Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

At Donahue, Sowa & Magana, we are one of the oldest law firms in Illinois dedicated to criminal defense. Our criminal defense attorneys provide representation in all Illinois felonies and misdemeanors, including homicide, white-collar crime, and criminal appeals. Our lawyers have tried cases before every level of Illinois trial court, and have a track record of success.

We hold ourselves to the highest professional and ethical standards, and treat all of our clients with respect. The attorneys at Donahue, Sowa & Magana have the capacity, experience, and resources to handle even the most complex cases.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer in northern Illinois, contact Donahue, Sowa & Magana at either our Lisle or Geneva office.

Creditor-Debtor Rights Attorney Network

Subrogation and Collection- We collect claims and debts for Fortune 500 firms, insurance companies, self-insureds and third party administrators on a contingency basis. Free Asset Check and Free Skip Trace provided through our Attorney Network.

Debt Settlement- We help insolvent clients settle debts for lump sum amounts paid by the client directly to the creditor. We help defend clients against creditors without sufficient proof of claim.

Tax Defense- We help insolvent clients negotiate payment of their taxes.

We are a federal debt relief agency and help insolvent clients file for bankruptcy protection.

Please contact me for a Free Consult.

Thank you for this opportunity to be of service.

Best Regards,

Peter S Grain Esq
PO Box 3517
Barrington IL 60011-3517
Tel 224-622-9005
E-mail psgrain007@aol.com

Brad Cahow has been practicing law in Kane, Dekalb, McHenry, DuPage, Cook, Will and nearby counties since 1981. Brad provides legal services in the following areas:

REAL ESTATE LAW

Brad has represented several thousand real estate clients in residential sales and purchases. He prepares contracts and provides title insurance services. His experience also includes loan modifications, short sales, and landlord tenant disputes

FAMILY LAW

Brad had years of experience in both uncontested and contested divorces, custody disputes, visitation rights, child support issues and adoptions.

ESTATE LAW

Brad prepares Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Powers of Attorney for Heatlh Care and Property, Living Wills. His practice also includes Probate.

PERSONAL INJURY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION

If you suffer a personal injury or are hurt at work, Brad will assist you in recovering damages from the party responsible for your injury.

TRAFFIC AND CRIMINAL LAW

Brad provides representation in traffic, misdemeanor, driving under the influence, and non-violent felony cases.

CIVIL LITIGATION

Brad repsesents small claims litigants, debt collection defendants, landlords, tenants, and contract litigants.

INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE

Mr. Shaw attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and graduated from Illinois College, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1983. He continued his education at the Northern Illinois University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1986, and became a Licensed Attorney in Illinois on November 6, 1986.

Having previously practiced in general and family law practices, and having served as the Child Support Attorney for Kane County Circuit Court Clerk from 1987-1995,
Mr. Shaw opened his own law practice concentrating in family law in 1991. In 2000 he co-founded the law firm of Shaw, Jacobs & Associates, P.C., St. Charles, Illinois, which concentrates its practice in family law, including dissolution of marriage, financial issues and custody litigation.

Mr. Shaw has been a legal Author and Lecturer for many years, and has served on family law committees including, the ISBA Family Law Section Council (having first served in 1991). He has authored and published articles in the ISBA Family Law newsletter and authored the first chapter of the Illinois Family Law Handbook. He has presented at family law seminars throughout the country.

On behalf of the ISBA Family Law Section Council Custody subcommittee, he
testified in Springfield before Illinois Supreme Court Custody Committee regarding proposed custody legislation on March 28, 2003.

Having a proven track record of success representing men, women and children in Illinois courts, Mr. Shaw has extensive court and trial experience. He has also served as a Mediator and Guardian ad Litem in Family Law cases, and has resolved numerous cases outside of court.

He has been interviewed on family law topics on both television and radio, and has volunteered his time at divorce support groups. Mr. Shaw is continues to serve as an attorney presenter at KIDS (Kids in a Divorcing Society) family court program for parents (1993- present), and is currently the Chair of the Kane County Family Law Committee. He and his firm also support various legal service groups that serve those in need.

Born: Chicago, IL, May 8, 1978

Education: Western Illinois University, B.A., 1999, Baylor University Law School, J.D., 2002

Practice Areas: Family Law; Divorce; Paternity; Child Custody; Child Support; Visitation Rights; Marital Property Distribution

Membership: Illinois State Bar Association; Kane County Bar Association.

