Elwood Lawyers

Richard Doerr is married and has two children and three teenage grandchildren. In his 40+ years' experience, Mr. Doerr has tried cases on matters ranging from speeding to murder. In 1972, he was selected out of 200 applicants as one of ten participants in the St. Louis County Prosecutor's intern program. During his 31 years in bankruptcy practice, he has seen two major revisions in bankruptcy laws, the first in 1978 and the second in 2005. Mr. Doerr's leisure activities include cross-country skiing, car shows, and driving his classic 1973 Corvette convertible.

Raleigh is the Past President of the DuPage County Association of Women Lawyers, the Past President and a current Board Member of the DuPage County Bar Foundation, a Past-Editor-In-Chief and current Editor for the DCBA Brief Magazine and a member of the following organizations: DuPage County Bar Association including the Family Law Committee, and Illinois State Bar Association. Raleigh received her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in 1993 and graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2001. Raleigh is a solo practitioner in Wheaton, IL. The firm handles matters in Wheaton, Kendall, Kane, Will, DeKalb, and...

Mr. White has practiced law for thirty years. He graduated from Indiana University in 1986 and received his law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1989. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar, and admitted to practice in the Federal Court in the Northern District of Illinois, in 1989. While attending law school, he was a law clerk with the law firm of Carey, Filter, White & Boland. He became an associate of that firm upon graduating, and in 1996 became a partner.

Mr. White served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Summit Homes beginning...

Don has been representing businesses and entrepeneurs in the Chicago metropolitan area since beginning his practice in 1975. He has experience advising individuals on the formation of their businesses, and the legal issues involved in operation of their businesses. This includes the drafting of corporate business formation documents, buy-sell agreements, LLC operating agreements, partnership agreements, independent contractor agreements, employment contracts, and business agreements in a variety of contexts. He has served as general outside counsel to businesses in the travel industry, construction industry, manufacturing industry, medical industry, and many other types of service industries. He is a great resource...

Jeffrey S. Keller founded his law firm in 1994. Mr. Keller concentrates his practice in the following main areas: Litigation, Divorce/Family Law, Real Estate, and Business Law.

Ryan Platt leads the firm’s Workers’ Compensation practice while also maintaining an active caseload of consumer and personal injury cases. Ryan is experienced at all aspects of Workers’ Compensation cases. A seasoned litigator, Ryan has practiced law for over seven years and tried over a dozen Workers’ Compensation cases before Commission arbitrators and successfully prosecuted multiple Commission appeals with favorable outcomes for his clients. He does not shy away from taking a case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached. Prior to joining the firm, Ryan worked at a major Illinois Workers’ Compensation firm and served as a...

I founded Corporate & Estate Legal Services, Ltd. to focus on business contracts, commercial litigation, estate planning and probate cases. I have decades of experience handling civil litigation and commercial contracts. I represent both plaintiffs and defendants. I have a broad spectrum approach to B2B litigation. I can negotiate deals, document agreements, litigate, pursue post judgment collection, and prosecute or defend judgments on appeal. I was a scholastic debater in high school and college. I am very comfortable with contract litigation, declaratory judgments, decedent's estates, and business torts. My experience affords me the luxury of handling all phases...

Ms. Pirtle uses her extensive knowledge in helping each and every client find a solution that is tailored to his or her circumstances while also exhibiting strong advocacy in the courtroom. She understands that not every case is a trial case nor can every case be kept out of the courtroom. Whether your needs are getting through a tough situation now or planning to avoid tough situations in the future, Ms. Pirtle can help you achieve your goals. Practice Areas • Divorce • High Asset Divorce • Maintenance & Alimony • Child Custody & Child Support • Prenuptial Agreements • Family Law • Residential Real Estate Bar Admissions Education...

Kent graduated from Carthage College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He obtained his law degree from Nova Southeastern University of Law in 1977.

Kent has practiced bankruptcy law for over 35 years. He represents clients in Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and in non-bankruptcy workouts and reorganizations. His clients include both consumers and businesses, for debtors and well as creditors. Kent is experienced in all facets of bankruptcy litigation, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in lawsuits arising out of the bankruptcy process. Several cases in which he has represented litigants have...

Filing bankruptcy does not have to be a stressful situation. I strive to provide the most personalized and hands-on approach to serving my clients. I am committed to explaining the process so that you understand exactly how bankruptcy works and are prepared for every step. I offer a free consultation with no-pressure choices. At least know your options.

Habib Wardak is a business law attorney focusing on corporate law, commercial transactions, commercial real estate matters, and international business transactions. Habib counsels clients at all stages of business and real estate development, and helps clients develop strategy for optimizing business affairs and achieving business goals.

