About Lauren Ann

Lauren Ann Anaya practices criminal law in Savoy, Illinois. She has a diverse legal background that includes DUI & DWI, family law, divorce, and immigration law. The firm where she works focuses on providing comprehensive legal services to clients facing various challenges. Her office is experienced in handling the requirements of the legal system, ensuring that clients receive informed representation. She holds a J.D. from the University of Iowa, earned in 1991. In addition to her law degree, she has a Ph.D.

in Anthropology from the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, completed in 2014. Her academic journey also includes an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Iowa and a B.B.A. from Iowa State University. This extensive education equips her with a unique perspective on legal issues, particularly those intersecting with social and cultural dynamics. Most of her legal experience comes from her time as an Assistant United States Lawyer, where she served in various capacities from 1995 to 1997. This role involved significant responsibilities in federal legal matters — This gives a solid foundation in criminal law.

Before her tenure in federal service, she worked as an Assistant General Counsel and a Lawyer-Advisor, gaining valuable insights into both public and private sector legal practices. In 2015, she began her current role as a lawyer at her firm, where she has continued to build her practice. She also served as part-time faculty in Anthropology in 2016, demonstrating her commitment to education and mentorship. Her involvement in academia complements her legal work. This lets the attorney engage with students and share her knowledge of the law and its societal implications. Lauren is an active member of several professional associations, including the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Anthropological Association. She is also a founding member of Antropólogos sem Fronteiras/Anthropologists without Borders – United States, where she serves on the Board of Directors and as Secretary-Treasurer.

Her dedication to both her profession and the community is evident in her work with these organizations. Her practice areas reflect her broad interests and expertise, making her a versatile attorney. She is licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions, including Illinois, Iowa, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and the 9th and 10th Circuits. This extensive licensure enables her to represent clients in a variety of legal contexts, ensuring that she can address their needs effectively.

Education

University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Ph.D. (2014) | Anthropology

2014

University of Iowa

M.A. (2007) | Anthropology

2007

University of Iowa

J.D. (1991) | Law

1991

Iowa State University

B.B.A. (1988) | Business

1988

Languages

English (Spoken, Written) Italian (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Part-time Faculty - Anthropology

Parkland College
2016

Lawyer at Law

Law Office of Lauren A. Anaya
2015

Assistant United States Lawyer

United States Lawyer’s Office for the District of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
1997

Assistant United States Lawyer

United States Lawyer’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Las Cruces, New Mexico
1995

Special Assistant United States Lawyer

United States Lawyer’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Las Cruces, New Mexico
1995

Assistant General Counsel

United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Washington, D.C.
1993

Lawyer-Advisor

United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Falls Church, Virginia
1992

Accepted Jurisdictions

Arizona
California
9th Circuit
Iowa
New Mexico
Illinois
10th Circuit

Types of Cases Handled

Criminal Law DUI & DWI Family Law Divorce Immigration Law

Professional Associations

American Anthropological Association

has membership Current

Illinois State Bar Association

has membership 2015 - Current

Antropólogos sem Fronteiras/Anthropologists without Borders – United States (ASF-US)

Founding has membership of Board of Directors and Secretary-Treasurer 2014 - Current

Antropólogos sem Fronteiras (Anthropologists without Borders), Itaparica, Bahia, Brasil

Board of Directors and Secretária Adjunta (Adjunct Secretary) 2013 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 101 West Tomaras Avenue Savoy IL 61874