Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

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

Courtney Alexander Raville joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2010 and is a courtroom attorney in the Atlanta office. Mr. Raville currently manages all cases assigned to the Honorable Judge C. Ray Mullins' courtroom. He obtained his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2009, and his B.A. in English Literature from UCLA in 2005.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Christian D. Elenbaas joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates, L.L.C. in February, 2010 and is an associate in the litigation department at the Chicago Loop office. Mr. Elenbaas has been practicing law since 2007 and focuses on representing the Firm;s clients in going after harassing debt collectors and repossession agents under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Elenbaas represented plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice litigation. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Mr. Elenbaas is a member of the Illinois Bar and the Illinois State Bar Association.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practice Areas

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

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

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

Felonies and Misdemeanors

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

DRUGS / NARCOTICS

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

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

DUI / TRAFFIC OFFENSES

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

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

JOLIET, ILLINOIS - WILL COUNTY ASSAULT AND BATTERY LAWYER

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

Your Side of the Story

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

Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses

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

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

Experience Matters

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

JUVENILE CRIMES

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

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

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

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

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

JOLIET ILLINOIS - WILL COUNTY GUN & WEAPONS LAWYER

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOLIET DRIVER LICENSE REINSTATEMENT LAWYER - WILL COUNTY ILLINOIS

You Need To Drive - Secretary of State Hearings

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

Restricted Driving Permits

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

Full Reinstatement Of Your License

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

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

Free Consultation

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

Focus on Federal and State Criminal Law. I am available to practice in Illinois(state and Federal)and Indiana Federal courts. Please our website at waaltd.com for more information and for a listing of our current victories.

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.

Sharon R. Knobbe is a partner with Knobbe, Laho, Gradishar & Mack, L, where her practice is concentrated in family law and collections. Sharon is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association, where she currently serves as the 3rd Vice President and has also served, by appointment, as the DCBA Associate Counsel, Chairman of the Family Law Committee Chairman for the Membership Committee, Judiciary Committee, Planning Committee, CLE Committee and has volunteered her time to act as a Judicial Intervention Leader. Sharon is also the 1st Vice President of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers and Past President of the DuPage Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers. In her free time, Sharon serves as an Adjunct Professor at the College of DuPage.

Maria is a graduate of the University Of Illinois College Of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a degree in Speech Communication. She received her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law. She is an experienced litigator who tried over 80 cases in DuPage, Kane, Cook and Will counties. Maria has also advocated for her clients in at least an equal number of arbitration hearings. In recent years her practice has concentrated primarily in family law matters, including divorce proceedings, post decree petitions, child custody and paternity matters. Maria also handled administrative hearings on behalf of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and now accepts cases on behalf of those wishing to appeal an indicated finding made against them by DCFS. She also handles residential real estate closings and estate planning matters.

Maria is currently a member of the adjunct faculty staff at College of DuPage, where she teaches students in the Paralegal Studies program. She has taught seminars for both the DuPage County Bar Association and The DuPage Association of Women Lawyers. She is a past president of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers and is currently an officer of the DuPage Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers.

Since meeting her husband, Maria has become an avid open wheel racing fan. You can find her every Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis cheering on the winning driver at the Indy 500 with at least 300,000 other fans! In her spare time she enjoys photography and cooking; especially creating new recipes. She hopes to complete a cookbook of recipes collected from generations of her family and friends.