Thomas Loizzo '71
ENVISION Magazine, 2006

Named a top criminal defense attorney in Illinois for the last two years by Chicago magazine, Thomas Loizzo '71 has made a career out of saving other people’s careers.

Loizzo is a criminal and divorce attorney who said he practices law because he believes in helping people.

Loizzo said it is difficult to choose which clients to represent because the charges are serious and may mean not only the end of a person’s career and reputation, but also prison time.

“My job is something that I take very seriously,” Loizzo said. “It’s flattering that people place their trust in me.”

Although Loizzo finds criminal cases compelling, he says divorce cases are the most challenging because they “pull at your heart strings,” especially when children are involved.

“Parents get caught up in the battle and the children suffer,” Loizzo said. “I have to make hard choices as to what I think is right.”

Loizzo has his own office in McHenry County, Ill., and has represented many highprofile people including other lawyers.

“It’s quite honorable to be recognized by your peers,” he said. – Cassandra Sura