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.

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.

Aaron Weinberg is an associate attorney for the Firm's Chicago office. Mr. Weinberg is a member of the both the Firm's bankruptcy and litigation departments. Mr. Weinberg currently handles all of the Firm's Chapter 13 matters assigned before the Honorable Judge Wedoff.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Weinberg graduated from the John Marshall Law School. Prior to and while in Law School Mr. Weinberg worked as a project assistant for Kirkland and Ellis, LLP.

Prior to attending John Marshall Law School. Mr. Weinberg attained a bachelor's degree with a focus in History and a minor in biology from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Mr. Weinberg was born in Chicago and raised in Northwest Indiana.

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.

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.

Donald J. Ramsell was born on November 28, 1958. He is married to his wife Veronica, and has two daughters, Jennifer and Anne. He is a resident of St. Charles, Illinois. His interests include golf, Corvettes, the Cubs, travel, and winning cases.

Donald J. Ramsell is the only Illinois DUI defense attorney to appear and argue on an Illinois DUI case before the United States Supreme Court in its entire 213 years of existence.


In 2008, Donald Ramsell began hearings ordered by the Illinois Supreme Court regarding the validity and reliability of the police field sobriety test known as 'horizontal gaze nystagmus'. This issue is being carefully followed by prosecutors, judges, and DUI Defense Attorneys across the country.


In 2007, Ramsell was nominated and recognized as a Sustaining Member of the National College for DUI Defense.


In 2006, Ramsell successfully fought and obtained orders compelling the ISP Breath Testing Section to begin downloading and turning over the internal memory of the breath testing machines, which has revealed numerous errors in breath testing equipment being used across Illinois.


In 2005, Chicago Magazine named Donald Ramsell an "Illinois Super Lawyer". He has been so identified again in 2006 2007 and 2009.


Also in 2005, Donald Ramsell became the first Illinois attorney ever to become Board Certified in the area of DUI Defense under the American Bar Association's standards, through the National College for DUI Defense.


In 2004, the Chicago Sun Times identified Mr. Ramsell as one of the top 5 DUI Defense Attorneys in the State of Illinois.


In 1999, after a two year investigation, Ramsell discovered that the Department of Public Health had failed to perform critical testing on breath testing equipment, causing test results to be suppressed across the state. Later that same year, the IDPH was forced to turn over control of the entire program to the State Police.


In 1998, Ramsell successfully proved that the Intoxilyzer 5000 (Series 6400 and 6600) breath testing instrument software had been rigged to produce false negative air blank results, causing all breath tests using that model to become inadmissible in the State of Illinois.


In 1988, Ramsell discovered that the statewide breath testing program was falsifying testing documents, again causing thousands of tests to become suspect.

In 1986, Donald J. Ramsell discovered that the statewide breath testing program was using questionable procedures in certifying breathalyzers, causing thousands of tests to become disputed, and forcing immediate changes in the program.

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.

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!

Mr. Covey concentrates his practice in all chapters of bankruptcy and bankruptcy-related law with special emphasis in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Mr. Covey has concentrated his practice in consumer and business bankruptcy matters for the past fourteen years.

Mr. Covey graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1984 with a B.S in Journalism. He then earned his J.D. at Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1992.

At the Wheaton, Illinois Law Firm of Cynthia Hayes Hutchins, we have spent the last 10 years helping people throughout DuPage County and beyond plan not just for their own future, but for what happens afterward. Contact us today, we can help if you or a loved one has any estate planning or elder law needs.

You can feel welcome with our firm. We will listen to your needs and will carefully study the options to meet those needs. We will also treat you the way we would expect to be treated: with the respect you deserve.

At the Law Office of Cynthia Hayes Hutchins, you are getting quality advice from a very well-regarded estate planning and elder law attorney. Cynthia Hayes Hutchins has helped thousands of people just like you. Most of her clients are referrals from existing clients or other lawyers. She has given numerous seminars and has written several articles on estate planning, probate, guardianship and elder law.

Our practice is limited to the following areas:

Medicaid, elder law and disability planning: We can help plan for long-term care and Medicaid needs for you or a loved one. We assist with special needs trusts.
Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts: We can help prepare documents which accurately reflect your intentions.
Probate and Guardianship: We can assist with probate estate disputes and can help if you or a disabled loved one needs a guardian.

Dale Bruckner has been a partner in the firm for more than 25 years. He is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois and is also admitted to the Bar for the State of Wisconsin on May 7, 2002.

Background and Education:

Mr. Bruckner earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1974.

He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky – College of Law in 1977.

He was licensed to practice law in Illinois in 1977 and has been licensed to practice law continuously since that time.

Mr. Bruckner has been a member or the DuPage and Kane County Bar Associations as well as the Worker’s Compensation Lawyers Association. He was among the first attorneys in DuPage County to be certified as an Arbitrator and as a Mediator for the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, DuPage County.

Mr. Bruckner’s practice concentrates in the areas of Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Real Estate transactions, Banking Law and Contract Law.

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.

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.

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.