Admissions: 2003, Texas; 2006, Illinois

Biography:

Associate with Shaw, Jacobs & Associates, P.C.; Licensed attorney in Illinois, Texas; Western Illinois University, B.A. (summa cum laude); Baylor (University) Law School, J.D. (concentration in criminal practice). Ms. Duvall currently practices in the areas of divorce, paternity, custody, child support, visitation.

Attorney Duvall has trial experience and has successfully handled many cases involving divorce and other family law issues, including financial, property and child-related issues

Born: Chicago, Illinois, April 15, 1964

Education: Northern Illinois University, B.S., 1986, Northern Illinois University, J.D., cum laude, 1989

Practice Areas: Family Law; Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents and Injuries; Dog Bites; Motorcycle Accidents; Workers Compensation; Slip and Fall; Products Liability; Truck Accidents; Aviation Accidents; Pharmacy Law

Membership: Illinois State Bar Association; Kane County Bar Association.

Admissions: 1989, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Miscellaneous Information: Delta Theta Phi. Member, Moot Court Society. Member, Northern Illinois University Law Review, 1988-1989.

Biography:

Mr. Jacobs graduated from Northern Illinois University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1986. Mr. Jacobs continued his education at Northern Illinois University where he graduated cum laude in 1989 and received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree. Mr. Jacobs became licensed to practice law on November 9, 1989. While in law school, Mr. Jacobs was honored by being appointed to the Law Review and was involved in moot court where he successfully won competitions.

Upon graduation from Law School, Mr. Jacobs began his career as an insurance defense litigation attorney where he represented companies including State Farm, Kemper, Hanover, Andover, McDonalds, Seven-Eleven and Southland Corporation.

In 1991, Mr. Jacobs opened his own law firm in St. Charles, Illinois where he concentrated in general litigation until 2000 when he co-founded the Law Firm of Shaw Jacobs and Associates, P.C. which concentrates in domestic relations law.

In addition, Mr. Jacobs maintains an active practice representing plaintiffs who have been seriously injured as the result of the negligence of another. Mr. Jacobs personal injury practice includes automobile accidents, dog bites, wrongful death and work related injuries.

Mr. Jacobs is a skilled litigator with a proven track record of success and over 18 years of trial experience in both bench and jury trials.

Mr. Jacobs has been a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association and is currently a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Kane County Bar Association.

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Zuelke & Byrd, L.L.C., have significant experience defending people charged with crimes.

Sandi Byrd entered private practice in October 2002 following nearly six years working as an attorney in the Kane County Public Defender's Office. Since entering private practice Sandi has represented clients in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook Counties. Sandi graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in 1996 and was admitted to practice law in Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois the same year. Since the beginning of her career Sandi has focused her practice almost exclusively in criminal defense. She has successfully tried many jury and bench trials including everything from minor traffic offenses to murder cases. Sandi is an active member of the Kane County Bar Association, currently serving as it General Counsel and as a member of the Criminal Law Committee, and is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Don Zuelke spent over sixteen years as an assistant public defender before entering the private practice in August of 2002. He has practice law for over 20 years, representing clients almost exclusively in criminal cases, and has successfully tried many jury and bench trials. Don graduated from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1984, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar that same year. He then worked as an assistant public defender in the Cook County Public Defender's Office for almost 6 years, followed by almost 11 years in the Kane County Public Defender's Office. He has represented thousands of individuals in criminal defense matters, in everything from DUI and other traffic offenses to murder and other felonies. He is a member of the Capital Litigation Trial Bar, qualified and authorized to represent clients in death penalty cases.

The attorneys at Zuelke & Byrd are committed to representing their clients zealously. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent under the law and deserves to have his or her rights protected. Everyone is entitled to a strong defense no matter what the charges are or what the evidence against them is. The law firm of Zuelke & Byrd, L.L.C. is dedicated to doing the best possible job for each client, providing each client with the individual attention necessary to successfully defend them. We work hard to get the best possible outcome in each case. Our attorneys are experienced trial attorneys, having successfully tried many jury and bench trials over many years, and will vigorously defend your case at trial.

For more information about our criminal defense lawyers, follow the links below or contact us at Zuelke & Byrd, L.L.C.

