Julianne Piotrowski Nery earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Policy from Northwestern University in 1995. Returning to her home state of New York, she attended Pace University School of Law, earning her Juris Doctorate in 1998. That same year, Julianne became a licensed attorney in Illinois, and began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with Cook County in Illinois. She later practiced with a Chicago-based boutique law firm specializing in professional and corporate liability insurance coverage matters.
As part of the unique and vibrant Oak Park and River Forest communities, Julianne immersed herself in community volunteerism and service. She served on a variety of boards and community organizations including significant service with the Infant Welfare Society of OPRF, St. Giles School, the Village of Oak Park Telecommunications Commission, and Wonder Works Children’s Museum. In the last several years, connecting her passion for education and for promoting early childhood education, she has also worked as a substitute teacher.
At Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Julianne served on the Board of Directors for over 8 years, four of which were in the capacity of Board President. During the pandemic, as Board President, Julianne assumed responsibility of the children’s museum which included business operations and employee matters. She is proud to have led the museum during the most tumultuous and unprecedented time, including the reopening of the children’s museum with many new employees and a new strategic path forward.
Julianne established Nonprofit Legal Services, LLC, so that she can continue to help all 501(c)(3) organizations operate successfully and with a positive impact within the community.
Julianne’s professional training as an attorney along with her personal experience serving on many nonprofit boards, uniquely positions her as an expert advisor for nonprofit organizations. She understands that nonprofit leaders are pulled in many directions, sometimes outside of their areas of expertise, and there are times when they need the advice of a trusted expert to assist them in making the best decisions for their organizations.
Julianne Nery is an amazing attorney! Not only does just get what a non-profit needs from her, but she is timely and so easy to work with. Ms. Nery has reviewed several contracts for us and consulted with us to make sure we did not jeopardize our 501c3 standing. I feel like we are in great hands. I’m so happy we are working with her, and we look forward to a long relationship.