Skip to main content
Our Attorneys

Laude Hartrum IV

Associate
Merel Family Law
Merel Family Law
Posted on Google Google
Morgan Wilfinger profile picture
Morgan Wilfinger
April 10, 2026
I had the pleasure of working with Melissa Caballero Dunn and we accomplished the goal we were seeking for a family case. She is very kind and knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend her. Thank you Melissa!
Posted on Google Google
Pamela M. Kelly profile picture
Pamela M. Kelly
April 8, 2026
Merel Family Law, specifically Mitch Dean & Melissa Dunn, have been instrumental in every facet of my divorce. They not only have helped with all the legal issues, but have treated myself and my family like part of their own. I cannot say enough good things about the law firm and lawyers. They go above and beyond all expectations during incredibly stressful times.
Posted on Google Google
Elizabeth Davis profile picture
Elizabeth Davis
April 8, 2026
I would unequivocally recommend Josie to anyone going through a divorce. She is professional , knowledgeable, and reliable. Josie’s incredible work ethic and compassion was priceless to me during this difficult time in my life.
Posted on Google Google
Alexander Devera profile picture
Alexander Devera
March 26, 2026
David and Nicole are rockstar superstars. Who works harmoniously in tandem and producing good results. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, they demonstrated exceptional knowledge and attention to detail. They gave me clear, practical advice that helped me make the right decisions. That level of trust made a huge difference during such a difficult time. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone going through a divorce. I'm impressed with how quickly they respond to my inquiries and appreciate their availability via phone and text.
Posted on Google Google
Goben Trujillo profile picture
Goben Trujillo
March 13, 2026
My attorney was Bradley kaye and he was absolutely amazing. He was always kind, professional and aggressive in court. As a single father of two, I was always being kicked around in court by the system until a met Bradley. A total monster in court that fights for fathers. He got me more summer time, more weekends and make up time with my kids. He answers emails within hours not days, answered an email late at night for me. Gets back to you as soon as possible. Brad is the man and is worth every penny. I wish I hired him earlier.
Posted on Google Google
Jesica Scandella profile picture
Jesica Scandella
March 12, 2026
Excellent service. Very human people. Hard to find lawyers like Melissa Caballero Dunn.
Posted on Google Google
Chenhui Chen profile picture
Chenhui Chen
March 12, 2026
I’m very grateful for the support and professionalism my lawyer showed throughout my divorce case. Josephine was knowledgeable, patient, and always took the time to explain each step of the process clearly. During what was a very stressful time, they remained responsive, organized, and focused on protecting my best interests. Thanks to their guidance, the process went much more smoothly than I expected. I highly recommend their services to anyone needing a reliable and compassionate attorney.
Posted on Google Google
Xan Flink profile picture
Xan Flink
March 11, 2026
Merel Law was excellent and I am very happy with the outcome of my divorce proceedings. I worked exclusively with Marleena and Colette, and they were incredibly supportive while helping me navigate what was at times a very stressful and overwhelming process. Before coming to Merel Law, I had worked with another firm that was certainly talented, but it wasn’t the right match for my personality or communication style. I can sometimes be a little too laid back in difficult situations, and Marleena and Colette really helped me identify my true goals and stay firm in achieving them. They were thoughtful and strategic in their approach, and their guidance helped me stay focused on what mattered most throughout the process. They were always responsive, answered all of my questions, and gave clear, knowledgeable advice about the best path forward. I truly appreciate all of their hard work, advocacy, and support, and I would absolutely recommend Marleena and Colette to anyone going through a divorce.
Posted on Google Google
Vic Lopez profile picture
Vic Lopez
March 6, 2026
I hired Marleena from Merel Family Law for my divorce, (no kids) after I fired my previous attorney. Marleena is a great communicator (all through email) and she will fight for you. She is smart and knows the law/procedures to a great extent. Marleena has a great team around her that makes the process more smooth. I was happy with my outcome and I highly recommend her.
Posted on Google Google
Margaret Lortie profile picture
Margaret Lortie
March 6, 2026
I highly recommend Brad Kaye. He is smart, personable, and extremely skilled at strategic planning during the divorce process. He has a deep knowledge of the law and approaches cases thoughtfully and with a clear plan. Brad also does a great job balancing empathy with honesty. While he understands the personal nature of family law matters, he is realistic about what to expect within the legal system. That honesty and guidance were immensely valuable during this difficult process.
Providing Professional, Reputable and Approachable Legal Counsel.

About Laude Hartrum IV

Laude’s approach to family law is both comprehensive and client-centered. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2017 and DePaul University College of Law in 2020, Laude was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2021.

“I had the privilege of working with David Zwaska and Laude Hartrum, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality of legal representation I received. From the very beginning, David and Laude were incredibly attentive to all my needs. They communicated with me consistently, ensuring I was always informed and reassured during what could have been a very stressful time. Their responsiveness was remarkable — every question I had was answered in a timely manner, and they made sure to address any concerns I had thoroughly. Throughout the process, David and Laude made me feel confident that my best interests were their top priority. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I was able to gain full custody of my children and avoid any maintenance obligations. I highly recommend David Zwaska and Laude Hartrum to anyone in need of excellent legal representation. Their professionalism, communication, and commitment to my case made all the difference.” – David M.

During law school, Laude worked as a law clerk at several family law firms and the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. Additionally, Laude served as a judicial law clerk at the Circuit Court of Cook County Domestic Violence Division. Before joining the firm, Laude was an associate attorney at a small family law firm in Chicago where he worked on numerous family law matters involving complex financial issues and contentious custody disputes.

Laude understands the emotional toll that family law cases can take on clients and the importance of the case’s outcome to their family’s future. As such, Laude takes his responsibility seriously to advocate for the best interests of his clients with tact and civility. Laude focuses on resolving immediate issues efficiently and effectively while also protecting his client’s present and future interests.

Laude is currently a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Cook County Bar Association, and the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Laude lives in Chicago and, when he is not practicing law, enjoys spending time with family, sailing, or anything else related to the outdoors or water.

Education

  • Bachelors University of Michigan Bachelors University of Michigan
  • Juris Doctorate DePaul University College of Law Juris Doctorate DePaul University College of Law

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Michigan

As Seen In