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09 Jun, 2022 by Jesus rivera
An awesome lawyer, very straightforward and competent. He's worth every penny. Would highly recommend.
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14 Jul, 2020 by Random stranger
07 Jun, 2015 by Dawna moore
A series of life calamities and the economic downturn left me in dire straights. I interviewed other attorneys. Mr. Doyle was the last attorney I interviewed. I was most impressed with the compassion, professionalism and patience shown by Mr. Doyle and his staff. Every question was answered, every process explained. When I left his office, there was a plan in place, and most importantly, my anxiety was gone. I am so glad I chose Mr. Doyle. I have and I will continue to recommend Mr. Doyle.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Suzanne
He's very meticulous, extremely knowledgeable and generous with his time. I feel good and at peace.
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28 May, 2020 by Henry
What began as a complicated,ugly divorce, turned into a successful, tolerable time in my life because of Greg Markwell! Greg was attentive to all my concerns while being very understanding and accommodating of one's time and finances. His guidance during my divorce was unmatched. While my ex-wife's attorney kept delaying, Greg stayed positive and kept pushing proceedings forward. Truly, I feel lucky to have met Greg!
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18 May, 2020 by Cesar
I hired Greg Markell to represent me in my divorce proceedings after a friend recommended his services. Greg was understanding of my circumstances and walked me through the divorce process beginning to end. Throughout the process, Greg kept in contact with me and updated me on any and all progress made on my case. I truly appreciated his representation and have recommended his services to family and friends alike.
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22 Aug, 2019 by Joneta
Mr. Eason will fight for you every step of the way. He calls back whenever you call and will make an appearance whenever you need him with no hesitation!!
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01 Aug, 2019 by Tiffany
Mr. Eason was extremely professional and returned calls in a timely manner. He kept me informed of the process in selling my mom's home and made the transaction less stressful. Mr. Eason answered all of my questions thoroughly and made me feel so comfortable that I allowed him to represent me at the closing and did not attend. He is honest, hard working and worth every dime!
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14 Jul, 2019 by Oscar
Attorney Marcus Easson was truly professional in all areas my case! He was punctual to time sensitive material! Very explicit to all court ordered documents!
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29 Apr, 2015 by Carol
Alan Sohn has addressed our family's legal needs for over a decade. His approachable, calm, and knowledgeable manner suited our family's requirements for estate services. Mr. Sohn is completely trustworthy and honorable; we never doubted his confidentiality. He receives our family's highest recommendation.
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03 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
We have recently updated our estate planning with Mr. Sohn for my family. His expertise and experience made this process very easy to understand and I was comfortable with the speed and accuracy in which everything was performed. Understanding the process was something that I did NOT do the 1st time I attempted to set up my estate, but this time I have a better understanding of not only what we are doing, but also why we are structuring the estate planning the way in which it was done. I would highly recommend Mr. Alan Sohn for this type of work as well as the legal business matters he has also successfully assisted me with over the years.
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21 May, 2011 by Lawrence
I have known Alan for over 5 years and his integrity and knowledge of the law are second to none. Alan is precise and leaves nothing to chance.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Tina
Elizabeth is beyond wonderful!!! She is very knowledgeable and her fee structure is reasonable. I feel very safe and secure with her practice and help with my Estate planning needs.
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04 Jun, 2023 by Pam
Working with Elizabeth Fink for an estate closing was an outstanding experience. Even though this was a difficult time for me and my family, she made the process as smooth as possible with kindness and compassion. She walked us through the process step-by-step in the most cost efficient way possible. Even when more questions arose after the work was completed, she was still very responsive and helpful.
She will be our legal consultant from now on.
I highly recommend her to my friends!!!
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30 May, 2023 by Diana
Thank you again Elizabeth for everything you did for me. You real don't know how much you and your staff helped me. Keep up the great work you are doing. GIRL POWER!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
09 Nov, 2023 by Ron kutschke
24 Nov, 2021 by G pate
29 May, 2021 by Kimberly ashley
04 Aug, 2021 by Maureen flanagan
I used Jim Lowry for services of Will/Trust.. He's efficient and responsive with any questions I had. Also, was very affordable and helpful through a tough process for me.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Robert prestandrea
I met James through my bankruptcy attorney
During the bank fraud forclosures in 2010. He assisted me to stay in my forclosed home for 5 years, to recover some of the financial loss I incured when the bank kept my escrow money through the forclosure process. I highly recommend Jim for any issues you may have. In addition I found him to be genuinely concerned with my well being. I also loved his sense of humor.
