Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

Edmundo Cuevas is an associate attorney at Robert J Semrad & Associates. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Cuevas worked for the City of Chicago's Law Department, where he prosecuted violations of the City Municipal Code on behalf of the City.
Mr. Cuevas graduated from DePaul University College of Law, where he participated in the misdemeanor clinic. In the misdemeanor clinic, Mr. Cuevas successfully defended his client at trial. Mr. Cuevas was also a Co-Chair of the National Latino Law Student Association Conference hosted in Chicago.
Prior to attending law school, Mr. Cuevas studied finance and accounting at the Universidade de SÃo Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Cuevas received a Bachelors of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Mr. Cuevas is currently an active member of the Hispanic Lawyer's Association of Illinois and of the Hispanic National Bar Association. In addition, Mr. Cuevas is part of the Associate Board of Latinos Progresando.

Marcie Venturini joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2002. She is a senior associate and a member of the bankruptcy department. Ms. Venturini’s primary practice is to advise and represent Debtors in Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases. Ms. Venturini has assisted and advised thousands of clients with solutions to their immediate and long term financial situations.

Ms. Venturini earned a law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she graduated with honors. Ms. Venturini was born and raised in the Chicago area.

Winn Keathley joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2010 and is an associate in the Atlanta office. He is the courtroom attorney for the Gainesville and Newnan courts, and also assists in the more high-volume Atlanta courts. Mr. Keathley received a J.D. from Georgia State University School of Law in January 2010. He received his undergraduate degree from the Trinity University where she earned B.A.s in History and Political Science. Mr. Keathley is a member of Phoenix Lodge #131, and a member of Al-Menah Shrine chapter and the Tennessee Scottish Rite. In his free time he enjoys boardgames, science fiction and playing with his two little

Jessica L. Casto joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates, LLC in 2008 and is an associate in the Atlanta Office. Ms. Casto has been practicing bankruptcy law since 2008. She currently primarily supports Robert J. Semrad's Chapter 7 Bankruptcy division. Ms. Casto received a J.D. from Mercer University School of Law in May 2008. She received her undergraduate degree from the Kennesaw State University where she earned a B.S. in Political Science. Ms. Casto enjoys camping, traveling, and flying small aircrafts. She is also an avid hockey fan.

Kristi Smith joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in March 2010 and since that time, has worked as an associate in the Atlanta office on both Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 cases. Currently, she handles all Chapter 13 matters before the Honorable Mary Grace Diehl. Prior to joining the firm, she served as an intern with the United States Trustee Program. Ms. Smith received her J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law in May 2009. While in law school, she was elected and served as Student Representative to the American Bar Association and was also a member of the Christian Legal Society. She received the CALI Award for Excellence in Securities Regulation and was a member of the National Scholars Honor Society. In May 2006, Ms. Smith graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University where she received her B.B.A. in Accounting. While at Georgia Southern, she served as Vice President of Beta Gamma Sigma, was selected University Public Speaking Champion, and received both the Excellent Student Scholarship and Academic Achievement Award. In her free time, Ms. Smith enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Janna Quarless joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2007 and is an associate in the Chicago office. She is a member of the bankruptcy department and currently heads the Chapter 7 Department where she represents clients in a variety of Chapter 7 matters including appearing before judges in the State and Federal levels, negotiating settlements with the Office of the United States Trustee, creditors, and Chapter 7 Interim Trustees.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Quarless graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2007. While attending law school, she worked with the Michigan House of Representatives and interned with the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association working with lobbyists on variety of matters. Ms. Quarless received a Bachelor of Art in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2003.

Nic Perino joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2006. He is a senior associate and a member of both the bankruptcy and litigation departments. Mr. Perino’s primary practice focus is counseling and representing Debtors in Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy. Mr. Perino has successfully defended and settled numerous adversary proceedings relating to allegations of fraud against consumer debtors.

Mr. Perino also serves on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s volunteer attorney panel. Members of the panel help represent indigent parties on a pro bono basis in discrete adversary proceedings and contested matters.

