Diane Dickett Smart
Diane Dickett Smart

Diane Dickett Smart

Of Counsel

Administrative Assistant:

Sarah Van Brussel
312-596-4915

Administrative Assistant:

Sarah Van Brussel
312-596-4915

Diane is a partner in the Workers’ Compensation Defense practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe’s Chicago office. She represents employers in workers’ compensation proceedings from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission through the appellate process. Throughout her practice, Diane has represented companies in a variety of industries including airlines, manufacturers, hotels and home health agencies.

A natural problem solver, Diane works closely with her clients to determine a cost-effective solution with a practical focus on achieving a favorable outcome. Having served as a Public Commissioner for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission for nine years, she is intimately familiar with how matters in front of the Commission are decided. Diane has a deep understanding of the process and takes a reasoned, thoughtful approach for each matter with a laser focus on her clients’ best interests.

Diane was a frequent presenter of the 2011 legislative changes to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, having closely followed the legislative process from Senate and House hearings in 2010 through passage in the General Assembly in 2011. She has presented to numerous employers, insurance carriers and trade groups. Diane also participated in the development of suggested rules associated with the legislative changes.

Diane regularly mentors young attorneys in the firm. She was instrumental in building the relationship between Wiedner &McAuliffe and Legal Prep Charter Academies, a charter high school located on the west side of Chicago. Wiedner & McAuliffe has partnered with Legal Prep since its inception in 2012 and continues to mentor the students.

Education

  • J.D., University of Illinois, 1985
  • B.S., DePaul University, 1982

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • Workers Compensation Lawyers Association
  • Bio

    Diane is a partner in the Workers’ Compensation Defense practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe’s Chicago office. She represents employers in workers’ compensation proceedings from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission through the appellate process. Throughout her practice, Diane has represented companies in a variety of industries including airlines, manufacturers, hotels and home health agencies.

    A natural problem solver, Diane works closely with her clients to determine a cost-effective solution with a practical focus on achieving a favorable outcome. Having served as a Public Commissioner for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission for nine years, she is intimately familiar with how matters in front of the Commission are decided. Diane has a deep understanding of the process and takes a reasoned, thoughtful approach for each matter with a laser focus on her clients’ best interests.

    Diane was a frequent presenter of the 2011 legislative changes to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, having closely followed the legislative process from Senate and House hearings in 2010 through passage in the General Assembly in 2011. She has presented to numerous employers, insurance carriers and trade groups. Diane also participated in the development of suggested rules associated with the legislative changes.

    Diane regularly mentors young attorneys in the firm. She was instrumental in building the relationship between Wiedner &McAuliffe and Legal Prep Charter Academies, a charter high school located on the west side of Chicago. Wiedner & McAuliffe has partnered with Legal Prep since its inception in 2012 and continues to mentor the students.

  • Practice Areas
  • Credentials

    Education

    • J.D., University of Illinois, 1985
    • B.S., DePaul University, 1982

    Admissions

    • Illinois
  • Affiliations
    • Chicago Bar Association
    • Illinois Bar Association
    • Workers Compensation Lawyers Association

Bio

Diane is a partner in the Workers’ Compensation Defense practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe’s Chicago office. She represents employers in workers’ compensation proceedings from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission through the appellate process. Throughout her practice, Diane has represented companies in a variety of industries including airlines, manufacturers, hotels and home health agencies.

A natural problem solver, Diane works closely with her clients to determine a cost-effective solution with a practical focus on achieving a favorable outcome. Having served as a Public Commissioner for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission for nine years, she is intimately familiar with how matters in front of the Commission are decided. Diane has a deep understanding of the process and takes a reasoned, thoughtful approach for each matter with a laser focus on her clients’ best interests.

Diane was a frequent presenter of the 2011 legislative changes to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, having closely followed the legislative process from Senate and House hearings in 2010 through passage in the General Assembly in 2011. She has presented to numerous employers, insurance carriers and trade groups. Diane also participated in the development of suggested rules associated with the legislative changes.

Diane regularly mentors young attorneys in the firm. She was instrumental in building the relationship between Wiedner &McAuliffe and Legal Prep Charter Academies, a charter high school located on the west side of Chicago. Wiedner & McAuliffe has partnered with Legal Prep since its inception in 2012 and continues to mentor the students.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas:

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., University of Illinois, 1985
  • B.S., DePaul University, 1982

Admissions

  • Illinois

Affiliations

  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • Workers Compensation Lawyers Association