Dakota Lawyers

Amanda concentrates her practice in the areas of trusts and estates. She prosecutes and defends trustees, executors, and administrators, relating to will contest, undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, business wind-up, estate accounting, and trust accounting disputes through initial filings, discovery, trial, and post-trial issues such as appeals. Amanda also provides services in trust administration, probate administration, and general litigation. Amanda is an experienced litigator, having represented clients in appeals, estate and trust contests, business disputes, commercial disputes, elder abuse issues, and guardianships. She is known for building and maintaining relationships with clients through trust and collaboration.

Ian M. Barney is a founding partner of Barney & Hourihane, LLP and is licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois. He has successfully represented clients both at trial and on appeal and has extensive experience representing individuals in a variety of cases. He focuses his practice on criminal appeals and civil rights lawsuits.

He has participated in many cases of note and has argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate Court. Ian was named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine for the years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. No...

Marilyn Johnson is a partner at Johnson & Johnson, Ltd. She has been practicing law for over 30 years, concentrating in the areas of divorce, custody, support, and visitation. She has conducted numerous trials and hearings involving large marital estates and complex child custody issues. Prior to practicing law, Marilyn Johnson was a special education teacher who worked with children with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral problems. Her vast experience as a lawyer, teacher, and mother has enabled her to acquire a deep, compassionate understanding of the family unit, which has enabled her to counsel clients through the most...

After 8 years defending employers with a respected Chicago defense firm, Arik started Hetue Law, P.C. with a mission of helping people navigate the legal issues surrounding starting and growing their businesses as an outside general counsel, and protecting their finances and families via proper estate planning.

Arik is a skilled business law attorney, with experience in risk management, HR planning, business entity formation, corporate dispute resolution, technology planning, technology licensing agreements, and has enjoyed outside general counsel status to a variety of small businesses and technology start ups. He is also an experienced estate planning attorney,...

David O’Toole joined Bragança Law after spending 24 years as a senior staff attorney at the Federal Trade Commission’s Midwest Region in Chicago. A three-time graduate of the University of Chicago, where he received a B.A. in History (1984), an M.B.A. (1988) and a J.D. (1992, with honors), David began his legal career spending almost six years in private practice in Chicago and Washington, D.C., working on antitrust, white collar defense, and general commercial litigation. for twenty-four years. While at the FTC, David led teams that challenged companies for deceptive marketing involving dietary supplements and health products, operating as pyramid...

Alexander Gruzmark was born in Lvov, Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States in 1978, where he was raised and educated. Mr. Gruzmark graduated from Loyola University in 1992, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, and then completed his education at Loyola University School of Law in 1998 where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree. Mr. Gruzmark has been practicing law in Illinois for more than 20 years. During law school, Mr. Gruzmark worked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office under a 711 License. He also volunteered at the Free Legal Aid Clinic at Loyola University School of...

Melanie K. Fairman is an experienced trial attorney who has represented plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death actions since 1994. Over the years, she has obtained millions for clients through settlement and trial. A large percentage of her practice involves cases arising from medical malpractice and nursing home negligence, but over the years she has litigated quite a few significant vehicular collision and premises liability cases, including a $3.8 million verdict in a case tried by Melanie and her partner, Steve Seidman, against JW Marriott based on exposing a guest who was an attorney to Legionella bacteria, causing him...

Now located in Kensington, London, UK. Specializing in consular processing for marriage based immigration (green cards), investment in the US (E-2 and EB-5), multi-national business managers and specialists (L visas), waiver and citizenship applications.

With nearly 25 years of legal experience, I am a knowledgeable and zealous advocate. I am a graduate of DePaul College of Law and have lived in Illinois since 1996. I am licensed by the Illinois Supreme Court and am a member of the Federal Trial Bar as well. I work throughout the State of Illinois, though I have the most experience in Lake and Cook Counties. My practice is primarily devoted to defending clients charged with serious felony offenses, ranging from murder to high-level drug offenses and sex crimes. I have extensive litigation...

