About Karen Donnelly

Karen Donnelly was born in Livingston County and has remained connected with the surrounding communities. After graduating from Woodland High School, Karen received her Associate’s Degree from Illinois Valley Community College. She continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal and Social Justice. Karen then attended Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she graduated with honors and was awarded her Juris Doctor in 2014. While obtaining her undergraduate college degrees, Karen worked as a paralegal for the firm of Hoffman, Mueller & Creedon in Ottawa, Illinois, where her interest in the law grew from when she started in 1985.

During her second and third years in law school, Karen interned with the the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office and worked with Attorney George Mueller of Mueller Anderson & Associates. After graduation from law school, Karen was hired as a full-time associate with Mueller Anderson & Associates. She gained valuable experience by trying cases while an intern with the State’s Attorney and in practicing family law with Mueller Anderson & Associates.

In 2016, Karen was the first woman ever elected LaSalle County State’s Attorney, where she prosecuted various crimes ranging from murder to petty traffic offenses. During her time as State’s Attorney Karen helped bring the first ever treatment courts to LaSalle County. In 2020, Karen continued her prosecution career with the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Utilizing her extensive legal knowledge and effective trial skills, Karen now operates her own practice and serves the communities of Livingston, LaSalle, Putnam, Bureau, and Grundy Counties in the areas of criminal and family law. Karen is a member of the LaSalle County Bar Association, Grundy County Bar Association, and Illinois State Bar Association.