Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

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.

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.

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.

Mr. Black is a Managing Partner and currently overseeing the Georgia locations . He joined the firm in 2002 and has represented thousands of clients in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cases. Mr. Black obtained his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University and his Bachelor of Science from Columbia College.

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.

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.

Robert Schwaba is an associate attorney for the Firm's Illinois Chicago Loop office. Mr. Schwaba is a member of both the Firm's bankruptcy and litigation departments.

While at the Firm, Mr. Schwaba has participated in a variety of bankruptcy litigation matters.
Mr. Schwaba has been employed as an associate attorney at the Firm since graduating from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. In the course of his employment at the Firm he has drafted appellate briefs for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, as well as a brief for an appeal to the Northern District of Illinois and numerous briefs in other bankruptcy matters.

Mr. Schwaba first worked as a law clerk in the Firm's Chicago Loop office while attending Loyola University Chicago School of Law. During this time he played a major role in drafting an appellate brief for the United States Court Of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, as well as a variety of briefs to the bankruptcy courts. One Seventh Circuit 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 attending Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Mr. Schwaba worked for a nationwide captive automobile finance corporation. Mr. Schwaba attained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 2003 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mr. Schwaba was born in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

Israel J. Moskovits joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2011 and is an associate in the firm's Chicago Loop office. He is a member of the firm's bankruptcy department. Mr. Moskovits focuses primarily on representing debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. He also handles adversary hearings before the Honorable Jack B. Schmetterer.

Prior to joining Robert J. Semrad & Associates, Mr. Moskovits practiced foreclosure defense at a Chicago-area law firm. He received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2010. While in law school, Mr. Moskovits was co-chair of the local chapter of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and a member of the Dean's List. He served internships with the City of Chicago Law Department and the Illinois Department of Human Services and volunteered at the Cook County Detention Center, teaching courses in legal rights to at-risk youth. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Northeastern Illinois University in 2007.
Mr. Moskovits was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and is member of the Illinois Bar and the General Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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. 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.

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

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.

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

Keith Cornwell joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2009 and he is an associate in the Atlanta office. He currently handles all Chapter 13 matters in the courtroom of the Honorable James R. Sacca. Mr. Cornwell received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his Juris Doctor from Georgia State University. While in law school, Mr. Cornwell interned at the United States Trustee's office. Mr. Cornwell enjoys spending his time with his son, playing golf and is an avid sports fan.

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.

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.

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.

Services provided:

Federal, state and local taxation, including
* International taxation
* IRS audit defense
* IRS collection and settlements
* Sales tax planning and compliance
* Sales tax audit defense
* Employment tax audit defense
* Property tax appeals
* Obtaining and keeping tax-exempt status

Income Tax Preparation

Contract drafting and review, including
* Trademark licenses
* Copyright licenses
* Software licenses
* Technology licenses
* Publishing contracts

Intellectual Property. including
* Domestic and international trademark searches and registrations
* Trademark infringement controversies
* Copyright infringement controversies
* Trade dress
* Trade secret
* Unfair competition

Non-profit and Church law, including
* Ministers' housing
* Ministers' taxation
* Missionary taxation
* International taxation
* Workers compensation
* Charitable giving
* Property tax exemption
* Child protection
* Formation
* Charitable solicitation registration in all 50 states

General counsel services for small businesses and non-profits
Acquisitions and mergers
Incorporation
Business formation agreements

I am an attorney licensed in Illinois and take cases in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall and other Chicago metropolitan area counties. I focus my practice on criminal records law (i.e., expungement, sealing and clemency) and would be happy to talk to you about your legal needs in this area!

Ms. Magana has been associated with the firm since 1995. From 1995-1996, Ms. Magana completed an internship with the Whiteside County State's Attorney's Office where she gained experience in the prosecution of criminal cases. She is bilingual and has extensive experience in appellate practice. Ms. Magana specializes in criminal defense, including traffic, misdemeanor, and felony offenses. Additionally, she represents individuals in formal and informal hearings before the Secretary of State's Office.

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.

Attorney with over 19 years of experience counseling business owners, executives, and high net worth individuals and familes in the areas of tax, corporate, estate planning, asset protection and business succession planning. In conjunction with other attorneys of our Firm, we also handle commercial litigation, bankruptcy, real estate acquisition, leasing and divestiture, trademarks, employment law, mergers & acquisitions, and other related matters.