Our Philosophy
Grounded in Filotimo:
The Love of Honor.
A law firm serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, driven by a higher standard of legal care.
Our Core Narrative
What is Filotimo?
The ancient Greek word filotimo (φιλότιμο) is loosely translated as the "love of honor." However, its true meaning runs much deeper. It is considered the highest of all virtues in Greek culture. At its core, filotimo represents a deep sense of duty, integrity, and a baseline command: to do good. It means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, simply because it is the right thing to do.
At Touloupakis Aguirre LLC, filotimo is not a marketing slogan; it defines who we are and how we practice modern law.
Grounded in History, Built on Trust
A continuous legacy of service.
The Foundation
Our digital home, ChicagoFamilyLaw.com, was first established in 1998 by the late Craig B. Hammond, Esq. For nearly two decades, Craig practiced family and matrimonial law across Chicago with exceptional skill and deep personal service.
The Transition
Our partner, Ava Touloupakis, worked directly alongside Craig Hammond, absorbing her meticulous approach to preparation and client care. Together, they handled historic, trailblazing legal matters—including some of the very first civil union dissolutions in Illinois history.
The Founding
When Craig Hammond passed away in 2016, leaving an endearing personal and professional legacy, Touloupakis Aguirre LLC was formally founded. The firm purchased the original practice and its going concern, seamlessly carrying on the deep tradition of family law excellence from day one.
The Evolution
While our roots remain firmly planted in Chicago family law, we recognized that our clients' lives do not exist in a vacuum. To truly live out filotimo and treat clients like family, we introduced Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Business Law—growing into four focused practices driven by one philosophy: protect what matters most.
Four Focused Practices, One Shared Philosophy
Protecting what matters most.
We strive to be your trusted counselors and lifelong advisors. We understand that excellent legal practice begins with the relationships we build. We take the time to know each client personally, see complex legal issues from your perspective, and deeply empathize with your experience.
We treat every single client like family, and we pursue the outcomes that protect what matters most to you.
Family Law
Guiding families through sensitive transitions with strength, clarity, and compassion.
Real Estate
Protecting your property interests, from residential closings to complex commercial transactions.
Estate Planning
Securing your legacy and ensuring your wishes are honored with precision and care.
Business Law
Advising entrepreneurs and enterprises with strategic counsel built for long-term success.
From our clients
Trusted by the clients we serve.
"They treated my case like it mattered to them personally. I never felt like just another file on a desk."
Margaret S.
Family Law Client, Chicago
"Responsive, thorough, and genuinely caring. They made a stressful process feel manageable from start to finish."
David R.
Real Estate Client, Naperville
"Sharp legal minds with a personal touch. I recommend them to anyone looking for counsel they can trust."
Elena M.
Business Law Client, Chicago
Our Team
Legal Excellence, Personal Service
Three attorneys, united by one standard of care. Focused on family, real estate, estate planning, and business law for clients across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
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