News

Chicago, August 9, 2018 – Gemma B. Allen, the founder and principal partner of the family law firm of Allen & Glassman, Chartered, will receive Loyola University Chicago’s 2018 Felice Award from the school’s John Felice Rome Center at Loyola’s annual Founders’ Dinner on September 12 at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel located here.

The Felice Award, named after the Rome Center’s founding director, John Felice, is among the highest honors given by the university. In her letter informing Allen about the award, University President Jo Ann Rooney wrote: “You are invited to receive this award in special recognition of your commitment to the field of family law. Your tireless work in the areas of marriage and divorce and your active participation on multiple councils and boards is astounding….You truly embody the JFRC’s mission to service others.”

Allen received her bachelor’s degree in 1966 from Loyola magna cum laude and was a student at the Rome Center. She considers that “her family heart and roots are with Loyola” where her father Dr. Frank Cassaretto was a renowned professor and for whom, along with his wife Agnes, a chemistry scholarship has been established and named. She has been long-time friends with the late John Felice and his widow Kate, and has worked tirelessly on all aspects of the school’s extraordinary study abroad program.  She has served on its Alumni Board almost since its inception, most recently as chair of the Career and Professional Development Committee. She currently serves on the Center’s Director’s Council.

Over the years, Allen has represented thousands of men and women on matters spanning the entire range of family law matters. Today, Allen with her law partner Todd Glassman and their team provide caring, professional services to clients whether the matter is a simple uncontested divorce or a high-stakes complex case involving multi-millions of dollars. She is also a court-certified mediator in the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.