Graduated Law School in 1998. Passed the Bar Exam and was admitted to practice in the State of Illinois in May of 1998.

I am Toma Makedonski, and I have been practicing law in Chicago, Illinois, for over 22 years. Since I opened my private practice in September 2000, I have committed myself to assisting clients with a variety of legal issues, including criminal and traffic defense, real estate transactions, family law, and immigration law. I am passionate about offering personalized, results-driven representation that is tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. My extensive experience in these areas ensures that my clients receive high-quality legal support when it is most crucial. One common concern for clients seeking legal representation is the uncertainty surrounding...

Chris graduated from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science in Education degree in Sports Management and minors in Business and Political Science.
Chris graduated from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law in May of 2016 and sat for the Bar Examination in July of 2016. Chris was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November of 2016. During law school, Chris held several internships: one with a Civil Litigation firm in Glenview; another with the City of Naperville, where he had his 7-11 License and assisted the City Prosecutor in Traffic Court and DUI Court; and...

James A. Podgorny is a sole practicing attorney, which means he will be the only attorney you will deal with at the firm. You will not be shuffled amongst many associates who will not necessarily know the current status of your case, as is commonly found in large law firms. Mr. Podgorny will always know the status of your file, and you can always address your concerns directly with him. Mr. Podgorny will return your telephone calls in a timely manner, leaving you free from the stress and anxiety of worrying if you have an attorney focused on your matter...

Kathleen C. Chavez, founding partner of Foote, Mielke, Chavez & O’Neil, LLC, earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1998 from Northwestern University School of Law. Chavez is a nationally recognized civil litigator with a reputation for obtaining exceptional results in challenging cases. She is a results-driven, highly focused “problem-solver” with an unmatched ability to strategically frame critical issues, develop innovative solutions and negotiate outstanding results for her clients. She is admitted to practice law in California, Illinois and Washington D.C., as well as various federal courts, the Federal Trial Bar and the United States Federal Court of Claims.

Margaret Galka joined the Collins Law Firm in 2018 as an associate attorney. She focuses her practice in environmental litigation and personal injury.

Margaret graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vermont Law School, where she concentrated on environmental and energy law. While attending law school, Margaret worked as a clinician in the Environment and Natural Resources Law Clinic and clerked for a prominent law firm in Burlington, Vermont. Margaret also served as a Co-Chair of the Women's Law Group and as an editor of the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law.

Prior to law school, Margaret graduated from the University of Vermont with a...

Christopher L. Lufrano is the managing attorney and principal of Lufrano Law, LLC and has extensive experience in matters involving securities investment disputes, regulatory defense, real estate law and business services. Mr. Lufrano is licensed to practice law in Illinois and New York, and often travels throughout the country to represent aggrieved investors in FINRA securities arbitrations where permitted under state law. Mr. Lufrano is a graduate of Boston University, where he majored in Business Management. Following college, Mr. Lufrano was employed by Morgan Stanley where he worked as...

With over 20 years’ experience trading in the financial industry, few New York attorneys have the in-depth knowledge and insights possessed by Attorney R. Tamara de Silva. Serving clients in New York, Chicago, and London, she has earned a reputation for outstanding representation against even the most reputable businesses in the country. If you face issues involving whistleblowing, blockchain law, or white collar crimes, contact the Law Offices of R. Tamara de Silva today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what to do next. Ms. de Silva has a background in both trading and blockchain technologies. You...

Dan is a litigator and trial attorney with over 30 years of experience dealing with the full range of complex personal injury cases, including construction injuries, medical mistakes, trucking, product defects, motorcycle, bicycle, and all vehicle injuries. Dan has proudly represented injured persons and the families of deceased all over the country and has secured over 100 million dollars in compensation for our clients. Dan was mentored by the legendary Leonard Ring and became a managing partner by the age of 30 overseeing the Personal Injury Department. Dan is known for his preparation, his persistence, and leaving no stone unturned, and...

Zeller law is an innovative business law firm providing professional, efficient, and affordable legal representation to small businesses, start-ups, professionals, and entrepreneurs throughout Illinois. Our Chicago lawyers practice in the areas of civil and business litigation, corporate and business law, contract law, estate planning, and trademark law.

I am driven by a passion for guiding organizations and individuals through the complexities of workplace issues and evolving regulations. I focus my practice on employment law and business contracts. My career has included a role as Associate General Counsel for Northwestern Medicine, where I provided strategic advice on a broad spectrum of business and healthcare matters. This position deepened my understanding of the intricacies of workplace dynamics in the healthcare sector and beyond. I bring a strong background in strategic problem-solving and compliance, excelling in drafting employment-related agreements, managing workplace relations, and navigating regulatory challenges. I am committed to delivering...