Gary Newland is an experienced trial attorney evidenced by the hundreds of cases he has successfully won at trial. Many of Gary’s cases have been covered by USA Today, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, NBC, The Daily Herald, Oprah Winfrey and the list goes on. Many of the clients Gary represents are referrals from other attorneys who are aware of his skills and reputation in the community. He has been an invited guest lecturer to the Bar Association and other legal organizations as well as an author of published articles on legal issues. He has been a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, Illinois Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and was the youngest person ever elected to the High School Dist 214 School Board.


"A truly gifted and caring professional that will always go the extra mile!"

Gary has successfully tried and settled cases against some of the world’s largest corporations and insurance companies.

Recently Gary won a decision at trial which was appealed by United Airlines for two reasons. The first reason being the verdict was believed by United Airlines to be excessive for a herniated disk. The second reason was payment for holistic treatment (acupuncture) was awarded. Gary prevailed on appeal on all issues.

Recently Gary won a decision that the client of CNA Insurance was not only fully liable for the torn rotator cuff of one of Gary’s clients, but CNA Insurance was guilty of “deceptive claims practices”. The decision was so important because it held CNA accountable based on the claim adjuster’s despicable conduct. The decision sent CNA Insurance and claims adjusters throughout Illinois a strong message that Newland & Newland, LLP is going to take the battle directly to the claim adjusters that use deceptive and improper claim practices.

Gary has obtained millions of dollars for his clients and he has represented people for auto accidents, plane accidents, work related accidents, food poisoning, slip and fall, molestation, dog bites, construction accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, class actions, mass torts and the list goes on.


"In a time when people are so cynical about lawyers and the legal system, it’s understandable - they haven't met Gary Newland."

Gary began his career working for one of the top 5 largest law firms in the country where he assisted in the defense of Fortune 500 companies in mass tort litigation. Thereafter he used his skills to help individuals to protect their rights, stop abuses of large corporations and insurance companies. During his career he also made time to work at Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic helping those who could not afford attorneys. He also was a prosecutor in Chicago. Gary has been brought into cases by other law firms on many occasions for his trial experience for the sole purpose of being the trial lawyer.

As an undergraduate from Loyola University in Chicago, Gary was admitted to the Blue Key National Honors Society, the Jesuit Honor Society, the Political Science and History Honor Society and was also present in the Pre-Law Society. After graduating with honors from Loyola University he was admitted into Loyola Law School and Graduate School to study both political science and law. He was presented with his Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola in 1993.

Gary is a personal injury lawyer or some people like to say PI attorney or personal injury attorney. He also represents clients that have had a work injury otherwise commonly known as a work comp claim. In fact he has experience representing those with personal injury, federal tort claims, medical malpractice and work comp. As a lawyer he has represented people suffering from mild brain injury, traumatic brain injury(TBI), spinal cord injury, herniated disc, occipital nerve injury, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), reflex sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), torn meniscus, torn bicep, eye injuries, hearing loss injury, tinnitus injury, traumatic amputation, 2nd degree burns, 3rd degree burns, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neuropathy, lead poisoning, back injuries, frozen shoulder, scars, broken bones and other types of injuries.

* For references click on the link below to AVVO and for case results click on case results below.


"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. Gary is an exceptional lawyer who has outstanding strategy and trial skills. Gary is organized, creative, and works very hard to attain his client's goals. I have had the chance to work on a case with Gary as the opposing counsel, and he was brillaint is his argument and presentation at trial. I would recommend Gary as an attorney becasue of his tenacity for hard work. "

Richard Schmack was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Berwyn, Illinois. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois in 1977 with double majors in Political Science and History. In 1980 he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Upon graduation from law school in 1980, Richard was admitted to the Illinois Bar and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. He is a member of the Federal Trial Bar. Richard has made DeKalb County his home since1985. He, his wife, Jackie, who is his office manager, and their sons reside in Sycamore.

Prior to opening his private practice in 1989, Richard served as an Assistant DeKalb County State's Attorney, handling misdemeanor and traffic prosecution, as well as child support enforcement. In his capacity as the civil assistant, Richard represented DeKalb County in lawsuits in Federal and State courts, served as legal advisor to all departments of County government, and represented the County's Zoning Board of Appeals, gaining valuable knowledge of the County's zoning ordinances and regulations.

In private practice Richard is a general practitioner well versed in the areas of Adoptions, Bankruptcy, Criminal Misdemeanors and Felonies, Traffic, DUI, Guardianships, Juvenile Law, Real Estate, Wills & Estates, and Zoning.

We Are A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File Bankruptcy Under The United States Bankruptcy Code.