Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

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.

Brian Zeft is the supervising attorney for the Firm's Illinois offices. Mr. Zeft is a member of both the Firm’s bankruptcy and litigation departments. While at the Firm, Mr. Zeft has twice argued in front of the United States Court Of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. One decision successfully overturned long standing Seventh Circuit precedent, resulting in new law requiring secured creditors to immediately return property of the bankruptcy estate to the debtor without the need to file an adversary proceeding. See Thompson v. General Motor Acceptance Corp., 566 F.3d 699 (7th Cir. 2009). ??Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Zeft graduated cum laude from The John Marshall Law School, where he was a member of The John Marshall Law Review. While attending John Marshall Law School, Mr. Zeft was an extern for the Honorable Alexander B. White for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Prior to attending John Marshall Law School, Mr. Zeft worked for a Wall St. investment bank. Mr. Zeft attained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2001 from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. Mr. Zeft was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Chicago to attend law school.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nathaniel O’Rourke joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates LLC in 2010 and is an associate in the Conyers Office. Mr. O’Rourke has been practicing law since 2009. He currently primarily supports Robert J. Semrad & Associates LLC's Bankruptcy division. Mr. O’Rourke graduated from Georgia State School of Law Magna Cum Laude in May 2009. He received his undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in International Affairs. Mr. O’Rourke currently works in the Conyers office as an associate attorney.

Patrick Semrad is the Managing Partner of the Firm’s Illinois offices. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Semrad graduated Magna Cum Laude from DePaul College of Law, where he was a member of the DePaul Law Review. Mr. Semrad received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from DePaul University in 2001. Mr. Semrad is a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Mr. Semrad is member of the General Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Mr. Semrad is a member of the Illinois Bar.

Professional Activities:
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Union League Club of Chicago

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.

Danielle Tubay joined Robert J Semrad & Assoc in 2009 and is an associate in the firm’s Beverly office. Ms. Tubay’s primary focus is counseling and representing Debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Tubay received a J.D. from The John Marshall Law School. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where she earned a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in English. Ms. Tubay is a member of the Illinois Bar and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Ms. Tubay was born and raise in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago. Ms. Tubay enjoys traveling and is an avid Chicago Bears fan.

Robert Mick is an associate attorney at the Firm’s Joliet office. Mr. Mick is a member of the Firm’s bankruptcy department where he handles all bankruptcy matters for clients in the collar counties of Will, Kendall, Grundy, and LaSalle. While at the Firm, Mr. Mick has advised and consulted hundreds of clients at both the Joliet and South Side Chicago offices in addition to preparing and filing their bankruptcy petitions.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Mick graduated from The John Marshall Law School. While attending The John Marshall Law School, Mr. Mick was a law clerk for the Illinois Office of the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, in their special litigation and civil rights divisions, as well as a law clerk for the firm of Pissetzky & Berliner where he practiced in both criminal defense and real estate. After graduating from The John Marshall Law School, Mr. Mick continued to work for Pissetzky & Berliner as a short sale negotiator, as well as a volunteer legal advisor for the Chicago Legal Clinic where he advised homeowners facing foreclosure at the Daley Center’s Chancery Help Desk.

Prior to attending The John Marshall Law School, Mr. Mick attained a Bachelor of Science in Communications in 2005 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mr. Mick was born and raised in the Chicago-land area.

Mike Miller is an attorney for the firm’s office in Aurora. Mr. Miller joined Robert J. Semrad and Associates in 2004 as a law clerk, and then became an Associate Attorney in 2006.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Miller graduated with Honors from Roosevelt University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management, in 2001.

Mr. Miller then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School in 2005. While in law school, Mr. Miller was an extern with the United States Department of Justice’s Office. In addition, Mr. Miller also was an extern at the Greater Southwest Development Predatory Lending Clinic, helping consumers against predatory lending practices.

Mr. Miller is currently a member and volunteer in the Chicago CARE program which provides educational seminars to students for the responsible use of credit. Mr. Miller was born and raised in Illinois.

Jonathan Proctor joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in December 2010 as an Associate in the Atlanta office. Mr. Proctor received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law in May 2010. While in law school, Mr. Proctor was a member of the Moot Court Board and the Order of Barristers. He received his undergraduate degree from the Virginia Military Institute where he earned a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science

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.

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.

Steve Miljus is an associate in the Firm’s Chicago office. He handles all Chapter 13 matters assigned to Honorable A. Benjamin Goldgar’s Courtroom.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Miljus graduated from The John Marshall Law School. Mr. Miljus received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Saint Xavier University.

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.

My offices are fluent in Russian and Ukrainian

Former Will County prosecutor with over 25 years experience within the Will County court system. Past chairman of the criminal law committee of the Will County Bar Association. Capital litigation lead counsel certified by the Illinois Supreme Court.

I am Thomas Eric Ost. As a former Assistant Public Defender in DuPage County, I handled hundreds of criminal, mental health, and juvenile cases. Those cases ranged from DUIs, Domestic Batteries, and Retail Thefts to Aggravated Batteries and Murder. The police and the prosecutors seem to do their best to dehumanize defendants to everyone including to the defendants themselves. Yet in 23 years of practice, I’ve learned that most people with legal problems are not bad people. They are people who are caught up in a problem a lot bigger than they are and they need help. I want to provide help to give those good people a fighting chance. I don’t do just criminal law. In private practice, I expanded my reach to other areas of law to provide a full range of legal services over a wider geographic area. I now practice in DuPage, Will, and Cook Counties. So if you or a loved one needs legal help, call me. 708-359-1751.

My name is James A. Payonk, Jr. I am a personal injury and criminal defense attorney with more than 25 years of legal experience. I am the founder of my law offices in Orland Park and Chicago, Illinois.

I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. I did my college undergraduate studies at DePaul University and obtained my law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. My family and I have lived in the southwest suburbs of Chicago for thirty years.

I am a member of the Federal trial bar of the United States District Court. I am also admitted to practice in the United States District Court of Appeals and have argued cases in the Court of Appeals in both the United States District Court and the State of Illinois. I have been an ongoing member of the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) and also the Illinois State Bar Association.

I have tried cases in Federal Court and in State Courts in the counties of Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane and Lake. In my career as a personal injury attorney, I have obtained million-dollar settlements on behalf of my clients as well as six-figure verdicts.

As a criminal defense attorney, I have successfully defended clients in both Federal Court and State Court. I have had my successful defense of a client published in the Chicago Tribune, and have had other successful defenses published in other sources.

I have personally tried more than 200 cases to verdict. I work hard for all of my clients and consider myself thorough, professional, caring, dedicated, and I aggressively represent all of my clients.

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/.