For over 29 years, Margaret Szymansky has provided experienced representation to clients through Probate and Trust Administration proceedings. She assists clients in the effective resolution of existing claims and the transfer of assets. Margaret guides executors, trustees, and personal representatives of the estate and assists them in the successful closure of the estate. She further concentrates her practice in the area of Estate Planning, such as Wills and Trusts, including Special Needs Planning for disabled individuals and guardianship proceedings, Elder Law with a focus on Medicaid issues, and Real Estate law. For her dedication, leadership, and excellence in legal service,...

I am a third generation lawyer who is committed to helping people injured in a personal injury or workers' compensation matter, including those injured in a motor vehicle accident. Based in Chicago, Illinois, our firm of more than 75 people represent injured victims throughout the state of Illinois. We rank among the largest personal injury and workers' compensation firms in Illinois. Our clients come to us seeking help in all types of personal injury and workers' compensation matters, including workplace injuries, medical malpractice, motor vehicle collisions, mass torts, social security disability claims, premises liability, and civil rights violations, including police misconduct. There's...

Kathryn Whitacre is a Partner at Whitacre & Stefanczuk LTD where she practices in the areas of Real Estate Law, Business Law, Family Law and Estate Planning. Kathryn received her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011 and her B.A. in Business from Bowling Green State University in 2006. Kathryn is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Marcia Gerber Cotler, Principal and Founder of Cotler Law LLC, received her Juris Doctor of Law from Georgetown University Law Center (cum laude) in 1989. In addition to her J.D., Ms. Cotler holds two certifications in mediation, one from the Center for Conflict Resolution (2002) and another from DePaul University College of Law (2004). Ms. Cotler has both litigated and settled hundreds of cases for clients ranging from multi-national corporations to individuals. She practices before the state courts of Cook, Lake and DuPage County Illinois, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the United States District Court...

Jonathan David Herpy, Sr. has been named one of the top private equity and corporate attorneys in Illinois under the age of 40 by Chicago Magazine in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Jonathan has represented investors, sponsors, and managers of public and private pension plans, broker-dealers, investment advisers, custodians, and other financial industry service providers throughout the entire range of the investment spectrum and routinely provides market-leading advice on public/private offerings of equity and debt along with capital raising strategy.
In addition to the above, Jonathan has been touted as an industry leader for his sophisticated and efficient approach to structuring...

William J. Stogsdill joined The Stogsdill Law Firm, P. C. in April of 2012. Since joining the firm, Will has primarily focused on practice in the area of family law. Will has worked on complex financial estates, custody disputes, negotiating property and custody settlements, and orders of protection. In 2011, Will was published in the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Handbook as a Co-Author with William J. Stogsdill, of the chapter entitled, "Division of Retirement Benefits in Dissolution Proceedings."

Prior to joining The Stogsdill Law Firm, P. C., Will worked as an Assistant State's Attorney in the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau...

C. Eric Bodo grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, and attended Carmel High School in the northern suburbs. Eric graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 1996 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar.

Before coming to VanDerGinst Law, Eric was a partner in his own firm with offices in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois where he represented seriously injured individuals and their families. Before starting his firm in 2014, Eric worked for a large, high-volume personal injury firm...

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX LAW, INC.

I started my career as a broker and investment advisor. I became interested in the tax laws because helping my clients reduce their taxes was an area that made a huge difference in their future. .

I felt I could help my clients more if I studied the tax laws. I quit my full time job and enrolled in law school where I primarily studied taxation.

After I got my law degree I was helping my clients prepare tax returns and settle tax debts with the IRS. I...

Mr. Shore is acutely aware that when an individual contacts Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices about a legal problem, that for the client it is also a personal problem. In addition to litigating or negotiating settlements in many major cases, he is a skilled listener who is adept at developing & implementing cost-effective and winning strategies. Mr. Shore represents divorce and parentage clients in settlement negotiations, pre-trials, hearings, and trials. He is also appointed by the Court to represent minors in custody proceedings. As an appointed guardian for the children (referred to as a Guardian Ad Litem or GAL),...

Alison has been named 2014 Top 100 National Trial Lawyer and is known in the legal community as an aggressive and passionate litigator who fights rigorously to protect the rights of her clients. Call today for a free, no obligation case evaluation.