Thanks Jim
I appreciate you.
Rob P
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08 Sep, 2017 by Jessica
My case dealt primarily with her partner Stephanie. When Stephanie became unavailable, Michelle stepped in. I always thought a lawyer subbing in for their partner would be more of a placeholder following instructions. I was wrong. Michelle was well versed in my case before we even began discussing it. I credit what I have with my daughter to both their brilliance. I endorse any parent to reach out to them if they need legal assistance.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Brian
I had the pleasure of working with John on some significant estate issues. He was thoughtful, diligent, worked hard, and was an absolute professional! It was a real pleasure, and I would highly recommend him...a 10 out of 10!
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05 Jan, 2015 by Karen
John Ashenden has provided exceptional legal services for a client that needed strong estate planning skills, including real estate and trust expertise. John continues to add value to the management team working with his client.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Suzanne
After my dad passed away in 2005, I needed help with probate
proceedings in Cook County, IL.
John Ashenden came highly recommended to me by a
financial advisor. I was not familiar with legal issues
concerning estates. John helped me through this
devastating time in my life. John was very knowledgeable
and made the process seamless for me. I am very
grateful for his expertise and friendship. John's
professional, down to earth nature comforted me
when I needed it most. I knew I was in capable hands.
I would highly recommend John from my previous
business experience with him.
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20 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Holt is great! He’s professional, thorough, and will get things done in a timely manner. He Has handled several family matters of mine, and I am beyond satisfied.
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16 Jun, 2018 by Tamara
Attorney Holt is actively working on two cases. He has been knowlegable, responsive, and informative throughout the process. I am confident that the outcomes will work bnb out in my favor.
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11 Jun, 2018 by Veronica
Mr. Holt was able to handle my case involving land trust/Title. Mr. Holt was extremely knowledgeable and professional with his time and services. If anyone is looking for a lawyer, please give Joe your business. Honest, Fair and knowledgeable, you will NOT regret your choice....
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15 Jun, 2017 by Shawn
Arno has been my realtor and attorney for multiple real estate deals and matters I've experienced. He's always been a reliable source of honest, practical and helpful information. His inside/out knowledge of real estate law and market is second to none. If you need a good realtor or attorney, I would highly recommend using his services.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Gary
Arno was our attorney who handled a complex sale of our previous residence. He researched our situation and dealt with both the purchasing party and the real estate sales person. He puts in long hours and gets back to you when he knows the answers. Not once did Arno disappoint.
Arno handled the legalities on our new property and provided excellent suggestions that eventually lead to the purchase.
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18 Apr, 2017 by William
Arno was a delight to work with! He was always helpful, kind, considerate, and his response time was desirable. We were lucky to be able to work with him during the purchase of our new home. During the closing process, he was a tremendous help in making sure we understood the process and exactly what we were signing, etc. Couldn't have been a better experience if we tried!
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14 Feb, 2024 by Oguz pinar
Mrs Whiting, we don't know what we would do if it wasn't your help during our naturalization process. We can't thank you enough. Your professionalism and timely manner responses during the case was exceptional. We highly recommend you to anyone who is looking trustworthy and knowledgeable lawyer.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Bilal muhammed ali
06 Apr, 2023 by Steven adams
Super helpful, highly recommend, best in business
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07 Oct, 2021 by Joseph
I used Jim for both the sell and buy side of my properties. He did a great job reviewing the deals and addressing any issues that came up along the way. He was also very responsive to my questions and did a fantastic job breaking down everything in layman's terms. I would recommend him to anyone.
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13 Jul, 2021 by Marissa
Jim made this process not only easy to understand but also kind of fun, despite the stress of signing on the dotted line. He took the time to explain the entire process to us and was always ready to answer any questions we had in a thorough and precise manner.
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26 Apr, 2021 by Patrick
Jim helped my wife and I during the course of leaving the city to make our first home purchase. Throughout the process Jim explained and educated us through the transaction.
As first time home buyers we had endless questions on financing, legal language, approvals, timelines, etc. Jim took the time to explain all of the details to ensure we understood before making impactful decisions.
Jim's knowledge was an asset while we navigated through a difficult buyers market with very little supply. We highly recommend Jim, and confirm he advocates for his clients to the fullest!!
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
My sister and I wanted to take a moment and thank your firm for the outstanding service and support we have received regarding estate planning for our parents. Helen Mesoloras, Melissa LaPointe and Erin Vogt have provided guidance and their expertise while also displaying genuine care, concern and compassion.
