Reviews

From Lynn, Chicagoland Most of us would prefer to go an entire lifetime without having to retain a lawyer. In fact, I think it’s fair to say that retaining a lawyer is right up there with having a coloscopy. But if you find yourself in such need, I can think of no better firm than Miner, Barnhill & Galland. I found myself seriously wronged by my employer. Employers, even ones that have integrity, are at a loss for how to evaluate complaints. If weak, short-sighted or unprincipled, they panic and throw employees under the bus. Of course, an employer should have its employees’ backs—that builds fierce loyalty and brings the best out of those who work for the employer. but we know it does not always work that way. Some employers care more about their own wallets and reputations. They will protect themselves at all costs, notwithstanding duties of procedural fairness or obligations under the law of due process. Myopically, they will protect themselves even at the risk of alienating top-performing employees or showing themselves to be morally bankrupt. And that’s when you need this firm. As a lawyer friend advised me when my employer panicked and threw me under the bus: "What u need is a big Chicago lawyer writing on Chicago law firm letterhead, to scare them into acting correctly. It will scare the pants off them. Ideally, you want to retain a named partner.” Getting that without a paying over a $1000 a hour is tough. At so-called Big Law firms, associates with five years’ experience charge as much as my lawyer, who just finished his fifth decade in practice. At Big Law firms, partners prepare the monthly bill to the client and send things on to the client, but far less experienced associates do the actual work. What I wanted in someone representing me was seasoning and perspective. I needed a big stick that would be far less expensive to deploy. I wanted to talk to an attorney with five decades of experience—and I did. George Galland picked up my calls, without fail. He took emails on the weekend, did conference calls at crazy hours. To some people, the word attorney carries a negative connotation but consider the synonym, advocate. My attorney, George Galland, gets in there and advocates for every inch of advantage. In hundreds of pages of documents and emails, he showed my employer each and every way it had violated its own policies, as well as state and federal law. He showed how those appointed internally to review the matter violated basic tenets of due process. Although George only schooled my employer in Due Process 101, he politely engaged my employer’s counsel, which may be the best way to persuade them that they have a problem. He spoke to internal forces that could help to rectify mistakes made by those at the very top. He applied regular pressure in conversations with their lawyer, pointing out that “bad facts make bad law.” There is a second synonym for lawyer, an older understanding, of the counselor. This aspect can be hard to take, but one’s own attorney often has to pull us back, like a good friend does when it appears a bar fight is brewing (say, for example, when one’s opponent in pool is losing and not taking it well). Good counsel will say, “best to head for the exit.” I wanted to take my story public, to get a big newspaper to cover it. That would right the wrong, I thought. Far better, George said, to have my employer pay the full freight and then some. Far better to have them write a check that shows up internally and memorializes the wrong. (True to form, when I shared this review, he edited out the juicier parts.) It is not so often when we are wronged in life that the other guy has to pay for their mistakes. You don't take a knife to a gunfight. You need counsel that is up to the toughest challenges, and there is none better than George Galland.

My attorneys from Miner, Barnhill & Galland were great! I worked with Scott Entin! He always kept me in the loop and was very easy to talk to.

I’ve worked on two employee contracts with Bob Libman. He was honest, efficient, and did a great job advocating for my requests. The lawyer at my place of employment commented on how it was a pleasure to go back and forth with Bob through the negotiating process. I plan to return to Bob for my next contract negotiation!

Bob Libman was thoughtful, professional and so helpful in guiding me through all the legal matters of contract and the negotiations process. I was so happy to have him by my side. I can't recommend him enough.

I was referred to Bob Libman by a friend and colleague when I needed advice about an employment issue last year. He provided prompt and helpful suggestions in that case, and again when I needed to enter a negotiation with my employer several months later. He and all of the staff I've interacted with at the firm have been kind and compassionate, even staying in contact when away from the office if needed; I've never had to chase anyone down to get information or been left on hold for hours. I know he'll be my first call the next time I'm negotiating an employment agreement or contract.

I worked with Bob Libman to negotiate an exit package with my synagogue after serving for 28 years as their Senior Rabbi. It was, needless to say, a very emotional process and Bob was able to keep me calm and focussed throughout. We worked out an agreement that was satisfactory to all parties involved. I could not have done it without Bob in my corner. By the way, we worked together entirely by phone and Zoom. I am very grateful to Bob and his firm. I highly recommend them. Bruce Dollin

These lawyers are awesome, very professional but also very easy to work with. They always treated us very well and they went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and worked very hard until they won our class action suit. we will be forever grateful to them all. Sincerely Gary and Linda Goreham

Robert Libman negotiated a contract for me. We worked together trough phone calls and mainly emails. He was professional, prompt, and helped me get the outcome I wanted.

The attorneys at Miner Barnill & Galland are outstanding. They are knowledgeable, attentive and thorough, and they went above and beyond to provide exceptional legal services to my organization. I highly recommend this firm.

The best recommendation you can give is by word of mouth so I would like to publicly thank the law offices of Miner Barnhill & Galland, and more specifically, Deanna Pihos, for her amazing work going above and beyond to settle my case. During our first consultation I knew right away that she was the one I needed to get the outcome I was hoping for. Her professionalism and care to my challenging situation was much appreciated as well as her interest to research and make sure we were not just settling my case but also covering all our bases before I signed. That’s what a good lawyer does. She took a lot of time, showed interest and was extremely thoughtful when I was not in a position to fight - the heavy lifting was all through her and I could trust her to do it. I recommend her HIGHLY and should anyone I come across need a lawyer she’s always my first recommendation. Thank you again Deanna, I can’t say it enough!

Staff was very professional, while listening to see if I even had a case; great guidance, understanding of my situation; kept me informed of the process all the way; answered all of my questions.

I am thrilled to share my experience and express my utmost satisfaction with the exceptional legal representation provided by my two attorneys, Paul Balik and David Baltmanis with Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a remarkable level of professionalism, dedication, and expertise that exceeded my expectations. Their unwavering commitment to my best interests and their tireless efforts truly made all the difference in achieving a positive outcome. Attorneys Balik and Baltmanis exhibited a deep understanding of the intricacies of the law relevant to my case. Their extensive knowledge and expertise allowed them to navigate the complexities of the legal system with ease, ensuring that every aspect of my case was thoroughly addressed. They took the time to explain the legal processes, potential outcomes, and various strategies, empowering me to make informed decisions along the way. In addition, their impeccable attention to detail was truly impressive. They left no stone unturned, meticulously reviewing evidence, conducting thorough research, and gathering all necessary documentation to build a strong and compelling case on my behalf. I am immensely grateful for their outstanding work and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation.