Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

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.

Mark Rouleau
5301 East State Street, 215D
Rockford, IL 61108
815/229-7246
Summary of qualifications

Mark Rouleau, attorney at law
Rockford, Illinois
Has been an Illinois attorney for a quarter of a century. For the last fourteen years he has been a sole practitioner after leaving the law firm of Crosby & Lambert. He was admitted to practice before the state of Illinois Supreme Court on November 9, 1983; the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois December 21, 1983 and the Supreme Court of the United States on Aug. 11, 1995.

Education
DePaul University College of Law
Chicago, Illinois
Graduated in the Class of 1983

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois
President's Scholar Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics, 1980
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, 1980

Professional experience
Has been engaged in the general practice of law in the Rockford community for more than 25 years. The principle focus of his practice has been in the area of civil litigation. He has appeared as a speaker on in Sky Radio's America's Premier Lawyers Hosted by Marc Holland; appellate cases include: People v. Joseph Spiezer, (2nd Dist. 2000), 316 Ill.App.3d 75, 735 N.E.2d 1017, 249 Ill.Dec. 192; Hills v. Bridgeview Little League Ass'n, (Ill.App. 1 Dist. 1999) 713 N.E.2d 616, 306 Ill.App.3d 13, (Amicus brief of counsel, for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association); People v. Quigley, (Ill. 1998) 697 N.E.2d 735, 183 Ill.2d 1, (trial and appellate counsel); People v. Lavariega, (Ill. 1997) 676 N.E.2d 643, 175 Ill.2d 153, (trial and appellate counsel); City of Rockford v. Xayasouk, (Ill.App. 2 Dist. 1998) 705 N.E.2d 110, 301 Ill.App.3d 663, (trial and appellate counsel); Krivitskie v. Cramlett, (Ill.App. 2 Dist. 1998) 704 N.E.2d 957, 301 Ill.App.3d 705, (trial and appellate counsel); Shelton v. Gourley, Rule 23 opinion ($350K negligence verdict barroom stabbing case upheld versus tavern Ill.App 2d 87 L 17 & 18); People v. Crabbe, (Ill.App. 2 Dist. 1990) 552 N.E.2d 19, 195 Ill.App.3d 163, (trial and appellate counsel); Application of County Collector, (Ill.App. 2 Dist. 1988) 530 N.E.2d 598, 175 Ill.App.3d 985, (trial and appellate counsel).

Publications
Unreliability of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, 4 Am.Jur. Proof Facts 3d 439;
Wills v. Foster and the "Reasonable Value" Approach To The Collateral Source Rule, Vol. 54, No. 2 ISBA Trial Briefs (August 2008);
Contacting an Opponent's Employee and Former Employees, Vol. 53, No. 5, ISBA Trial Briefs (Dec. 2007);
Impact of Plea of guilty on civil proceedings, DCBA Brief, November 2001.
Impact of Plea of guilty on civil proceedings, Vol 44, No. 3, ISBA Criminal Justice Newsletter,
Compensation for the value of lost time and not lost wages, Vol. 36, No. 3, ISBA Tort Trends Newsletter;
Is Tort Liability in Illinois Joint or Several? Vol. 34, No. 1, ISBA Tort Trends Newsletter;
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Launches Assault on Trial Lawyers, Business Profile Magazine Aug/Sept 98;
Declaring Forfeitures on Contracts for Deed, Vol. 35, No. 1 ISBA YLD Newsletter;
A Case for Fall Civil Discovery and Statutory Summary Suspension Hearings, Vol. 36, No. 1 ISBA YLD Newsletter;
Supreme Court Adds Teeth To Arbitration Rules, Vol. 37, No. 4 ISBA YLD Newsletter;
Subpoena Duces Tecum, by and 38, No. 1, ISBA YLD Newsletter;
A Simple Solution for Obtaining Records Prior to Trial, Vol. 38, No. 3 ISBA YLD Newsletter;
Discovering Petrillo Violations, Vol. 39, No. 1, ISBA YLD Newsletter;
Is Loss of Enjoyment of Life Recoverable Under the Civil Justice Reform Amendments of 1995?, Vol. 31, No. 2, ISBA Tort Trends Newsletter;
Discharge of Attorney Employed by Contingency Fee Contract, Vol. 32, No. 5, ISBA Tort Trends Newsletter;
Hospital Liens, Vol. XLIV, No. 2, WCBA The Lawyer;
Are Your Real Estate Clients Insuring The Insurer?, Vol. XLIV, No. 7 WCBA The Lawyer.