When my father suffered a massive stroke in October '15, we were left overwhelmed and lost as to what to do next regarding his care. After being referred to your firm by in NY (where I live) I spoke to Erin who listened and right away assured us your firm could help not only in estate planning but with the medicaid process as well.
From our first meeting with Helen and Melissa, we felt confident and secure we were not alone, and that we would have someone helping us advocate for my dad in the nursing home he was at. As for the medicaid process, being that I do not live in town, the idea of my mom and sister having to do the medicaid application alone was not an option. Had it not been for your team organizing everything and informing us when items were still needed I honestly think we would still be knee deep in paperwork today.
Another turning point happened in December when I was talking to Erin regarding my dad's overall health. He was extremely depressed and not eating at the time. She suggested that maybe palliative care could help us. While initially on palliative care, since February he had been on hospice care. But had it not been for Erin we never would have known about these services.
While unfortunately our father passed away recently, we continue to work with your team regarding my mother's estate planning. We feel great solace in knowing that dad would want us to make sure mom is taken care of and protected in every way. Thank you again for all your support.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
We were referred us to Melissa LaPointe. Melissa is amazing. She has been our guide throughout. She is professional, smart and incredibly responsive. We would NEVER have been able to do this without her. I have learned so much from her. I had to force my husband to go to an Elder Law Attorney. He did not understand the need and did not want to spend the money. Now he would tell you that the service we received and the final result was more than worth it.”
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11 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
There are few words that can truly describe the depths of my gratefulness and appreciation for the support and peace of mind that was bestowed on my family from attorney, Melissa LaPointe with Dutton and Casey. She was responsive to our family in a time of crisis and expeditiously handled our legal matter with utmost professionalism and compassion. Thank You Melissa, for being our light of hope.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Christine took my divorse case from the begging to the end with all the professionalism and commitment possible. Her advice regarding the settlement agreement and the parenting plan was very precise. She was all the time available to answer questions and to take any necessary step. We were able to obtain what we pursued from the beginning. I definitely recommend Christine one hundred percent.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Betsey
Christine was fantastic! She was able to secure child support payments that have been due to me for over 10 years. She was very communicative and kept me updated on where we were in the process. I felt she was extremely honest, getting the job done quickly and with much respect for me as a single parent. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing Family Law services.
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23 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Just wanted to acknowledge Christine's professionalism and understanding with my case. I appreciate the hard work she showed, and plan on using her again.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Larisa olson
Beyond impressed. Andy Arons was referred to me by a Winnetka business owner. I was in a time crunch on a commercial lease and he swooped in and got it all worked out & and executed so swiftly. I felt that I was in really good hands. So thorough. And even saw it through over the weekend. They just don’t make ‘em like Andy. Great firm.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Steve martay
Mr. Heimlich and the attorneys at this firm do a great job representing their clients. I would highly recommend hiring them for a claim.
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25 Feb, 2019 by Farva jafri
Kerry Saltzman and Aaron Chaet have always been advocates for their clients, ethical attorneys and competent employment law advisors. I would recommend both of them without reservation.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Geralyn
I have worked with Mike on many real estate transactions and found him to be knowledgeable, experienced and communicative. When reaching out Mike is always immediately responsive and clear in his answers. I like that he knows nuances that help clarify gray areas in the complicated arena of real estate law. He is among the best.
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16 May, 2017 by Dirk
I work with Michael on a monthly basis. Originally, I hired Michael to represent me as a buyer at a real estate closing, but he has become my "go to" attorney for almost anything I need. I also refer many real estate clients to him as I am a real estate broker, and all of my clients sing his praises. Michael is an attorney you want on your side. 1) He is always available to talk, email or text. This is not very common amongst attorneys, especially real estate attorneys. 2) He is a problem-solver. Several times, he has come up with solutions to problems that no one else considered. 3) Michael is a man of integrity. Quite simply, I trust him and my clients do too. I recommend him without hesitation.
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15 May, 2017 by Jennifer guimond-quigley
Mike assisted me on a real estate transaction that was highly complex and involved a high level of interpersonal skills to deal with difficult parties. Mike handled the transaction like a pro and kept me updated on the progress at reasonable intervals. It is clear that Mike is not only really good at what he does, but he genuinely loves practicing law and working with his clients. I would (and do!), without reservation, recommend Mike for anyone who has a real estate need in the Chicagoland area!