Michael Rada is the owner and sole practitioner in the Law Offices of Michael Rada, LLC located in Barrington, Illinois. Michael’s practice serves clients with matters in estate planning, probate, elder law and business law. Michael has served clients ranging from mid-sized companies to individuals.

Knowing that the law is not a “one size fits all” proposition, Michael applies his wealth of experience dealing with people and complex problems in finding the right solution for each individual client. He believes that listening to the client and fully understanding the desired outcome is an essential part of the legal process. In addition,...

Makedonka “Miki” Baloski is a highly accomplished attorney with extensive experience across a wide range of legal disciplines, including estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate transactions, and contested guardianships. With over two decades of legal expertise, she is a trusted advocate for individuals, families, and businesses navigating complex legal challenges. At Kelleher + Holland, LLC, Miki focuses on estate and trust administration, delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to her clients’ unique needs. Miki’s experience spans litigation and transactional law, having defended multinational corporations in toxic tort and product liability cases, assisted clients with business disputes, handling probate matters,...

Andrew Stoltmann, attorney and investor advocate, exclusively concentrates his practice in representing investors who are the victims of investment fraud. He has represented over one thousand individuals in lawsuits and securities arbitration actions against brokerage firms like Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Wachovia, Linsco, Prudential, Baird, Edward Jones, AG Edwards and Smith Barney and has tried approximately 80 cases. Previous to opening the Stoltmann Law Offices P.C. he was a partner in a law firm concentrating its practice in the representation of investors in lawsuits, arbitration claims and class actions against brokerage firms. Mr. Stoltmann is...

William ("Bill") F. Bochte is a graduate of Fenwick High School, obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary's University (formerly Saint Mary's College) in Winona, Minnesota in 1965. Bill went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School in 1969 and has been in the private practice of law serving his client's needs ever since. Mr. Bochte practiced in the city of Chicago for approximately 10 years before relocating to Kane County and the Fox Valley area. Mr. Bochte has received a United States of America Presidential Commendation in "recognition of exceptional...

Paul Henry Millewich graduated from the National Law Center at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and received his B.S. from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Paul's experience in the Coast Guard has allowed him to assist clients with complex mechanical, technical, and engineering cases involving injuries and wrongful death. Mr. Millewich has dedicated his practice to representing injured clients in Product Liability and Medical Malpractice cases. Paul has been a Personal Injury attorney for 33 years, and he is an experienced and skilled litigator. Every case Paul accepts is prepared for trial. He is...

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 30 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.

Izabela concentrates her practice in estate and trust planning, probate, and estate and trust administration and litigation. Izabela also assists clients in planning for disability and special needs. Izabela also handles guardianship proceedings and serves as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for the Cook County Circuit Court. Additionally, Izabela has experience with domestic and international income tax and business planning, and corporate and individual tax controversies. She also advises clients on business succession matters, wealth transfer and preservation, and corporate, partnership and limited liability company transactions, including drafting various business arrangements and agreements. Izabela was named as an Illinois Super...

Lisa M. Nyuli has been a partner since joining the firm of Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. in 2000. Prior to joining the firm, for the first 10 years of her career, she worked as an attorney in Aurora, Illinois and in Geneva, Illinois. She was licensed in 1989 and focuses her practice primarily in all areas of family law. In 2008, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Ms. Nyuli is also active in the Illinois State Bar Association as a member, having served two terms on the Board of Governors, and...

Scott G. Richmond practices in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, banking, collections, employment, Landlord-Tenant law including evictions, personal injury, wrongful death, real estate short sales, homeowner and condominium association representation and zoning/land use issues. He is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Richmond was named a Leading Lawyer in Illinois for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Mr. Richmond is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association (where he's served as General Counsel and on...

While working full time, and raising his two children, Justin started college in pursuit of becoming an attorney. His dream has been brought to fruition as he is ready and able to tirelessly represent his clients. He considers his role as an attorney to not only be an advocate for his clients, but also for the community. Justin brings passion and strong ethical fortitude to the practice of law. When not practicing law, Justin enjoys spending time coaching youth football and baseball.

