MEET OUR ATTORNEYS
EDWARD SPEIGHTS, ESQ
Edward Speights is a criminal defense attorney from Chicago, he has been practicing law for about 5 years. He started out in private practice before joining the Public Defender's office where he won the public defender award in 2020. He recently opened up his own firm where he is the managing partner called SOS Legal Services LLP where they concentrate on criminal defense, personal injury, and real estate closings.
EDUCATION
Western Michigan Cooley Law School, 2017
BAR ADMISSIONS
-
Illinois, 2016.
-
Federal Bar Trial, 2019.
-
Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, and Southern District of Illinois.
-
2016 • Federal Bar Trial, 2019.
HONORS
-
Lake County Public Defender Office Award, 2020.
-
Cook County Bar Association’s Presidential Award, and Next Generation Award, 2023.
ZAKIYYAH JACKSON-BEY, ESQ
Zakiyyah Jackson-Bey was born and raised in the City of Chicago. Since she was five, she knew she wanted to be an Attorney. She often read cases with her father and played court with her siblings. She attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign receiving her Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science and Communications. She received her Paralegal Certificate from Roosevelt University and her Masters of the Arts in Political and Justice Studies from Governors State University. Zakiyyah received her J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law School.
During law school, Zakiyyah interned for the Michigan Legislative Office, Michigan Attorney’s General’s Office, and Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. Zakiyyah participated actively in Mock Trial Competitions and was the former Vice President of the Black Lawyers Association at the WMU-Thomas Cooley Campus. After graduating, Zakiyyah focused predominantly on Contract Law, engaged in-depth, specializing in the following areas: procurements, data breaches, mergers and acquisitions, GDP, regulatory language, and the financial and commercial sector.
​
Zakiyyah now plans to transition to practice her passion, Criminal Defense—as well as Real Estate and Personal Injury. Zakiyyah will now lead our Minnesota Office as Managing Partner.
EDUCATION
Western Michigan Cooley Law School, 2016.
BAR ADMISSIONS
-
Minnesota
THERESA SPEIGHTS, ESQ
Theresa Speights is an accomplished professional with a robust academic background and diverse legal expertise. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Denison University and later obtained her law degree from Ohio Northern University College of Law. During her time in law school, Theresa immersed herself in practical experiences, serving at the Public Defender’s Office and working alongside a private practitioner. These roles provided her with invaluable courtroom experience, where she represented clients in both bench and jury trials, honing her litigation skills early in her career.
Following her graduation, Theresa embarked on a dynamic legal journey, beginning as a litigation attorney at the Denver District Attorney’s Office. In this role, she vigorously represented the city and its residents in various legal matters, accumulating extensive trial experience along the way. However, Theresa eventually found her niche in tax law, drawn to its complexities and the opportunity to provide invaluable assistance to clients facing IRS challenges.
​With over a decade of dedicated practice as a tax attorney, Theresa has established herself as a trusted advocate, committed to securing the best possible outcomes for her clients. Her expertise and relentless dedication have earned her recognition, including being listed in Who’s Who Among Lawyers in America. Beyond her legal practice, Theresa is deeply passionate about education and knowledge sharing. She has become a respected educator, imparting her insights on tax law and resolution options with the IRS to fellow attorneys, tax practitioners, and CPAs, thus contributing to the professional growth and success of her peers.
BAR ADMISSIONS
-
Colorado, 2012
-
​Tax Court License, 2015
INSTRUCTED COURSES
-
Federal Tax Liens and Remedies, Chicago Bar Association
-
Offer in Compromise for Individuals: Best Practices and Practitioner Tips, Chicago Bar Association
-
Immigration Issues and Tax Controversy, Chicago Bar Association
-
Foundations of IRS Financial Based Resolutions
-
Self-Employed Business Trainings