Firm History

Rathje Woodward was founded in Wheaton, Illinois in 1938. From its roots in DuPage County, Illinois, the Firm has grown to represent clients in matters throughout the United States.

The Honorable Bertram E. Rathje


The Firm’s co-founder, Bertram E. Rathje, became a DuPage County judge in 1950 and served as the Chief Judge of DuPage County from 1964 until his death in 1972.

The Honorable Alfred Woodward


Alfred Woodward served as the Chief Judge of DuPage County from 1973-1975. In 1977, Judge Woodward became a Justice on the Illinois Appellate Court, where he served until 1981, and again from 1986 until 1994.

The Honorable S. Louis Rathje


Former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Louis Rathje began his legal career with Rathje Woodward in 1964. In 1992, he was elected to serve as a judge in DuPage County.  In 1994, he was elevated to the Illinois Appellate Court, and in 1999, he was appointed to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, a position he held until December 2000.

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