Neal is a native Chicagoan. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in 1973. While at Bradley, Mr. Strom interned at the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office where he was responsible for a study conducted of disposition rates of criminal cases brought by the Peoria County State's Attorney's Offices either by plea arrangement or trial.

In 1976, Mr. Strom graduated from DePaul University School of Law. Upon graduation, Mr. Strom took a position in private practice where he was responsible for the opening of a workers' compensation department in a successful Chicago personal injury law firm. During this tenure with the law firm, Mr. Strom was responsible for developing systems for the prompt and efficient handling of workers' compensation claims.

In 1981, Mr. Strom proudly opened his own law office, concentrating his practice in injury victims. During his career Mr. Strom has been involved in many cases.

During his career, Mr. Strom has been Chairman of the Young Lawyers' Committee of the Chicago Bar Association Workers' Compensation Committee. He is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and a member of the American Trial Lawyers' Association and other associations active in workers' compensation. He has authored numerous articles regarding workers' rights compensation including one of psychological trauma. Neal has been the coach of park district baseball and basketball teams. He has instilled in his friends, colleagues and clients a positive philosophy that believes one can achieve whatever they set out to do with great success, providing they are willing to work hard at it.