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04 Aug, 2021 by Maureen flanagan
I used Jim Lowry for services of Will/Trust.. He's efficient and responsive with any questions I had. Also, was very affordable and helpful through a tough process for me.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Robert prestandrea
I met James through my bankruptcy attorney
During the bank fraud forclosures in 2010. He assisted me to stay in my forclosed home for 5 years, to recover some of the financial loss I incured when the bank kept my escrow money through the forclosure process. I highly recommend Jim for any issues you may have. In addition I found him to be genuinely concerned with my well being. I also loved his sense of humor.
Thanks Jim
I appreciate you.
Rob P
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09 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Having to seek an attorney can be emotional, stressful and confusing. From my initial consultation, I felt that Stephanie provided a clear plan and made me aware of my rights. She provided the best and worst scenario for my case with an estimate of the costs. She communicated promptly to all my requests, e-mails, and questions. I knew that she represented me well and I had complete confidence that she had my best interest in mind. The end result of my case was very positive and I would recommend her to all my friends and family.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Robert adolfson
Jacob was a pleasure to work with and truly a team player. "things" happen in every deal and its easy to blame others but Jacob did NOT do this and focused on getting the best deal possible for the client .. .LOVE THAT!!!
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09 Aug, 2023 by Kiswana evans
Jacob is literally the best! He handles all my real estate needs. He’s really passionate about his work and enjoy his job. If your looking for a Law Group he’s the one!
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28 Jun, 2023 by Josh levine
Jacob is a fantastic attorney. We would recommend him to anyone buying or selling property in Chicago
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14 Mar, 2019 by Tasha
I have worked with Darryl Robinson for years, for various legal needs related to real estate and most recently, employment law related. He is a great attorney with superior knowledge and service levels. I have also referred numerous people to his firm with the same great satisfaction for their unique circumstances.
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31 Jan, 2019 by Danielle
I hired Attorney Darryl Robinson to set-up my Condominium to be placed in trust. This was one of the best decisions I have made to decide to have Attorney Robinson to place my property in trust. He’s very knowledgeable, professional, and explained
everything in detail. I’m very grateful for my experience with Attorney Robinson. I highly recommend him without any reservations to all my friends and family.
Awesome Job!!!!!
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31 Jan, 2019 by Nate
I have been working with Darryl for 5+ years! He has never missed a beat in providing superb service and expertise. Highly recommend his service.
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13 Sep, 2009 by Mario
Ari is a very experienced professional, with a clear understanding of what Small and Medium companies need. The costs are competitive, compared to what you find in the market, but his support is outstanding, going beyond what you would expect from your lawyer.
He takes personal interest in your company, what you are trying to achieve and sees to it that you are correctly guided, supported and all things from his side are delivered on time and in full.
As a foreign SME coming to the US, we found lawyers here to be generally very rigid in their approach and very suspicious of foreigners. Ari has been outstanding from day one, receptive and always very fast in his responses to us.
We chose him over other offers we had, because of his receptiveness, interest and general understanding of the legal requirements of business, as well as a very cost effective focus, advise and support he has provided us throughout.
Generally we don't any areas of complaint regarding the work Ari has delivered. Things work well, as discussed and planned. Things happen, on time and within budget normally.
I would not hesitate to recommend Ari to anyone looking for a competent lawyer, focused on companies.
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02 Sep, 2009 by David
Arieh was of great benefit to me during a time when I was expanding our domestic and international business footprint.
I had to negotiate complex international business legal issues and negotiate 20+ year leases domestically on commercial and industrial assets with inherent EPA and regulatory issues.
I could always count on Arieh to listen to everything I had to say, and understand the entire picture, even in an environment as complex and foriegn as the department of defense and government contracting, and still provide me with very sound counsel or opinion.
Arieh was invaluable to me on several critical projects, including classified work and establishing new business operations in 2 of the highest-barrier-to-entry countries in the world, in addition to advising me on day to day business and compliance issues.
I would not hesitate to hire or recommend Arieh to any entrepreneur or company seeking expert corporate counsel.
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15 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Ari embodies everything you would want from an attorney. He is thorough, thoughtful,knowledgeable and cares for you as a both a client and person. His soft spoken voice is calming, but he can be ruthless when a situation calls for it. He is informative about both negative and positive aspects, which I have found to be of extreme value as it eliminates the element of surprise, an emotion that is not desirable in matter involving the need for a lawyer. He partners with you- and I have felt truly protected while working with him.
