organizations, including the Illinois State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago Federation of Labor, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation, the Notre Dame Club of Chicago, and the Michigan Law Alumni Club of Chicago.

Shon Cook has a passion for getting people through the toughest of times. She has been representing individuals for nearly 30 years, in nearly every area of the law. She now focuses on family law issues that include divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, guardianships, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements, and mediations. She also mediates for small companies to reduce workplace conflict and maintain employees and business profit. Her philosophy is simple. Use the power of the law to do good things for the people she represents. Shon is not only sought after by her clients, but she is frequently a speaker on legal issues for the State Bar of Michigan and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. She helps to train lawyers and Judges through the state on vital issues affecting families and mediation skills. Shon has also coached countless soccer, softball and basketball teams as her children grew up in the Whitehall area. She has three children, has held ownership interest in three law firms and has run three marathons. Shon considers these her trifecta of accomplishments.