Hannah Garst, a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law, began her career clerking for the Staff Attorney's Office at the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. During her time there, she worked on a diverse range of appeals, including criminal law, employment law, habeas corpus motions and petitions, immigration law, and social security law. After her clerkship, Hannah launched her own practice, focusing on criminal matters in both state and federal courts. She has been retained or appointed in over 100 federal district court and federal court of appeals cases, and she has argued more than 20 cases before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Currently, she represents clients in federal criminal and civil cases.

In addition to her practice, Hannah has dedicated her time to volunteer work, including at Cabrini Green Legal Aid's Expungement & Sealing Help Desk and the Willow Creek Community Church Legal Aid Ministry. She is licensed in Illinois and holds bar memberships in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of Illinois, and the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Furthermore, she has appeared pro hac vice in federal courts across the United States, showcasing her extensive legal expertise and commitment to justice.

Dedicated Advocate, Accomplished Litigator, Committed to Justice.

Noteworthy Accomplishments

  • Successfully litigated and ultimately negotiated a settlement of $1.825 million from the City of Chicago for the Chicago Fire Department’s treatment of five women paramedics

  • Argued several successful appeals in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, including obtaining an acquittal for her client immediately following oral argument

  • Successfully negotiated a federal felony charge down to a misdemeanor plea that allowed the client to remain in the U.S.

  • Obtained a decision vacating a $16 million restitution judgment

  • Argued and obtained a decision vacating the client's sentence; at re-sentencing, the client received a 13-year reduction in his sentence

  • Negotiated an agreed order to vacate over $850,000 in restitution

  • Obtained orders to seal multiple Illinois felony convictions, including Class 2 felony convictions

  • Secured the return of thousands of dollars seized at O’Hare International Airport