Lisa Carestia, Attorney at Law

Licensed to Practice in Illinois

Lisa graduated from Auburn University and received her Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University School of Law, with honors. During law school, she was awarded the George W. Unverzagt Scholarship; Phi Delta Phi Balfour Scholarship; Justinian Society of Lawyers Scholarship; and Northern Illinois University Outstanding Woman Student Award.

Lisa has had an interest in animal law and animal welfare dating back to her years in law school when she adopted her first “pit bull” dog from a rescue in Kansas City, MO. She has remained active in animal welfare over the years, most recently by serving on the Board of Directors at her local animal shelter. 

Prior to joining Barnett Law Office, Lisa spent 15 years practicing investment management law for some of the largest investment managers in the country, most recently as Vice President, Associate General Counsel at Nuveen. At Nuveen, she was a leader and key contributor, receiving frequent recognition from senior management. Lisa has an excellent track record of developing solid, sustainable relationships with internal business clients, serving as a valuable business partner and consultant. In addition to her core investment management responsibilities at Nuveen, Lisa was the chief counsel for all of the firm’s vendor arrangements whereby she gained vast experience negotiating software license agreements, NDAs, consulting agreements and corporate sponsorship agreements.

Lisa is grateful for the opportunities and experiences she has had in the first chapter of her legal career and looks forward to jumping into a new area of practice with Barnett Law Office. She feels honored and proud to be in a position to now advocate for animals and the humans who care for them. 

In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and her handsome dog, Missile. Lisa and her husband are huge college football fans and devote their Saturdays in the fall to their shared passions (Auburn and Tennessee, respectively). She also loves to figure skate and has recently returned to coaching young aspiring figure skaters.

Education

Juris Doctor, Northern Illinois University School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, 2005

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Auburn University, 2002

BAR ADMISSIONS

Illinois, 2005

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Symbiotic Behavioral Treatment Center, Board Member

Naperville Area Humane Society, Board Member (2019-2022)