Barbara Yong focuses her practice on civil litigation and bankruptcy. Barb’s nearly 40 years of litigation experience, combined with her representation of both debtors and creditors in complex bankruptcy matters, creates a huge advantage for her clients in their business disputes.
- Barb practices in the areas of:
- Complex litigation in state and federal court
- Prosecution and defense of collection actions, foreclosures and eviction proceedings
- Conduct of bench and jury trials
- Handling of appeals through Illinois Supreme Court and 5th and 7th Circuit Courts of Appeal
- Representation of debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13
- Litigation of numerous avoidance actions and preference claims
- Asset protection planning
- Counseling small to mid-sized businesses on general corporate matters, restructuring and wind down.
Barb has represented several community banks, equipment leasing companies and small to medium sized businesses in contract disputes of all kinds and collecting accounts receivable. She has handled cases from inception through trial and appeal, in state and federal court, mainly in Cook County and the collar counties. On the bankruptcy side, Barb has represented both individual and business debtors and creditors in chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13 and has assisted many businesses in successful turnarounds. She has also successfully prosecuted and defended hundreds of preference claims and represented several receivers.
Barb joined GCT in 1999. Prior to going into private practice in 1986, she was a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
Barb is a frequent speaker on bankruptcy, asset protection planning and equal pay for women and minorities.
EDUCATION
Loyola University School of Law, J.D., 1982
University of Illinois – Champaign- Urbana, B.A., 1979
Phi Beta Kappa
BAR ADMISSIONS
Illinois, 1982
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Bankruptcy Institute
American Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
DuPage County Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Lawyers Connecting
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
COURT ADMISSIONS
United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals (5th Circuit)
U.S. Court of Appeals (7th Circuit)
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Member of Trial Bar
HONORS & AWARDS
Selected as a Super Lawyer (in the top 5% of attorneys)
Person of Impact 2012, presented by League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area
Chapter Impact Award 2020, presented by TMA Global
AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Founder, Annual Chicago Equal Pay Day Rally
Professional Women's Club of Chicago (PWCC)
Small Business Advocacy Counsel (SBAC)
Exclusive Professional Women's Networking Group (EPWNG)
American Association of University Women (AAUW-IL)
BPW Illinois Educational Foundation - Trustee
Illinois Federation of Business Women’s Clubs (IFBWC)
Illinois Wage Project
International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC)
Turnaround Management Association (TMA)
League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWV-IL)
Zonta International
Elite Lawyers Network (ELN)
Trusted Advisors Council (TAC)
North Short Lawyers Advisors Women (NSLAW)
National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP)
ACA Business Club
Form Commissioner of the Park District of LaGrange (1987-1995)
Phi Beta Kappa
LATEST NEWS & INSIGHTS FROM Barbara L. Yong
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February 6, 2024 News
The lists recognize the outstanding achievements of attorneys in the state of Illinois.
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April 4, 2023 News
In founding the Equal Pay Day Chicago Coalition, Barb has helped empower and educate women and minorities to fight for equal pay.
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March 1, 2023 News
Golan Christie Taglia celebrates Barb's many achievements and her longtime service and commitment to the practice of law.
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January 24, 2023 News
15 Golan Christie Taglia attorneys were named to 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists, five of whom celebrate being selected to the list for the first time.
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April 28, 2022 News
The 2nd Annual Building Inclusive Community Conference features Barbara L. Yong for a conversation regarding the gender pay gap in the United States in her capacity as Founder of Equal Pay Day Chicago.
Read More - All News & Insights From Barbara L. Yong >>