Nicole M. Soltanzadeh is a principal at The Law Office of Nicole M. Soltanzadeh, where she advises clients in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and real estate negotiations. She works with clients of large, medium, and small estates, providing each client with high-quality and practical representation.

Early in her career, Nicole earned substantial experience as a litigator, advocating for her clients routinely in state and federal court, and at the trial and appellate levels. She has skillfully brought hundreds of cases to closure through mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.

Nicole graduated with honors from The George Washington...

Terry J. Smith is a partner with Smith O'Callaghan & White. He has represented employers in all aspects of labor and employment law for more than 25 years, representing and regularly advising corporate defendants in litigation involving labor and employment matters in federal and state courts, and administrative agencies, throughout the United States. Prior to founding a boutique firm, Mr. Smith was a partner in one of the largest law firms in Chicago. He has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer for 15 consecutive years (2007-2021), representing the top 5% of all attorneys in the State of Illinois. Mr. Smith...

Sami Azhari focuses his practice on criminal defense in state and federal courts. His primary areas of practice include felonies such as drug possession, drug trafficking, assault and battery, weapons charges, and white collar crime, as well as misdemeanors and traffic violations. He has litigated numerous cases in state and federal courts, and has actively participated in all aspects of the litigation and trial process, including taking and defending depositions of lay and expert witnesses, conducting fact and expert discovery, briefing and arguing substantive motions, and conducting bench and jury trials with first chair experience. His...

Chicago, Illinois Real Estate Lawyer I help clients purchase and sell homes, condos, coops and apartment buildings in Chicago and surrounding communities. I am a sole practitioner. My client matters get my personal attention, as opposed to a secretary, paralegal or clerk's. Support staff is nice, but when someone hires me to do a job, I am going to see that it gets done. I am especially focused on residential properties with 1-4 living units. I help first time home buyers; buyers who are new to the Chicago area and more seasoned / sophisticated buyers and sellers as well.

I enjoy working with people to help bring better business ideas and technology into the world. I try to help people understand how the intellectual property legal system works and that it is a helpful tool, not an obstacle. I am committed to the long-term success of all my clients. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with high honors from the Illinois Institute of Technology. After working for over 5 years in software development and technology consulting, I earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago, Illinois....

Attorney David Bryant is a partner of the firm and has been named as a rising star in the areas of Employee Benefits and ERISA by Super Lawyers magazine. He is also proud to have been recognized by his peers with the coveted AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated SM by Martindale-Hubbell.

Keith concentrates on complex class action and individual suits involving unwanted robocalls to your cell phones under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Keith has been selected as a Illinois SuperLawyer for 2013-2018 and Rising Stars for 2008-2013. He was also named the 2015 Consumer Attorney of the Year by the National Association of Consumer Advocates. He has extensively lectured on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

Kevin is the Co-Chair of the Insurance Recovery Group at Barnes & Thornburg. He is a litigator and trial lawyer, having focused his practice for more than 20 years on insurance recovery on behalf of policyholders, complex commercial litigation, and claim/dispute-related counseling. He represents policyholders and other commercial parties throughout the United States and abroad, having recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for policyholders. Kevin represents policyholders in a wide range of insurance coverage disputes, including long-tail environmental, toxic tort and asbestos claims under general liability policies; losses stemming from natural and man-made disasters under first-party and business...

Attorney Paul I. Drake is a founding lawyer at Drake & Collopy, P.C. His legal career has been solely focused on advocating for personal injury victims throughout Chicago. He is dedicated to providing nothing short of top-notch service and representation in all legal matters. Over his nearly 20 years of legal service, he has helped individuals obtain tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements and continues to provide strong legal counsel throughout the area.

Fitter Law is a Subscription-based Law Firm for Business, founded in 2019 in Chicago, IL. The Law Firm's subscription plans include unlimited legal consultations, unlimited contract reviews, powerful legal resources, insight, guidance, and much more to all clients for one low monthly price.

Attorney Jawad Fitter is the founding member of Fitter Law, LLC. He represents clients in business negotiations, relationship development, and contracting. He has facilitated over $50M Dollars in business transactions.

In addition, he represents businesses and individuals in civil litigation from pre-litigation counseling through trial. Mr. Fitter has represented clients in complex trust litigation, tax litigation, and business...

Alan Sohn has provided expert legal counsel in the areas of wills and trusts, business succession planning, the organization and representation of privately-held businesses, probate and administration of estates, elder law, and real estate acquisition and leasing. Alan is conversant with and has utilized S corporations and limited liability companies for business, estate planning and asset protection. Alan has also counseled and assisted his clients in connection with the resolution of family disputes and when necessary represented their interests in the courts and in arbitration proceedings where efforts in resolving such disputes have been unsuccessful. Having dealt with a...