Education

J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law

MBA, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

B.S., University of Nevada Las Vegas

B.A., University of Nevada Las Vegas

People

Monica V. Pechous

Attorney

Attorney Monica Pechous joined Sandberg Phoenix in 2025 and is a member of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Group. Monica concentrates her practice in the areas of civil litigation and municipal law, where she brings a thorough and strategic approach to each matter she handles.

She has successfully defended clients at both the trial and appellate levels, demonstrating strong advocacy skills and a deep understanding of complex legal issues. In her municipal law practice, Monica assists local governments by drafting ordinances and resolutions, attending municipal meetings, and providing counsel on governance, regulatory matters, and statutory compliance.

Licensures and Admissions

Illinois

Missouri

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Professional Affiliations

Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association

Bohemian Lawyers’ Association of Chicago

Serbian Attorney Association

Civic Activities

Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery

Publications

“Cyber Cities: The Role of Illinois Municipalities in Preventing and Managing Cyberattacks,” ILGL Journal, Vol. 20, Issue 3 (2022)

“Giving Chicago’s Existing Fine and Seizure System the Boot: The Constitutional Case for Income-Based Fines,” ILGL Journal, Vol. 19, Issue 2 (2021)

“Giving Chicago’s Existing Fine and Seizure System the Boot: The Constitutional Case for Income-Based Fines,” Illinois Municipal Policy Journal, Vol. 6, Issue 1 (2021)

“Sea-Sick: Legal Remedies for Cruise Ship Passengers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Maritime Safety and Security Law Journal, Issue 9 (2021)

“Do Illinois Municipalities Have Their Heads in the “Cloud?”: Home Rule as Applied to Online Platforms,” ILGL Journal, Vol. 18, Issue 2 (2020)

“Impact of Technology on Home-Rule Power in Illinois,” IICLE Flashpoints (August 2020)

Awards & Recognition

2020
Samuel W. Witwer Award for Excellence in the Study of the Illinois Constitution

2020-2022
Franklin W. Klein Writing Competition (First Place)

2020
Willis R. Tribler Writing Competition (First Place)