Joan Protess has been a member of the Illinois bar since 1980.  She is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law where she served as an editor of the Law Review.  Upon graduation from law school, Ms. Protess practiced as an associate of Sidley & Austin in Chicago in the areas of futures, securities and antitrust litigation.  In 1985, she became employed at National Futures Association (NFA) as a staff attorney and was later promoted to assistant general counsel and then associate general counsel.  Ms. Protess left NFA to start her own dispute resolution firm in 1991.  She now specializes in providing dispute resolution services in futures, securities, employment, and other commercial matters. 

Karen Wentzell, Joan Protess & Associates 

After working in the field of adult learning and development for several years, Karen Wentzell enrolled in DePaul University College of Law.  She graduated with honors as a member of its Law Review.  Ms. Wentzell has been a member of the Illinois bar since 1987.  Upon graduation from law school, Ms. Wentzell worked as a staff attorney at National Futures Association (NFA).  In 1990, she left NFA to practice as in-house counsel for an international futures commission merchant and broker dealer.  In January 1995, Ms. Wentzell joined JP&A as a mediator of futures, securities, employment and other commercial disputes.