Our Commissioner Spotlight series highlights the judges and lawyers from across Illinois who have been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as our Commissioners.
These individuals are known for their commitment to professionalism and contributions to the bar and their communities.
This Commissioner Spotlight highlights Daniel Hernandez. Daniel is the Founder, CEO, and Principal Attorney at NextLevel Law, P.C., where he practices family law, real estate, and LGBTQ rights.
Daniel is also an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, where he teaches family law and has instructed courses on courtroom techniques and expert learning.
He was recently named one of the 40 Best LGBTQ+ Attorneys Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, received the Top Attorney Under 40 Award from the Hispanic National Bar Association, and has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for several consecutive years.
Daniel received his J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University.
He was appointed to the Commission on Professionalism in 2026.
Why did you want to become a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I was drawn to the intersection of advocacy, strategy, and real-world impact. The law gives you a structured way to solve people’s most important problems, especially in family law, where the stakes are deeply personal.
Over time, that motivation evolved. It’s not just about being a lawyer — it’s about being someone who can guide clients through high-conflict, high-stress situations with clarity and purpose.
I also value the ability to build something larger than myself through my firm and to create opportunities for others in the profession.
What is the biggest challenge impacting lawyers today?
One of the biggest challenges impacting lawyers today is client management and expectation setting. As attorneys, we are extensively trained in the law, but very little time is spent on how to manage clients. In practice, that becomes one of the most critical aspects of the job.
Clients are often going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, especially in family law. They come in with fear, emotion, and sometimes unrealistic expectations about outcomes or timelines.
Successfully representing a client requires not only legal skill but also the ability to communicate clearly, set boundaries, and guide expectations in a way that builds trust.
The attorneys who excel today are not just good lawyers — they’re also strong communicators and client managers.
How do you remain civil in tense situations?
In family law, tension is constant, so civility has to be intentional.
For me, it starts with perspective. I remind myself that while this is one of many cases I handle, it’s often one of the most important moments in my client’s life. That helps me stay grounded and focused on outcomes rather than emotion.
I also try to separate the person from the problem. You can be firm, strategic, and even aggressive in your advocacy without being disrespectful.
Civility isn’t weakness — it’s discipline. And in many cases, it actually leads to better, more efficient results for your client.
How can attorneys further public confidence in the rule of law?
Public confidence comes from consistency, transparency, and professionalism.
Attorneys play a critical role in how people experience the legal system. The way we interact with the courts, opposing counsel, and the process itself directly shapes public perception. When attorneys demonstrate respect for the court and its orders, it creates a ripple effect — clients, witnesses, and others involved in the legal process see that example and are more likely to follow suit.
It’s essential for people to understand that court orders should be respected and followed. The integrity of our legal system depends on compliance and trust in the process. When attorneys model that respect, it reinforces the legitimacy of the court’s authority and helps build confidence in the fairness of the system.
We also have to model respect for the process. Even in contentious cases, how we conduct ourselves matters. When people see lawyers acting with professionalism and purpose, it reinforces the idea that the system, while not perfect, is still grounded in fairness and structure.
What do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I focus on family, friendships, and staying active. I value spending time with family and friends and building meaningful connections outside of work — whether that’s going out, exploring the city, or just being intentional about staying connected to the people in my life.
One thing I genuinely enjoy is rollerblading. It’s something that lets me be active, clear my head, and have fun at the same time. It’s a great way for me to reset and stay balanced.
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The post Commissioner Spotlight: Daniel Hernandez, Founder, CEO and Principal Attorney at NextLevel Law, P.C. appeared first on 2Civility.