
Amanda Giardina Highlander, Adoption Attorney in Edwardsville, Illinois
Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatThe Shaw Law Group, P.C.
Edwardsville, IL
Practicing adoption in Edwardsville since 2010.
- 16+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Amanda Giardina Highlander?
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Quick answer
Amanda Giardina Highlander is an of counsel based in Edwardsville, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Amanda has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Shaw Law Group, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Edwardsville, IL
- Experience
- over 16 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Alimony
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Alimony matters from Edwardsville, IL.
- Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Amanda Giardina Highlander: Amanda Giardina Highlander is an of counsel based in Edwardsville, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Amanda has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Shaw Law Group, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Amanda's practice areas in Edwardsville
Amanda concentrates on adoption, adr, alimony, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Amanda handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Alimony
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Divorce
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Litigation
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Adoption cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
Amanda takes adoption matters in Edwardsville, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Amanda agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
Amanda takes adr matters in Edwardsville, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Amanda agrees to represent you.
Alimony cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
Amanda takes alimony matters in Edwardsville, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Amanda agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
Amanda takes child custody matters in Edwardsville, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Amanda agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
Amanda takes child support matters in Edwardsville, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Amanda agrees to represent you.
Biography
Amanda Giardina Highlander, adoption attorney serving Edwardsville
Amanda Giardina Highlander is an of counsel based in Edwardsville, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Amanda has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Shaw Law Group, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Amanda works from Edwardsville, Illinois and takes on adoption matters across the region.
Amanda Giardina Highlander is a lawyer practicing adoptions, divorce, divorce mediation and 5 other areas of law. Amanda received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 2006, and has been licensed for 16 years. Amanda practices at The Shaw Law Group, P.C. in Edwardsville, IL.
Amanda's approach to adoption cases
Amanda Giardina Highlander is a lawyer practicing adoptions, divorce, divorce mediation and 5 other areas of law. Amanda received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 2006, and has been licensed for 16 years. Amanda practices at The Shaw Law Group, P.C. in Edwardsville, IL.
The kind of cases Amanda takes
Amanda reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and alimony matters in Edwardsville and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Amanda studied and practices
Washington University in St Louis
J.D. · 2010
Vanderbilt University
B.A. · 2006
Jurisdictions
Amanda's state bar admissions
Illinois
2011 · ACTIVE
Missouri
2010 · ACTIVE
Amanda studied at J.D. in Washington University in St Louis and B.A. in Vanderbilt University.
Law school and academic background
Amanda completed J.D. in Washington University in St Louis and B.A. in Vanderbilt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Amanda runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Amanda Giardina Highlander's office in Edwardsville
Amanda's primary office is at 201 Hillsboro Avenue, Suite B, Edwardsville, IL, 62025-1601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Shaw Law Group, P.C.
201 Hillsboro Avenue, Suite B
Edwardsville, IL 62025-1601
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Amanda Giardina Highlander — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Amanda. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Edwardsville.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Amanda Giardina Highlander claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Amanda Giardina Highlander — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Amanda usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Amanda charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Amanda's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Amanda will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Edwardsville, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Amanda
Amanda discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Amanda confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Amanda's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Amanda Giardina Highlander
How much does it cost to hire Amanda for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Amanda walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Amanda offer a free consultation?
Amanda charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Amanda's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Amanda's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Amanda gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Amanda take my case if I'm outside Edwardsville?
Amanda is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Amanda will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Amanda?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Amanda will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Amanda accepting new adoption clients right now?
Amanda's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving Edwardsville, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Amanda handles adoption matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Illinois
If Amanda's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Edwardsville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





