Meet Our People
Our Attorneys & Legal Support Team
At the Law Offices of Steven M. Shaykin, P.C., our attorneys and experienced paralegals work together to provide knowledgeable legal guidance and attentive, personalized service. From real estate transactions and business matters to estate planning and probate administration, our team understands that every client and every situation is unique. We take pride in making complex legal matters easier to understand, keeping clients informed, and providing the individual attention they deserve.
Steven M. Shaykin
Attorney
With decades of experience, Steve is committed to providing efficient and compassionate legal support at reasonable fees. From the moment you sit down with him until your matter is finalized, Steve approaches every detail with the same care he would give his own affairs.
Areas of Practice
- Residential and commercial real estate, including sales, purchases, leases, land trusts, and short sales
- Foreclosure defense
- Business Law including corporate formation and succession plans, registered agent services, business-related transfers
- Estate Planning
- Probate and Trust Administration
- Traffic Matters
Professional History
Steve graduated from Loyola University in 1979 with a B.A. in History and earned his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 1982. Since then, he has represented clients with dedication, care, and a commitment to protecting their interests. Steve has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2013, an honor based on peer recognition and professional achievement.
Personal
Outside the office, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, coaching girls’ softball, and taking long motorcycle trips.
Garrett Getlin
Associate Attorney
Garrett Getlin is an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Steven M. Shaykin, P.C., focusing on real estate transactions and estate planning. Raised in Buffalo Grove, he represents clients throughout Cook County and the greater Chicago area. Since joining the firm in August 2026, he has worked on residential and commercial purchases and sales, estate planning, and other real estate matters.
Garrett helps clients understand their documents and the decisions involved, from the first contract through closing. He particularly enjoys guiding people through milestones such as purchasing a first home or planning for their family's future.
Garrett earned his Juris Doctor in 2026 from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School), where he studied real estate drafting and served for two years as treasurer of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society. He previously clerked at a real estate firm in Libertyville, working on transactional matters, and earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Illinois State University in 2022. Garrett was admitted to the Illinois bar in November 2026 and is an Illinois notary public.
Outside the office, Garrett is a lifelong Chicago sports fan who closely follows the Bears and enjoys talking baseball.
Tracy Neff
Paralegal
If you’ve ever called Steven M. Shaykin, P.C., there’s a good chance you’ve spoken with Tracy Neff. She has been a paralegal at the firm for more than 23 years. Tracy brings deep experience to both the legal and operational sides of the firm.
As a paralegal, Tracy concentrates on corporate and business services, estate planning, probate and trust administration, but also possesses knowledge and experience in real estate, litigation and personal injury. That combination gives her a thorough understanding of how a client's file moves from the first phone call to completion. Tracy is conscientious, detail-oriented and brings real compassion to clients in every matter.
Outside the office, she’s trying her best to pet all the dogs and read all the books.
Kim Sarno
Paralegal
Kim Sarno is an accomplished real estate professional with 37 years of industry experience. Her extensive background gives her a well-rounded understanding of real estate transactions, from title matters to the legal processes that support successful closings.
Kim spent 22 years in the title industry, developing extensive knowledge of title and closing procedures. For the past 15 years, she has served as a paralegal at Steve's law firm, drawing on her decades of experience to assist clients and support legal matters with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
Melissa Topolewski
Paralegal
Melissa Topolewski has over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, combining extensive legal, administrative, and transactional knowledge with a strong commitment to professionalism and client service. She first joined Steven M. Shaykin, P.C. in 2018 as a Real Estate Paralegal and returned to the firm in August 2026, bringing additional experience gained throughout her career.
Melissa has developed expertise in real estate transactions, legal documentation, contract preparation, and transaction coordination. Her background as an Executive Administrator further strengthens her ability to manage complex matters with precision, efficiency, and attention to detail.
She takes pride in providing reliable support throughout every stage of the real estate transaction process, helping ensure matters are handled professionally and efficiently. Her diverse industry experience, organizational skills, and dedication to client service make her a valued member of the team.
Lola
Chief Security Officer
Lola serves as Chief Security Officer, taking her responsibility to protect her colleagues very seriously. With unwavering vigilance and steadfast devotion to her favorite people, she stands ready to respond to any possible threat—real or otherwise.
When she is not keeping her colleagues safe, Lola brings that same determination to searching for snacks and eagerly awaiting her next meal. Her priorities are clear: protect her people, stay alert, and never miss an opportunity for a well-earned treat.
