Meet
Courtnie
Courtnie graduated from the University of Illinois in 2010 with dual degrees in Political Science and Psychology, then earned her J.D. from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2013, finishing in the top of her class. Raised in a military family, she learned early the values of discipline and service—but it was her own experiences growing up in complex family environments that shaped her true calling. Knowing firsthand how it feels when home doesn’t feel safe, Courtnie brings unmatched empathy and relentless determination to her family law practice.
She began her private practice career in contract law, with a brief stint in legislative drafting for the State of Illinois, laying the foundation for precision and advocacy that now underpins her work in family court. Ultimately, she found her purpose representing clients in the most personal battles of their lives—custody disputes, divorces, and matters involving abuse and coercive control. Today, she leverages both her broad legal background and lived experiences to protect clients navigating some of life’s hardest transitions.
As Chief Operating Officer, Andy keeps Courtnie & Co. Law running with precision and purpose. With a strong background in operations, client relations, and organizational leadership, he oversees everything from case management workflows to financial systems. Andy is also the one who makes sure billing is accurate and payments are made on time—he’s not shy about reminding clients when it’s due, usually with his trademark dry wit. By keeping the business side in order, Andy ensures the team can focus fully on advocating for families.
Andy is Courtnie’s partner in every way—both in life and in building a law firm rooted in strength, compassion, and resilience. His calm leadership and sharp humor keep the team grounded, while his direct communication style makes clients feel both supported and accountable. Outside the office, Andy is a proud dad, avid traveler, and lifelong music lover—always bringing a steady hand, a quick mind, and just the right amount of sarcasm to the table.
Andy Novak
Chief Operating Officer
Kelsey brings precision, heart, and resilience to her role as Paralegal at Courtnie & Co. Law. With years of experience supporting attorneys and clients, she ensures every case is handled with care and no detail is overlooked. Kelsey knows firsthand what it means to rebuild and embrace fresh starts, which makes her an incredible resource for clients going through their own family transitions. Her loyalty, wit, and tenacity shine through in everything she does—she’s the person who will always go the extra mile to make sure things get done right.
At Courtnie & Co. Law, we don’t just practice family law—we live it, and Kelsey embodies that truth every day. As a mother of two navigating her own family law journey, she brings unmatched empathy and perspective to her work, helping clients feel seen and understood. Her sharp sense of humor and down-to-earth approach keep both clients and colleagues grounded, while her unwavering commitment to fresh starts fuels the compassionate support she offers every family she works with.
Kelsey Nettles
Paralegal
Empowering You Through Change with Trusted, Compassionate Legal Support.
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From small-town Illinois to big-city life in Chicago, New York, and Kansas City, Courtnie’s journey gives her a unique ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Her work has been featured live on CNBC and in The New York Times, but her greatest professional achievement is creating a practice where every client feels heard, empowered, and supported.
Outside of the courtroom, Courtnie is a proud bonus mom to three, a Jeep and Harley enthusiast, a music lover, and someone who believes pink isn’t just a color—it’s a whole vibe. Her life has taught her the true meaning of family, and that perspective fuels her passion for helping clients not only protect what matters most but also build the futures they deserve.
Payton is the friendly first point of contact for many clients at Courtnie & Co. Law, and she keeps both Courtnie’s schedule and the firm’s operations running with efficiency and heart. As a Personal Legal Assistant, she not only manages client intake, scheduling, and day-to-day case support, but also plays a direct role in supporting Courtnie behind the scenes. Her ability to balance personal assistance with legal office responsibilities makes her indispensable to both Courtnie’s leadership and the firm’s success. Known for her sharp wit, rebel spirit, and kind soul, Payton brings balance to the firm’s fast-paced environment—she’s as quick with a clever remark as she is with a helping hand.
Payton is also living family law every day. As a dedicated single mother who has navigated her own family law journey, she brings lived experience that allows her to deeply empathize with clients. She understands what’s at stake in every case and infuses that awareness into the way she organizes, communicates, and supports the team. More than an assistant, Payton is a cornerstone of Courtnie & Co. Law—blending loyalty, humor, and resilience into everything she does.
Payton McDonald
Personal Legal Assistant
Bryson brings extensive experience across research, government agencies, technology, and—what I like to call—general adultier-adultness. He keeps us organized, oversees Kelsey and Payton in their daily work, and will eventually transition into our Operations Manager role as Payton steps into the Senior Legal Assistant position and begins taking on more paralegal responsibilities."