Additional professional activities
Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Member of the Editorial Advisory Board for James Publishing, Cross Publications and Ford Publications 1989.
ITLA Board of Managers Member (1997-1998)
ITLA Amicus Committee & Supreme Court Rules Committee
ISBA Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council Member (2005- )
ISBA Continuing Legal Education Section Council Member (2005- )
ISBA assembly 1998-2000
ISBA Tort Section Council Chair (2000-2001)
ISBA Tort Section Council Vice-chair (1999-2000)
ISBA Tort Section Council Secretary (1998-1999)
ISBA Tort Section Council Member (1996-2002)
ISBA Task Force on Allocation of Judges (1998-1999)
ISBA Task Force on Certification (1997)
Illinois Legal Education Conclave (Oct. 19-20, 1995)
ISBA Organized Bar Leadership Conference (June 1994)
Chair of the YLD Section of the ISBA (1994-1995)
Editor of the ISBA YLD Newsletter (1991-1994)
ISBA delegate to the 1994 & 1995 ABA - YLD conventions

Presentations
Basic Skills: The New Attorney's Introduction to the Effective Practice of Law, "Pleading From A Plaintiff's View" ISBA Law Ed Series December 4-6, 2007 (Chicago).
Tort Law Update 2005, "Liens" ISBA Tort and Insurance Law sections, Law Ed Series, June 17, 2005 (ISBA Annual meeting, Lake Geneva Wisc.).
The Anatomy of an Automobile Case, "Liens & Reimbursement" ISBA Tort and Insurance Law sections, Law Ed Series, May 10, 2004 (Chicago).
Potpourri of Civil Practice, Tort and Insurance Law, "Adjudicating Medicaid Liens" ISBA Civil Practice & Procedure, Tort and Insurance Law sections, Law Ed Series, June 20, 2003 (ISBA Annual meeting, Lake Geneva Wisc.).
Motor Vehicle Cases A to Z, "Adjudicating Medicaid and Medicare Liens" ISBA Tort Law Section, Law Emergency department Series, May 22, 2003 (Chicago, Ill.)
Illinois Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Benefits, a Study and Analysis, "Who is covered?" ISBA Tort Law Section, Law Ed Series, May 9, 2002 (Bloomington, Ill.).
Illinois Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Benefits, a Study and Analysis, "Who is covered?" ISBA Tort Law Section, Law Ed Series, May 30, 2002 (Chicago, Ill.).
An Update for Tort Practitioners, "Responding to 213 (f) & (g) Interrogatories," ISBA Tort Law Section, Insurance Law Section, and Special Committee of Appellate Practice, Law Ed Series, June 22, 2001 (ISBA Annual meeting, Lake Geneva Wisc.
Insurance Coverage: An Update, "The Tort of Bad Faith: A Sleeping Giant" ISBA Insurance Law Section, Law Ed Series, April 19, 2001
Supreme Court Rule 213 and its Impact in Tort Litigation, "What is opinion Testimony?" ISBA Tort Law Section, Law Ed Series, October 9, 2000
Issues and Techniques for the Settlement of Personal Injury Cases, Moderator, ISBA Insurance Law and Tort Sections, Law Ed Series, ISBA Annual Meeting June 23, 2000
An Update for Tort and Insurance Litigators, "Responding to Rule 213 (f) & (g) Interrogatories," ISBA Insurance Law and Tort Sections, Law Ed Series, May 18, 2000
Litigating Tort Cases Without Going Bankrupt, Moderator, ISBA Tort Section, Law Ed Series, October 11, 1999
Hot Tips for Trials, Getting Witnesses to the Courthouse, Winnebago County Bar Association Seminar, Oct. 1, 1998
What's Up; A Tort, Insurance and Civil Practice Update, ISBA Civil Practice, Insurance Law and Tort Law Sections, ISBA midyear meeting December 13, 1996
Trial Techniques-Getting a Case Ready; Getting a Verdict (Pretrial Discovery) ISBA Tort Section Law Ed Series, Nov. 20 1995
Tort Reform: Day-To-Day Issues (Failure To Warn)-ISBA Tort Reform Law Ed Program, Nov. 1995
Building A Well-Balanced Life In The Law, ISBA YLD Law Ed Series, ISBA Annual Meeting June, 1995
How To Open A Small Law Office - ISBA Bridge the Gap Program, December, 1994

Professional memberships
American Association for Justice, Illinois State Bar Association, and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, past member of the Winnebago County Bar Association

Community activities
Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouting (Eagle Scout - past assistant Scout Master), Blackhawk Presbytery Commissioner to the PC(USA) General Assembly, June 2004; Blackhawk Presbytery PC(USA) Committee on Ministry (2005 - present); Westminster Presbyterian Church (Active Elder 2001-2003), Pastoral Nominating Committee (2004), Christian Education Commission (2001-2003), and Witness Commission (1999-2000), Habitat for Humanity local congregation liaison (1998-99)

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.

