Background

Attorney Barrett Mays is the founder of Bear Law, LLC and provides practical, strategic legal representation to individuals, families, and businesses throughout Northern Illinois.

Before practicing law, Barrett served in the United States Marine Corps and later spent nearly a decade in law enforcement, ultimately attaining the rank of Detective Sergeant. During his time as a police officer and detective, he developed extensive investigative experience and gained firsthand insight into the criminal justice system, courtroom procedures, and the realities clients face when navigating legal issues.

While serving in law enforcement, Barrett earned his law degree from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, graduating cum laude and in the top 10% of his class. During law school, he was a five-time Dean's List recipient and participated in national moot court competitions, including the National Wagner Labor Law Moot Court Competition and the National Prince Evidence Moot Court Competition.

Following law school, Barrett served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Andrew P. Rodovich of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. Through his clerkship experience, Barrett further strengthened his legal writing, analytical, and courtroom skills while gaining valuable insight into the judicial decision-making process.

Today, Barrett represents clients in criminal defense, DUI, real estate, business, and contract matters. His approach to legal representation is shaped by discipline, preparation, responsiveness, and practical problem-solving. Clients appreciate his direct communication style, strategic mindset, and commitment to guiding them through difficult and high-stakes situations with clarity and confidence.

Barrett founded Bear Law with the belief that effective legal representation should be accessible, responsive, and focused on practical solutions that protect clients' long-term interests.

Education

University of Illinois Chicago

BA - Criminology, Law and Justice

• UIC Rugby Team

University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

Juris Doctor, cum laude 

• 5X Dean's List recipient 
• National Wagner Labor Law Moot Court semi-finalist
• National Prince Evidence Moot Court 

Clerkship

Law Clerk for the Honorable Andrew P. Rodovich - United States District Court - Northern District of Indiana