Mr. Perino earned his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law. During law school, Mr. Perino worked for the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General. A member of the Charitable Trusts and Organizations division, he helped enforce the proper use of gifts from deceased individuals to the Commonwealth’s numerous charitable organizations.

Mr. Perino was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science from Penn State University.

Marisa Leeds joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in August of 2008 and is an associate in the Atlanta office. Ms. Leeds has been practicing bankruptcy law since joining the firm. Previously Ms. Leeds spent two years as a court attorney, handling all the various matters involved with Chapter 13 bankruptcies and representing clients in court in defense of their Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases and plans. She currently primarily meets with new clients for consultations and supervises the attorneys and paralegals who file cases for new clients. Ms. Leeds received a J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law in May 2008. While in law school, Ms. Leeds sat on the Board of the Moot Court team and won second place for a brief she wrote for a moot court competition. She also served as a graduate research assistant to Professor Mary Radford and assisted in the research for Professor Radfordâs Redfearn Books on wills and estate planning in Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2005 where she earned a B.S. in Management and a concentration certificate in Marketing. Ms. Leeds enjoys reading and running with her dog, and is an avid fan of both Georgia Tech football and Atlanta Falcons football.

Julie M. Anania joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in January 2011 and is an associate in the Atlanta Office. Ms. Anania has been practicing law since 2010. She currently supports Robert J. Semrad & Associates with case assembly and filing. Ms. Anania received a J.D. from Liberty University School of Law in May 2010. While in law school, Ms. Anania participated in mock trial and ADR Board. She also served as co-chair of the Barrister’s committee for the Student Bar Association. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she earned a B.S. in Justice Sciences with a minor in marketing. Ms. Anania also played college soccer for UAB and is an avid fan of the Atlanta Falcons.

Darren R. Hojnacki joined Robert J. Semrady & Assoc. LLC in July 2010 and is an associate in the Atlanta, GA office. Mr. Hojnacki has been practicing consumer bankruptcy (representing debtors exclusively) since 2007. He primarily supports RJS's court call for Chapter 13 cases. Mr. Hojnacki received a J.D. from New England School of Law in May 2006. While in law school, Mr. Hojnacki was a member of the Environmental Law Moot Court team. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo where he earned a B.S. in physics with a concentration in astrophysics. Mr. Hojnacki enjoys movies, reading, running, and golf. He is also a baseball fan.

Elizabeth Placek joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2008, and is an associate in the firm’s Illinois Chicago office. She is a member of the firm’s bankruptcy department. Ms. Placek focuses primarily on representing Debtor’s in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. While at Robert J. Semrad & Associates, Ms. Placek has represented Debtors in over 1,900 Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Ms. Placek earned her law degree from the DePaul University College of Law in 2007. During law school she worked for a boutique law firm in Chicago specializing in employment law. Ms. Placek graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from DePaul University in 2003.

Mr. Lentner joined the firm in 2007 after graduating from the University of Dayton School of law. Mr. Lentner has overseen the firms Will County office and cases as well as the firms office on Western Ave. in Chicago.

Prior to joining the firm Mr. Lentner worked in the law department of an Ohio municipality, and also for United States Senator Charles Grassley.

Ronica Scales joined Robert J. Semrad and Associates in 2009 and manages the Conyers Office. Ms. Scales has been practicing bankruptcy law since 2006. Ms. Scales received a J.D. from University of Georgia School of Law in May 2004. She received her undergraduate degree from the Georgia State University where she earned a B.A. in Political Science.

Jordan Van Matre joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates, LLC in 2010 and is an associate in the Atlanta Office. Mr. Van Matre has been practicing law since October 2010. He currently serves as a "Building" attorney, whose primary objective is preparing petitions for clients filing for relief under Chapters 7 and 13 of Title 11 of the United States Code. Mr. Van Matre received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Liberty University School of Law in May 2010. While in law school, Mr. Van Matre won numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements in interscholastic competitions, including "Best Oralist" in the Regent University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, "First Place" in the ABA Regional Negotiations Competition, and the "ADR Award for Outstanding achievement in Alternative Dispute Resolution." Mr. Van Matre also served as the Chairman of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board, and served as a member of the Moot Court Board. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mobile where he earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Humanities, and also served two terms as the University's SGA Vice-President. Mr. Van Matre enjoys spending time with his wife Whitney, fly fishing, and hunting.

