The Team

Cassandra Gottschalk

Cassandra Gottschalk is a transactional attorney serving clients throughout Northern Illinois. With more than a decade of legal experience, she helps individuals, families, farmers, business owners, and organizations navigate important legal matters with confidence and clarity. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, business formation and governance, real estate transactions, and a wide range of other non-litigation legal matters.

In addition to her transactional practice, Cassandra serves as conflict counsel for the DeKalb County Public Defender's Office in the Juvenile Abuse and Neglect Courtroom. In this role, she represents parties in some of the most sensitive and consequential matters before the court, helping ensure that children and families receive competent, independent legal representation. This work reflects her deep commitment to justice, due process, and the well-being of the communities she serves. It also provides a unique perspective that strengthens her ability to guide families through complex legal and personal circumstances with compassion, professionalism, and practical insight.

Cassandra also serves as Director of Human Resources, Legal & Compliance for Family Service Agency of DeKalb County. Her responsibilities include overseeing regulatory compliance, accreditation and grant requirements, risk management, and human resources functions. Her relationship with the organization spans nearly a decade and includes service as legal counsel, board member, and Board Chair before joining the agency's leadership team in 2026.

A proud Northern Illinois University alumna, Cassandra earned bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Sociology before receiving her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in both Illinois and California.

Beyond her professional work, Cassandra remains actively involved in community and professional organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors of Non-Profit Software Corporation and is an active member of several regional and state bar associations. Her dedication to community service, professional leadership, and client advocacy reflects a career built on integrity, service, and meaningful relationships.

Sandie Maahs

Sandie joined the firm in June 2026 as part of the launch of Gottschalk Law. She is a paralegal with more than two decades of experience supporting attorneys in both litigation and transactional matters. In her role, she assists with client communications, legal research, document drafting and review, case preparation, file management, and contributing to the firm’s commitment to personal and detail-oriented client service.

Sandie is a graduate of the Sycamore Leadership Academy (2012) and brings a strong sense of professionalism and community engagement to her work.

In addition to her paralegal responsibilities, Sandie serves as a Village Clerk for a local community, reflecting her dedication to public service and her belief in supporting both communities and the people within them.

Raised in DeKalb County and currently residing in Ogle County, Sandie maintains strong ties to both areas and values the relationships she has built throughout the region.

Alissa Pinne

Alissa Pinne oversees daily operations, streamlines processes, and supports the firm's strategic objectives. Working closely with a small, dedicated team, she helps ensure the office runs efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on exceptional client service and organizational excellence.

Alissa is a graduate of the 2023 Sycamore Leadership Academy and is passionate about professional growth, community involvement, and fostering positive working relationships. Known for her collaborative and approachable leadership style, she values teamwork and continuous improvement in all aspects of the firm's operations.

Cassandra Gottschalk

Attorney | Owner

Sandie Maahs

Paralegal

Alissa Pinne

Business Operations Manager

Cassandra Gottschalk

Sandie Maahs

Alissa Pinne