Mary Cushing Doherty brings her energy, humanity and sound, practical judgment to matrimonial law, all of which remain undiminished by over 25 years in the field. Indeed, in a demanding profession known for grinding down its share of practitioners, Doherty remains an exceptional example of high-spiritedness, generosity and skillful lawyering. Her instincts as a caring teacher are reflected throughout her successful career and her life, as she has long instructed young people, aspiring lawyers, even to opposing counsel - practical solutions to problems small and large. A Chicago native and one of eight children (her family continues to own and operate Cushing & Color Chicago, a printing company in its third generation), Doherty was an energetic young person who loved the theater and learning -- "I thought was going to become a teacher." She went to the University of Delaware ("My first connection of any kind with the East Coast") where she met her husband, now of 27 years. Law school fit with her ambitions and expectations. (Her father was an attorney, as well as three brothers) and matrimonial law became her focus early on. Barely out of law school she was already teaching courses on equitable distribution with the encouragement of her mentor and first boss, renowned divorce attorney Albert Momjian. Other mentors were the Honorable Emanuel Bertin, Master Frederick Cohen and Madam Justice Sandra Schultz Newman. From 1979 to 1988 Doherty worked at Momjian's firm, Abrahams & Loewenstein, and it was in those early years that she crafted a career - and balanced it with building a family. "One of my biggest challenges was managing my time. One question I asked more experienced attorneys was, can I be successful at this without being in the office every day of the week?" Doherty answered the question herself, building a reputation as a diligent and thorough attorney and effective advocate for her clients.