At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best outcome on your case, quickly and efficiently. As a former Will County prosecutor, I have the courtroom trial experience you can count on. I have tried criminal cases ranging from a speeding ticket to first degree murder, and if you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an attorney who knows your case from the prosecutor perspective. I know their strategy and the techniques to counter them.

Don't delay. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba for a free consultation. We handle felony and misdemeanor cases, including drug offenses, DUI, thefts, battery, burglary, robbery, and weapon offenses. We offer affordable rates and flat fees for most cases.

Jack began his dedicated legal career in the area of criminal law as a clerk for the Illinois Attorney General while attending law school. After graduating in 2003, Jack was offered a position in the Medicaid Fraud Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General, where he prosecuted complex white collar and financial crimes.

In 2006, Jack accepted an appointment as an Assistant State's Attorney in Will County. As a well-respected prosecutor in Will County, Jack disposed of hundreds of criminal cases with offenses ranging from DUI to first degree murder. Jack has acted as first chair on over fifty bench trials and over thirty jury trials. His courtroom performance is unrivaled, and his aggressive and effective courtroom demeanor has even been described as "electrifying".

Since beginning his own law firm, Jack has achieved successful outcomes in a wide range of criminal cases. His goal is to help each client avoid a conviction. Jack continues to put his aggressiveness and experience to work for his clients every day.

Practice Areas

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, our office has the criminal trial experience you can count on. You are presumed innocent and it is up to the state to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As a former prosecutor, I have prosecuted many crimes including first degree murder and I know what will be required of the state, and I will put them to the task.

You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba today if you have been charged with a criminal offense, including the following:

Felonies and Misdemeanors

* Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
* Drug Offenses - Trafficking or Possession
* Theft/Burglary
* Assault and Battery
* Juvenile Crimes
* Sex Crimes
* Weapon Offenses
* Battery and Domestic Battery

DRUGS / NARCOTICS

Have you been arrested or are you under investigation for the possession or sale of illegal drugs? Do you have questions of whether the police can charge you with possession of those drugs? What if the drugs were found under the passenger seat of a car you were driving; or what if the drugs were in the trunk of the car? Do the police have the right to search you, your house or your vehicle?

These are questions that an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense drug lawyer can answer. As a former Will County Prosecutor, I have handled possession cases from a simple marijuana joint, to cocaine. If you have been charged with a drug offense, you want an experienced former prosecutor on your side.

DUI / TRAFFIC OFFENSES

At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, you will have hired one of the most experienced and knowledgeable DUI Attorneys in Joliet. As a former prosecutor in Will County, I have handled hundreds of DUI cases and know how to present the best defense for your case. The area of DUI law is complex and I can help you navigate the process.

Hiring a skilled DUI criminal lawyer is key to a successful defense of your DUI arrest. The penalties, even for a first time arrest for DUI can be costly and may include the suspension of your license, heavy fines, and a possible jail sentence.

JOLIET, ILLINOIS - WILL COUNTY ASSAULT AND BATTERY LAWYER

Have you or a loved one been arrested or charged with assault and battery in Will County Illinois? You need an experienced assault and battery criminal defense attorney to defend the case. The penalties for these charges can be very serious. Charges range from a simple misdemeanor offense to a felony charge depending on the severity of the injuries or whether there was a weapon involved. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is vital to the successful defense of your case.

Your Side of the Story

The police aren't just interested in getting your side of the story. They are looking to charge someone for the offense. Let us help you tell your side of the story. We will investigate all of the facts and circumstances of your case to determine whether you have been falsely identified, whether you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or whether we can apply the law of self defense to your case.

Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses

If you have been charged with any of the following violent crimes, contact our office:

* Assault
* Battery
* Aggravated Assault
* Aggravated Battery
* Felony or Misdemeanor Charges

Experience Matters

You need a former Will County prosecutor on your side. We know the police, judges, and prosecutors involved in these violent crimes cases. Don't go it alone. Our goal is to avoid a conviction when we are able, reduce the charge where appropriate, and to keep you out of jail.

JUVENILE CRIMES

When a child is charged with a criminal offense it can be one of the most difficult things that a family can face. The realization that your son or daughter could receive a criminal conviction or worse, can be very stressful.

At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, we understand the stress that this situation can cause and we are here to help. As your attorney, it is important to demonstrate to the court that your child is not a criminal, rather a young child who only used poor judgment. We represent clients charged with:

* Criminal trespass to vehicles or residences
* Theft or burglary
* School fights, assault and battery
* Illegal consumption by a minor (underage drinking)
* Possession of fake ID
* Weapon offenses
* Traffic offenses
* DUI
* Drug possession

Mistakes happen, and your son or daughter deserves a second chance.

Our goal is to keep your child from receiving a conviction and ultimately keep their record clean

JOLIET ILLINOIS - WILL COUNTY GUN & WEAPONS LAWYER

Illinois Gun Laws can be confusing, even to the law abiding citizen. As many of you know, you must first obtain a Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) if you are going to purchase and own a gun. You are also required, however, to have that card in your possession even if you are transporting an unloaded firearm in your car. In addition to having the FOID card on your person, you are also required to transport that gun only in an enclosed case and in an unloaded capacity. Failing to follow Illinois' strict gun laws can lead to misdemeanor FOID card criminal charges or to more serious felony charges for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

Unfortunately, with so many gun laws, even the most law abiding citizen can sometimes get tripped up. If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor offense for gun possession or for failing to have your FOID card in your possession, you should contact one of our experienced gun lawyers to get an assessment of your case.

Don't take the chance, talk to a experienced weapons lawyer today. Gun charges are serious and can lead to the revocation of your FOID card and even jail. Our firm looks at every case to see whether the police had the right to stop and search you or the vehicle. If your rights were violated with an illegal search and seizure, our firm fights hard to suppress any statements or evidence. Our goal is to keep your record clean.

If you have been charged with any of the following, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney:

* Possession of firearms and handguns
* Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) violations
* Knives or switchblade knives
* Concealed weapons by adults or juveniles
* Illegal sale or transfer of firearms
* Unlawful possession of firearms by a felon
* Other charges

You need an aggressive weapons defense attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba today if you have been charged with any weapons offense.

JOLIET DRIVER LICENSE REINSTATEMENT LAWYER - WILL COUNTY ILLINOIS

You Need To Drive - Secretary of State Hearings

Is your license Revoked for a DUI? If so, you must attend a hearing with the Secretary of State in order to drive again. Don't go it alone. Our firm understands the process and the expectations of the Secretary of State. You want an experienced attorney to present your case. Our firm will prepare you for the hearing, and give you the chance to drive again.

Restricted Driving Permits

The First Step is Petitioning the Secretary of State for a Restricted Driving Permit. This permit will allow you to take back some control of your life. I know you are tired of taking public transportation to work and begging friends and family to drive you. YOU Need To Drive Again. Getting a restricted driving permit (RDP) is the first step to getting back your license. A restricted driving permit will allow you to travel to and from work as specified in your permit. Stop waiting for someone else to get you where you need to go. Contact The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba for a Free Consultation (815) 740-4025, and get your driving privileges back.

Full Reinstatement Of Your License

After receiving your restricted driving permit (RDP), you must wait nine (9) months before you petition the State to reinstate your full driving privileges. This is a separate hearing, independent of the previous hearing you attended for your restricted driving permit. Although it is a great accomplishment to be given your RDP, it's only half the battle. Our firm can help you with your hearing for the full reinstatement of your driving privileges. Contact us at (815) 740-4025 or via Email to get the process started.

