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.

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.

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.

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.

Lynn Chen joined Robert J. Semrad & Associates in 2011, and is an associate in the Duluth, Georgia office. Ms. Chen received her J.D. degree from Emory University School of Law in May 2010, and also holds a B.A. degree in Anthropology from National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Ms. Chen is a native speaker of Mandarin.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have been a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois since 2003. I began my legal career as a an Assistant State's Attorney in the County of Kendall, State of Illinois. In 2007 I opened my private practice and have successfully represented hundreds of clients in matters ranging from criminal defense to various family law issues, including divorce.

I have a unique perspective in criminal defense from my experience in criminal prosecution. I believe that in order to successfully represent client's in criminal and family law matters one must know what the available options are, have a very thorough knowledge of the applicable law and be thoroughly prepared.

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.

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.

Bill Price is an attorney in private practice in Warrenville, Illinois. He served as the Vice-Chairman for the Corporation, Securities, and Business Law Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association, and is a member of the Administrative Law Section Council, for which he has edited the Handbook of Illinois Administrative Law. His private practice includes business and administrative litigation. He was appointed by Governor Edgar and confirmed by the Illinois Senate as the state Small Business Utility Advocate. Additional books by Mr. Price include Limited Liability Organizations (Specialty Technical Publications, Vancouver, BC), which covers all forms of business entity in the 50 states, and Illinois Law Office Practice Forms (Michie Co., 1995), which provides a forms set for use in business, real estate, and family estate matters for Illinois law offices. Bill chaired the subcommittees of the Secretary of State's Corporation Laws Advisory Committee which drafted the Illinois Limited Liability Companies Act, and served on that Committee as an observer or member from 1982 until its dissolution in 2005.

Foreign Language Skills:
Mr. Price is fluent in German and has a good reading and speaking knowledge of French. He works closely with a Spanish translator as needed.

Community and Professional Service:

Organizer, CEO Series seminars for DuPage and surrounding area CEOs
Member, Advisory Board, College of DuPage Small Business Development Center

The law office of Jay L. Dahl concentrate in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer and small business bankruptcy matters. We also concentrate in representation of clients with IRS and state tax problems such as tax levies, liens and seizures. We provide full service for real estate matters including advice to buyers and sellers and issuance of title insurance.

I have been in private practice for 32 years in the Fox Valley area of Illinois. I am a current member of the Kane County Bar Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute.

Office hours are by appointment only. Call for directions.

Ms. O'Sullivan graduated with highest honors from Lewis University in May, 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double majoring in Criminal / Social Justice and American Studies (History Department). While an undergraduate student, she was a member of the Scholars Academy, Pre-Law Club, and Mock Trial Team. Ms. O'Sullivan was also admitted to the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honors Society and the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Honors Society. She received the Senior Departmental Award for American Studies in 2000.
In 2001, Ms. O'Sullivan worked for Target Corporation as a human resources manager where she recruited new team members, and helped run the Orland Park Target store. Ms. O'Sullivan then attended DePaul University College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in May, 2004. While a law student, she was employed at the National Anti-Vivisection Society as a legal analyst helping maintain http://www.AnimalLaw.com/. Ms. O'Sullivan also clerked with Chuck Bretz & Associates P.C. and helped maintain family, felony, and personal injury files.
Ms. O'Sullivan was licensed as an attorney with the Supreme Court of Illinois in November, 2004 and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in January, 2005. Since her admittance in 2004, Ms. O'Sullivan was employed as an associate attorney at Chuck Bretz & Associates, P.C. where she concentrated in family law, but also had litigation experience in criminal defense, personal injury, and administrative hearings. She opened her own law practice in November, 2008 and concentrates in family law.
Ms. O'Sullivan is active in the following organizations: Will County Bar Association; Will County Women’s Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; American Association for Justice; American Bar Association; Rotary Club of Joliet; Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs; and National Association of Professional Women. She has also served as a coach for the Lewis University Mock Trial Team since August, 2007.
In March, 2008, Ms. O'Sullivan earned a Professional Certification in Divorce Mediation Skills Training from the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern University. Shortly thereafter, she branched out from the typical family law litigation and became a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois (CLII) and of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. More information about collaborative law can be found at http://www.CollabLawIL.org/.

Denice A. Gierach is a business lawyer with almost 30 years of experience representing business owners in the formation, franchising, and dissolution of businesses; representing employers in matters of employment and age discrimination in the workplace; and aiding individuals in matters of advanced estate planning, charitable giving, Medicare and Medicaid, and Social Security.

As a Certified Public Accountant with a Master's degree in Management, Ms. Gierach also practices in the areas of Income Taxation, Federal Estate Taxation, and varied Real Estate Law, including commercial real estate.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Ms. Gierach began her career in accounting working for several CPA firms, including Haskins & Sells and Friedman Eisenstein Fraemer & Schwartz in Chicago.

Ms. Gierach worked for the firm of Barnard & Barnard in Chicago for almost 10 years at the start of her legal career. For almost twenty years, she practiced as Gierach & Associates and recently founded The Gierach Law Firm to provide better service to her clients.

From the beginning of her legal career, Ms. Gierach provided legal services to individuals and small and mid-sized companies in the areas of business, estate planning, taxation, employment law, commercial real estate, succession planning. She continues to focus on these areas in her current practice.

Ms. Gierach is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and Arizona State Bar Association. She is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Arizona and practices before the Illinois circuit courts, Illinois Appellate Court, Federal Tax Court, Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Business Ledger, a newspaper dedicated solely to the greater Chicago area, named Denice Gierach as one of twenty "Influential Women in Business" for 2008.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Ms. Gierach is a monthly contributor to the Dollars and Sense column of the Naperville Sun.

COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES
As an active member of her community, Ms. Gierach is a past member of the Exchange Club and is a present member of both the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Naperville. Ms. Gierach also acts as the Director for both the Heritage YMCA and Naperville Area Humane Society.