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D. & Certificate in Civil Advocacy, 2016

DePaul University, B.A. Philosophy &...

Mr. Justen has been representing severely injured persons since 1998 - involved in a variety of causes, including, trucking, electrical injuries, construction injuries, slip and falls, work injuries and auto accidents. Mr. Justen also represents family members and estates in wrongful death and survival claims. Mr. Justen held various electrical engineering positions with a major Northern Illinois Electric Utility Company prior to becoming licensed to practice law. His background in electrical engineering provides the ability to formulate an analytical approach and focus on the details of your case. Mr. Justen is recognized in the nationwide Million Dollar Advocates Forum for...

Attorney Botto has successfully litigated complex Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation cases. If you are the victim of another person's negligence, or you are an injured worker, you face many financial challenges while trying to recover from your injuries. Attorney Botto recognizes your suffering extends beyond the physical wounds. He and his team of attorneys and paralegals will work diligently to maximize the greatest compensation allowable under the law for you and your family.

Mr. Botto's legal experience extends to the criminal field. He has tried successfully numerous cases to verdict, ranging from simple battery cases to serious felony charges of...

RICHARD W. WARNER is the Founder and Managing Partner of the WARNER LAW GROUP. He concentrates his practice on Real Estate Law & Transactions, Estate Planning, and Personal Injury. He's handled thousands of files, matters, and transactions, and has tried and/or settled hundreds of cases in Administrative Hearings, Arbitration, Mediation and the State and Federal Courts in Chicago and the surrounding communities in Illinois. He is a native of Kane County, Illinois, where he graduated from the college preparatory school, Marmion Military Academy. Mr. Warner attended Illinois State University, graduating with a bachelor's of science degree in...

Michael A. Otte concentrates his practice on estate planning, trust administration, and contested and litigated estates and trusts. Additionally, Michael's particular area of focus is in elder law matters, including Medicaid planning, Medicaid appeals, guardianship, contested guardianships, nursing home contract review, general elder law matters requiring litigation or other court involvement, and other issues affecting the legal needs of older people. Michael has given dozens of both public and private seminars on his areas of experience in order to educate the public and fellow attorneys on important estate planning and elder law concepts. Michael is a member of the Chicago...

Salvi is recognized as a one of the top 10 lawyers in America by the American Institute of Legal Counsel, and a top 100 lawyer by the American Society of Legal Advocates in 2016. Additionally, the Trial Lawyers Board of Regents presented Salvi with the Litigator Award. Further, he has also earned a spot among the "Top One Percent" of attorneys from the National Association of Distinguished Counsel from 2015-2016 and AVVO named Salvi a "Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney" based on exceptional client reviews and peer recommendations Al Salvi has lived in Lake County his whole life. He was...

You believe you deserve an attorney who focuses on his client's needs, rather than on his bottom line. So do we. Ask our clients, and they’ll tell you that we take the time to get to know our clients to understand their particular situation to give them the most practical and effective legal solution. And, many of our services are provided based on a flat-rate arrangement.  It helps us to earn our clients' trust and lifetime relationship.

Mr. Feldman provides legal assistance to clients concerning a broad range of business and estate planning matters, including business formation and organization, contract review,...

My grandfather was the first Jewish Prosecutor in our city of Mogilev, Belarus. He is the reason I am an Attorney in America. Growing up in Belarus and immigrating to the United States at 6 years old as a refugee taught me the importance of working hard for what you believe in. I take the values instilled in me from childhood and apply them to how I practice law. I believe in my clients and I work hard for them. Other Reasons to Consider Me as Your Tax Lawyer 1) I am 5+ year, multilingual Attorney, former law review contributor, and legal...

David J. Winthers is a lifelong resident of DuPage County having graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1974 and Wheaton College in 1977.

Rob is a Partner at The Collins Law Firm, chairing its Banking & Financial Department. Rob focuses his practice on the representation of financial institutions and corporate clients in commercial banking and real estate litigation and transactions. Rob also serves as special counsel for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Rob is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He has also litigated in the federal and state courts of Virginia, Texas, California, Indiana and Wisconsin. Rob's representative clients include:...