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08 Apr, 2015 by Bachir
JP Younan has been the best attorney I have ever hired. He is on my side no matter what and will not lose the fight!!! Thank you for your quality representation, sincerely Bobby
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07 Apr, 2015 by Paul
If you're in need of a great knowledgeable lawyer who will fight for you, JP Is your guy. JP knows the law in & out, he knows how the system works as well as how to make it work for you. JP has the experience, the know how and he's the type of person that won't back down. If you're in need for a great lawyer then look no further, JP will fight for you.
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07 Apr, 2015 by Steve b.
Mr. Younan is a great lawyer he goes above and beyond the call of duty I am glade and happy to have him as a lawyer and highly recommend his help he was very patient with me in my time of concern and I must of asked him the same question a million times and he answered evey time calmly and accuracy keeping me at ease threw out my problem
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30 Oct, 2009 by John tyler
“Brian did a remarkable job helping me with a business transfer project in a very short time window. Brian moved quickly and was great at communicating to me each step of the way. I trust Brian with all of my legal concerns and look forward to working together for many years to come.”
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27 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
As a lawyer practicing in a different field than Brian, it is nice to know I have someone I trust to provide me and my family with well thought out estate planning advice. Brian and his firm have years of experience in this field and are well versed in the intricacies of wills, trusts and wealth transfers. Because of the excellent advice Brian has provided to me and my family, I have referred him to several other friends and business associates who share my sentiments about the work he has done for them and their families. If you are concerned with the financial future of you and your family, I would recommend you contact Brian Jones to help you with your estate planning needs.
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27 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
I trust Brian to keep all of the family affairs in order - from advising on complex estate planning issues, to preparing and updating our important documents, to assisting me with the oversight and management of my financial professionals, to planning for retirement. From beginning to end, I rely on him to advise me on nearly all of the life events and transactions I encounter. He effectively assisted me with the formation - and beneficial tax planning - of my first business entity earlier this year.
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02 Feb, 2019 by Lin
I needed estate planning and attorneys are my least favorite people. He was easy to work with and by this I mean patient, explained things to me twice if I didn’t understand the first time, and his fee was actually alot less then I’d expected. I‘ve already recommended him to a neighbor and a friend and they were content with Kens services as well.
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30 Jan, 2019 by Nelson
Attorney Stoppa handled the closing on the purchase of my residential property. Ken was very thorough with the contract and discovered several issues with the property that would have been detrimental to me. He negotiated with the seller's attorney and secured a decrease in the sale price. I will definitely consider recommending Kenneth Stoppa to my family and friends.
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30 Jan, 2019 by Sam manno
Ken handled the sale and purchase of our new home. Ken was on top of any questions my wife and I had. He is also very knowledgeable on real estate law and is very trustworthy. We would not hesitate to use him again or recommend him to others.
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16 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I am most fortunate to have Ms. Duda as a strong and caring advocate for my loved one for a number of years.
Her vast knowledge of the laws involved, and her ceaseless efforts, which are always enveloped in compassion and empathy, are truly a gift to all those who are fortunate to have her on their team, both as a talented attorney and a caring human being.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the guardian of a mentally disabled family member. Some years ago I was embroiled in a long-standing, complex dispute with care providers that could have resulted in devastating and dangerous consequences for my ward. Lara entered my legal case at this point, and assisted in bringing the situation under control in just a few months. Her wisdom, knowledge, patience, calmness and exceptional skills as a negotiator and counselor helped to bring about a solution that was better than anything I had hoped for. Since then, I have continued to work with Lara as my attorney for all guardianship issues, which fortunately, have been relatively routine since that early crisis. Lara has such a passion for protecting and serving the disabled. Her compassion is boundless, yet she is like a rock when she takes a stand for what is needed, and she cannot be manipulated. Her knowledge is extensive, yet she is also guided by intuition. Her ability to be impartial, and to understand (and explain) the differing perspectives of difficult people is, and was so valuable in my personal situation. I learned much from her that still serves me well in my continuing relationships with my ward's present care providers. I would highly recommend Lara as an advocate and a resource to any disabled person, or to anyone who takes care of a disabled person.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the owner of a medical case management and guardianship company in Chicago and have had the priviledge of working with Attorney Lara Duda on numerous occasions over the past five years. Lara stands out among attorneys that I work with in many ways, but this is mostly evidenced by her passion to serve disabled and elderly clients and assist in protecting them when they do not have a voice of their own. Lara is extremely knowledgeable in the Elder Law and Probate Law arena and goes above and beyond to ensure that my clients come first.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Aaron korson
Stephanie Stewart is by far one of the nicest and most professional attorneys I have met. She has valuable insight and is someone to admire in the field of law.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Kenneth piercey
Stephanie Stewart is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She has given me a lot of valuable advice over the years and has helped bring clarity and peace of mind to difficult and complex issues. I highly recommend Stephanie!