Don't Delay. You Can't Afford Not To Drive

Free Consultation

If you have questions about whether you need an attorney, or you need to get an honest assessment of your case, give us a call at (815) 740-4025 for a free consultation. Calls are answered 24 hours a day. If you prefer, send us an Email. We offer affordable rates and flat fees for most cases.

Anthony Andreano is a divorce lawyer in Will County, Joliet, Illinois. Attorneys at the law firm handle uncontested and contested divorces, agreed divorces, family law, child support, separation, custody, and other divorce and family law cases. We also handle criminal felony, drunk driving, DUI, expungement, sealing, real estate, and professional malpractice including legal malpractice matters.

For more information visit us at www.andreanoandlyons.com

The Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius is a general practice, with a focus in criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Cornelius represents individuals, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and other business organizations.

Prior to establishing the Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius, Mr. Cornelius was an associate with the Law Firm of James D. Montgomery and Associates, the predecessor firm of Cochran and Montgomery in Chicago, Illinois where he practiced in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Cornelius is also a former DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney. He was involved in the prosecution of felony, misdemeanor, DUI, juvenile and domestic violence cases. He was evaluated a distinguished prosecutor.

Mr. Cornelius has extensive bench trial, jury trial, and administrative hearing experience. He has defended homicide, white collar, and other serious felony cases. He has also been involved in the settlement of multi-million dollar personal injury cases. He practices in DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane, Kendall and other counties.

Vincent received his Juris doctorate Degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1989. He received his BBA in Business Administration in 1986 from the University of St. Francis where he was an Academic All American athlete.

He has been honored frequently within and outside of the legal community. Mr. Cornelius' participation in the legal community and the community at large has included the following:

President, Illinois Bar Foundation (2008-2010)
Governor's Commission on Criminal Law Reform
Chancellor, Illinois Academy of Lawyers (2007)
Board of Regents, Illinois Academy of Lawyers
Illinois Bar Foundation Board of Directors
Fellow, Illinois Bar Foundation
Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors, Retired
Chicago Bar Association Committee on Federal Jury Service
Domestic Relations Expedited Matrimonial Fee Arbitrator
DuPage County Bar Association, Asst. Treasurer
Northern Illinois University College of Law, Alumni Council
Life Member, National Registry of Who's Who
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alumni Chapter Board of Directors

Ms. O'Sullivan graduated with highest honors from Lewis University in May, 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double majoring in Criminal / Social Justice and American Studies (History Department). While an undergraduate student, she was a member of the Scholars Academy, Pre-Law Club, and Mock Trial Team. Ms. O'Sullivan was also admitted to the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honors Society and the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Honors Society. She received the Senior Departmental Award for American Studies in 2000.
In 2001, Ms. O'Sullivan worked for Target Corporation as a human resources manager where she recruited new team members, and helped run the Orland Park Target store. Ms. O'Sullivan then attended DePaul University College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in May, 2004. While a law student, she was employed at the National Anti-Vivisection Society as a legal analyst helping maintain http://www.AnimalLaw.com/. Ms. O'Sullivan also clerked with Chuck Bretz & Associates P.C. and helped maintain family, felony, and personal injury files.
Ms. O'Sullivan was licensed as an attorney with the Supreme Court of Illinois in November, 2004 and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in January, 2005. Since her admittance in 2004, Ms. O'Sullivan was employed as an associate attorney at Chuck Bretz & Associates, P.C. where she concentrated in family law, but also had litigation experience in criminal defense, personal injury, and administrative hearings. She opened her own law practice in November, 2008 and concentrates in family law.
Ms. O'Sullivan is active in the following organizations: Will County Bar Association; Will County Women’s Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; American Association for Justice; American Bar Association; Rotary Club of Joliet; Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs; and National Association of Professional Women. She has also served as a coach for the Lewis University Mock Trial Team since August, 2007.
In March, 2008, Ms. O'Sullivan earned a Professional Certification in Divorce Mediation Skills Training from the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern University. Shortly thereafter, she branched out from the typical family law litigation and became a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois (CLII) and of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. More information about collaborative law can be found at http://www.CollabLawIL.org/.