Hillsdale Lawyers

Attorney Robert M. Kaplan has been practicing law for more than 20 years. He is dedicated to assisting clients with family law, real estate law, bankruptcy law, estate planning and probate matters. After receiving a degree in law from The University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville, and working as a Public Defender in Miami, FL, Attorney Kaplan made the move to Illinois to start his own practice in 1991.

Richard J. Miller was born on July 1, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Arizona State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. After graduating from ASU he relocated to Southern California whereby he worked as a top finance executive in the high technology business during the .com boom. While living in California, Mr. Miller received an MBA degree in Finance from California State University located in Long Beach. Mr. Miller received his JD degree from John Marshall Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2007. Additionally, Mr. Miller was admitted to the Federal...

At Forkan Law, we provide affordable, effective and personalized legal counsel and representation in the areas of bankruptcy law, criminal defense, divorce and real estate law. With offices in Burr Ridge and Chicago, we serve clients throughout the greater Chicago area of Illinois.

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...

Ethan White is a cum laude graduate of Northwestern University School of Law with more than a decade of pure litigation experience. Ethan’s practice focuses on counseling clients and litigating commercial and employment-related matters, with near daily courtroom experience in both state and federal courts. In addition, he frequently appears before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Humans Rights, the Illinois Department of Labor, and various mediation forums. Ethan has tried cases in DuPage County, Cook County, and the Northern District of Illinois and has litigated matters in nearly every other county in the Chicagoland area.

In addition...

Mildred ("Millie") V. Palmer graduated Cum Laude from University of Flordia's College of Law in 1990 with a concentration in taxation and estate planning. After graduation she went to work for Ernst and Young as a tax attorney in the Special Services Group while taking LLM classes at Chicago Kent. In 1992 she moved from Ernst and Young to Gardner Carton and Douglas where she practiced tax law. As a tax attorney attached to a large firm, Millie saw a wide variety of work in the area of taxation, charitable giving, corporate work and estate planning. During this time, she...

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...

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...

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

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.

Michael R. Nichols was born and raised in Galesburg, IL. Michael Received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Southern Illinois University. He then received his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law. At NIU Law Michael graduated with honors and was a leader within the Professionalism and Ethics Society, while also working as a graduate assistant.

Michael approaches everyday in a positive manner with the sense of urgency that is required to produce an optimal result for his clients. Michael understands the importance of each individual case and enjoys walking his clients through every step in the...

The Dodds Law Office, PC, represents Illinois personal injury, Illinois workers compensation and Illinois auto accident claimants and counsels clients in the areas of criminal and family law. Terry is a native of the Bloomington-Normal area, having attended grade school and junior high in the Unit 5 School District. His mother and father also have strong ties to the Bloomington-Normal community, both having graduated from Illinois State University. Terry's Brother, Geoff Dodds, is also a licensed attorney in Illinois, currently acting as the City Attorney for the Village of Heyworth, IL. After graduating from Clinton Community High School in 1992, Terry obtained...

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.

I am a partner in a small suburban firm for over 35 years that provides excellent legal services to thousands of satisfied clients. I regularly lectures on various legal topics and am appointed by the court to mediate Family Law issues. I also love playing tennis and am on the Board of several charitable organizations

Ron has been a member of several area boards of directors, including the Will Grundy Medical Clinic and the St. Raymond School Athletic Board. Ron, along with his wife Kim, a Will County Assistant State's Attorney, are members of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish and are heavily involved with Joliet Catholic Academy, where their two children attend high school.

Ron has represented petitioners before the Illinois Industrial Commission for the past 18 years and has represented applicants for Social Security Disability benefits for over 24 years. He prides himself on achieving maximum results for his clients under the law. He...

Born in Chicago, IL. Admitted to Illinois bar, 1995. United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1995. Preparatory education: Loras College, Dubuque, IA (B.A., 1992). Legal education: IIT, Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., 1995). Former Will County Assistant State’s Attorney. Member: Illinois State Bar Association, Will County Bar Association, Illinois Worker’s Compensation Lawyer’s Association.

Brian has been practicing law in Will County for over 20 years, and handles a variety of legal issues, be they simple, complex or something in between. He is a trial lawyer, with a current focus in the area of workers’ compensation and general civil litigation....

Mr. Benison earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. While attending Law School, Mr. Benison achieved the JMLS best oralist award for his participation in the 2L Herzog Moot Court Competition. He was selected for a student externship with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office during his final year of law school. Prior to entering Law School, Mr. Benison was in private practice as an accountant, working with local business in Northern Illinois. In his free time, Mr. Benison enjoys spending time with his wife, Erika, and their three children.

Criminal defense attorney practicing in Will, Du Page, Cook, Kane, Kendall and surrounding areas handling matter from minor traffic tickets, DUIs, domestic battery, drugs cases, sex cases and all misdemeanors and felonies.

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...

Dickson Law Group is a full service law firm serving individuals and small businesses in McHenry, Kane, Lake, DuPage, and Cook counties.

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...

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...

Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, Todd has been surrounded by legal role models his entire life. His father, the Honorable Joseph C. Polito (retired) built a highly successful legal practice in Will County before being appointed as an Associate Judge in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, which gave Todd the opportunity to regularly interact with many of his father’s colleagues and fueled his passion for the legal profession at a young age.

Todd served in the United States Navy for four years, earning the prestigious Naval Achievement medal before being honorably discharged. Upon returning to civilian life, Todd built...

Attorney Shekar Jayaraman, Esq., LL.M has a multi-faceted background of both public and private sector experience. He is passionate, zealous, and detail oriented.

Notably, Attorney Jayaraman was a Judicial Clerk for a United States Magistrate, with a heavy focus on violent crimes. He earned an LL.M. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in Business and Corporate Governance, and has served under the Ohio Secretary of State as a Regional Liaison, handling Business Services and Elections.

While in law school, Attorney Jayaraman was selected as an Extern for a United States Magistrate for the summer after his first year, and...

Along with his years of experience, Lake County divorce attorney Van A. Schwab has a solid educational basis for his divorce and family law practice. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, he received his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law. Because of recent, up-to-date training, Mr. Schwab is a certified divorce mediator, and is prepared to handle family law issues through collaborative law methods. He has published an article on cohabitation in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Licensed to practice family law in the states of Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey, he...

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...

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...

Attorney Jeana K. Reinbold's practice focus is on resolving disputes between debtors and creditors and she will assist with strategy and prosecution or defense if a bankruptcy case (chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13) needs to be involved.

• Practicing 48 years, Attorney Steven H. Jesser is the founder of Steven H. Jesser, Attorney at Law, P.C. He practices in health care law; appellate law (130 state/federal-civil-felony) appeals; administrative law; schools and education; state, local and municipal law; business and commercial law; probate, wills, trusts and estate administrations and government contracts. For his high ethical standards and long list of successful results, he holds the highest peer rating possible of AV Preeminent* from Martindale-Hubbell. • After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University, Mr. Jesser attended the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he obtained a Juris...

Tyler Phillips began his legal career as solo practitioner following graduation from the St. Louis University School of Law in 2012. Thereafter, Tyler joined Blickhan, Timmerwilke, Woodworth & Larson in Quincy, Illinois and engaged in a diverse area of practice including divorce, domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, criminal defense, and civil litigation, in both Illinois and Missouri. Tyler joined the firm of Hauk and Owens in 2016 where he continued his practice in both Illinois and Missouri. Tyler joined the firm Rober Law, P.C. in October of 2022, as a partner where he continues to advocate for his clients...

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...