Ken Piercey
Attorney at Law
Piercey & Associates, Ltd.
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21 Feb, 2020 by Danne valeroa
01 Oct, 2009 by Maria
He helped me get back my security deposit from my old landlord. He also got me more money because the landlord did not follow the law. I highly recommend him.
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22 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
My landlord would not fix anything in my apartment and would not return my security deposit when my lease was up. Bradford helped me and my child get out of this bad situation. I recommend anyone having trouble with their landlord to give him a call.
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23 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
I hired Bradford for a real estate closing. Everything went smooth and he was very patient in explaining everything to me.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Brian
Matt was great to work with throughout the entire contract review and close process. He called me whenever he had a something for me to review and thoroughly explained every step of the process. He reviewed all the numbers and even taking the extra few minutes to figure out where the extra $8 the closing document came from.
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22 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Matthew Huff is an excellent attorney whose attention to detail is unparalleled. Throughout his representation of us for the purchase of our new home, Matthew was attentive and communicative and always promptly answered all of our questions.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Charlotte
My husband and I used Matthew's services to buy our house. Matthew was professional, knowledgeble and easy to work with. When the seller's attorney was wildly unprofessional, Matthew handled the situation with ease and tact. Matthew is very organized and communicated with us clearly. I felt confident in Matthew's ability to manage the legal side of our transaction.
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04 Jan, 2021 by Rita
What impressed me about Mr. Kiosses is that even in a consultation, he didn't just give me enough breadcrumbs for me to hire him or to cut me loose if it were unprofitable. He actually helped me and spelled out what I needed to do to solve my problem. He answered my questions thoroughly and I left the meeting feeling that Mr. Kiosses was honest, competent, and would go above and beyond if I hired him. I have since talked to some friends and relatives who know him or of him and they have affirmed that he is an attorney one can absolutely trust to take care of Greece-related business.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Mona
My husband’s parents are of Greek origin and he always wanted to obtain citizenship but never had the time to collect the documents that were necessary! I researched attorneys in the US ( we live in Dallas, TX ) and finally came across Christos’s excellent reviews. I reached out to him and initiated the process! He stated that if we were dilligent enough to collect all the necessary paperwork and send it over, my husband should get his passport within a year. Once submitted, Christos flew to Atlanta ( my husband was born there and his parents were married there) completed the necessary steps. After that, he was off to Greece to register my husband. All we did was travel to the Greek consulate in Houston, TX to complete the application. And today, my husband became a Greek Citizen! Mr. Kiosses is extremely professional and executed all the necessary tasks within the timelines he presented to us. He is prompt in responding to emails or taking calls with no appointments! He was extremely easy to work with. I had my doubts in the beginning seeing we reside in another state but that did not make a difference at all to Mr. Kiosses who was very efficient. Knowledgeable in Greek laws and very courteous! I recommend him with 5 stars!!! Thank you Mr. Kiosses!
Sincerely,
Mona & Andrew
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23 Aug, 2017 by Maria
Mr. Kiosses is a true professional. He was very knowledgeable and helpful on my international citizenship matter and made every effort to advise me in a fair way and timely way. I would highly recommend him in his area of expertise without any reservation.
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31 Oct, 2021 by Joanne, john, janet
We consulted with Mr Velchek via a phone call and based on that retained him to assist with closing our late father's estate and handle the sale of the family home. Mr Velchek did a wonderful job leading us on this journey. He was very knowledgeable, flexible and down to earth. He also had great negotiating skills which served us well. In a nutshell Mr Velchek is a great attorney. His fee was very reasonable and he was always accessible to us. In closing we highly recommend Mr Velchek.
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07 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Couldn't have asked for a more competent, intelligent attorney! He's a sole practitioner who runs a full-service operation. Licensed in both Illinois and Indiana, he remains flexible and versatile in various areas of law. He is an incredibly hard worker and loving family man. He has practiced for over 30 years, so you can count on him to fulfill your legal needs.
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23 Mar, 2011 by Martha
I met Mr. Velchek a very long time ago, and he is empathetic, hard working and very knowledgeable.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