Since 1990, the attorneys of Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC have provided highly successful representation for clients across Illinois. One of the area's most recognized legal names, Sexner & Associates LLC has multiple offices located in Illinois, with defense lawyers servicing the Chicago courts as well as for counties including Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will and McHenry counties. Our attorneys stand ready to help clients with a wide range of legal services. If you would like to speak about your options, no obligation will apply when you call. We believe at Sexner & Associates LLC that helping our clients through difficult times is a privilege. If you choose to allow our attorneys to assist you, we will do our very best to earn your trust. That is our promise to you.


Lawyer Mitchell S. Sexner leads a team of experienced lawyers who vigorously and aggressively advocate for their clients . The entire team of attorneys is dedicated to offering the highest quality of professional representation at each step along the legal process. Mitchell Sexner, who has been recognized by Who's Who in American Law, is also a graduate of Northwestern University and IIT College of Law in Chicago. Before founding this law firm, Attorney Sexner was appointed to serve the County as an Assistant States Attorney and prosecuted criminal and traffic cases for the government, as well as serving the public through the Illinois Secretary of State and Clerk of the Circuit Court. He is licensed to practice Illinois Law and has been admitted to the U.S. District Courts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Hawaii and Texas. He has also argued in front of the Illinois Appellate Court and appeared on television as a featured panelist. Every attorney associated with the team has an equally impressive track record of successes as well.

When hiring an attorney you need to have someone on your side that concentrates their practice in one or two areas of law. I concentrate my practice in representing those charged with criminal and traffic offenses, family law, and litigation.

Steven H. Mevorah is the founder of the Law Offices of Steven H. Mevorah & Associates with locations in Lombard, Bloomingdale and Chicago. Since the firm's inception, Mr. Mevorah has been committed to building a practice made up of attorneys who share his vision and dedication to offering clients the best legal advice and advocacy combined with unparalleled service. Together, the firm's attorneys and professional staff provide the ''Mevorah Difference.''

With a legal career that began in 1979, Mr. Mevorah brings significant experience to bear in achieving positive results for his clients. He practices in the areas of Divorce, Family Law, Criminal Law, and Personal Injury.

Taking an aggressive yet down to earth approach, Mr. Mevorah will do everything possible to protect his clients' legal rights. His directness and honesty ensure that his clients can always expect to hear the truth about their case and understand that, as their attorney, Mr. Mevorah works for them.

The Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius is a general practice, with a focus in criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Cornelius represents individuals, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and other business organizations.

Prior to establishing the Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius, Mr. Cornelius was an associate with the Law Firm of James D. Montgomery and Associates, the predecessor firm of Cochran and Montgomery in Chicago, Illinois where he practiced in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Cornelius is also a former DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney. He was involved in the prosecution of felony, misdemeanor, DUI, juvenile and domestic violence cases. He was evaluated a distinguished prosecutor.

Mr. Cornelius has extensive bench trial, jury trial, and administrative hearing experience. He has defended homicide, white collar, and other serious felony cases. He has also been involved in the settlement of multi-million dollar personal injury cases. He practices in DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane, Kendall and other counties.

Vincent received his Juris doctorate Degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1989. He received his BBA in Business Administration in 1986 from the University of St. Francis where he was an Academic All American athlete.

He has been honored frequently within and outside of the legal community. Mr. Cornelius' participation in the legal community and the community at large has included the following:

President, Illinois Bar Foundation (2008-2010)
Governor's Commission on Criminal Law Reform
Chancellor, Illinois Academy of Lawyers (2007)
Board of Regents, Illinois Academy of Lawyers
Illinois Bar Foundation Board of Directors
Fellow, Illinois Bar Foundation
Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors, Retired
Chicago Bar Association Committee on Federal Jury Service
Domestic Relations Expedited Matrimonial Fee Arbitrator
DuPage County Bar Association, Asst. Treasurer
Northern Illinois University College of Law, Alumni Council
Life Member, National Registry of Who's Who
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alumni Chapter Board of Directors