Deer Park Lawyers

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...

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 &...

I, Alexander Blum, want to be your Attorney. I cherish my Clients, and hope to impart some of my skills and knowledge so that my Clients are able to live a better and more productive life. I have appeared in many of the Courhouses in Illinois and I have a great working relationship with many Prosecutors and State Attorneys. I am very persuasive without being agressive, and I will give it my all to get the best possible result for my Client. Give me a call 773-999-2586 (BLUM)

Frank DiFranco- Selected to 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers Primary Practice Areas: Criminal Defense & Plaintiff Personal Injury Over 30 Years of Experience Mr. DiFranco has earned a lifetime position in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum based on awards he has won for clients. Some of those cases include: -$11.2 Million Jury Verdict Prado v. City of Evanston -$5.2 Million Jury Verdict Abruzzo v. City of Park Ridge -$1.5 Million Jury Verdict Bojalad v. Parliament Enterprise -$1.17 Million Jury Verdict Meadors v. Borg Warner, Protective Services, Corp. Contact Our Firm: 617 Devon Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068 (847) 825-7744 difrancolaw@aol.com

Michele is an accomplished litigation and litigation management attorney with a proven track record of winning results at trial, arbitration and administrative hearings. She is known for her creative litigation strategies and communication skills. Result-oriented.

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...

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...

Ryan A. Margulis is an experienced personal injury attorney and partner at Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP. Since 2003, Ryan has concentrated on representing injury victims in serious and complex bodily injury cases throughout Illinois. Ryan takes great pride in meticulously handling every aspect of each client’s case, from initial client contact through final resolution.

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009. Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years. Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits. His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland...

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.

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...

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...

For over 28 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,...

Attorney Charles Canning has represented clients throughout Kane County and across Northern Illinois for over 30 years. He assists clients with cases in the following practice areas:

Kyle D. Sellett is a Partner at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, where he practices matters in Divorce & Family Law. Mr. Sellett’s legal career began as a Creditor’s Rights attorney and eventually acting as a Supervisor at one of his previous law firms. During his time practicing in Collection Law, he routinely handled trials, hearings, and other contested matters. His experience in this field makes him an ideal option to handle any case where there are delinquent debts involved. Additionally, he is an experienced negotiator who has a history of settling cases with favorable terms for his clients. Mr. Sellett joined...

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.

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...

Shahina grew up in Skokie, Illinois and has lived in the Chicagoland area most of her life. She graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2018 with Juris Doctorate. Before coming to Driver Defense Team, she was a staff attorney for numerous judges at the Cook County Criminal Division for over two years. While in law school, Shahina clerked for one of the largest and most respected prosecutor’s offices in the United States – Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. As a 711 law clerk, she successfully litigated several bench trials and gained a wealth of experience in advocacy. She also clerked at...

I have dedicated my practice to family law matters since 2007. I am a certified mediator and a fellow of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois. I help people who want to work through their uncontested divorce with the guidance of legal counsel so they get it right the first time. I work diligently and efficiently to help my clients obtain the best possible outcome in their cases.

Ms. Mule joined Therman Law Offices, LTD., in July, 2010. She concentrates her legal practice on cases concerning both personal injury and workers’ compensation. During her time at Therman Law, she has developed and strengthened her experience negotiating and settling cases at mediation and arbitration as well as trying cases to favorable verdict.

Mrs. Mulé received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Sociology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and her Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School– Chicago. She is admitted to the Illinois State Bar.

Mr. Gountanis joined Therman Law Offices, LTD. directly upon completing his summer externship and graduating law school in November, 2010. Gountanis became one of Mr. Therman’s quick understudies, learning the art of aggressive negotiation, arbitration as well as trying cases to favorable verdict.

Mr. Gountanis received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Keller Graduate School of Management - Lincolnshire, and his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School at Grand Rapids, MI. He is admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Chicago Bar Association (CBA) and...

Mr. Garcia recently completed his externship with Therman Law Offices and transitioned into the role of associate attorney. He passed the bar in August 2017. He was a law clerk with the firm for 2 years prior to becoming an attorney. Garcia focuses his practice in personal injury and workers’ compensation. Trained personally on the ‘ins and outs’ by Mr. Therman, he continues to grow and learn how to aggressively represent those in need.

Mr. Garcia received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Anthropology, at the The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Juris Doctorate...

Aaron J. Lytle is one of the firm's suburban Chicago attorneys who practices in several key areas: estate planning and wealth protection, wills and trusts, probate administration, trust administration, business planning, taxation, real estate and special needs planning for children with disabilities. Mr. Lytle has spent several years working in the business sector on corporate issues relating to succession planning, valuation, acquisitions and generating capital. Before joining AHR, he worked for companies such as American Express and Bank One (now JP Morgan Chase).

Mr. Lytle also previously served on the Board of Trustees for DayOne Reliance, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that...

Karrsten Goettel concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and residential real estate, real estate development, leasing, zoning and land use, business, merger and acquisition transactions (sales and purchases of assets and/or stock), corporate and business law and estate planning and administration. He has practiced among our firm's attorneys since 1997 and as a partner since 2002.

Mr. Goettel currently serves on the Board of Commissioners of the St. Charles Park District (where he is President), as a member of the St. Charles Housing Commission and as a Board Member of the Celtic Sports Foundation. From 2000 to 2002, he...

Inspired at a young age by family members practicing criminal defense law, John has had a lifelong passion for legal defense. John attended Indiana State University graduating Magnum Cum Laude in 2012 with a degree in criminology, criminal justice and political science. While attending Indiana State, John pursued his interest in flight by becoming a pilot. John then attended Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law. While in law school, John was admitted to the Dean’s Tutorial Society and tutored other law students. John also participated in moot court, trial team and was awarded two scholarships for his extensive knowledge...

Over twenty eight years of legal experience working with businesses on the issues they face daily during their business cycles. I act in the capacity of an outside general counsel assisting business owners to make smarter decisions, build stronger relationships and make and save money. I stress the importance of recognizing that correct legal answers alone do not necessarily translate into the correct best business decisions. I represent all types of businesses in every stage of their business cycles from start up through eventual sale. Specialties: The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialities in the...

Steve McCollum has extensive experience in Criminal, DUI, and Juvenile cases, including 16 years as a prosecutor and 20 years as a defense attorney. Formerly the Chief Deputy State's Attorney for Lake County, Steve is a member of the Board of the Lake County Bar Foundation, the past President of the Lake County Bar Association, and has been the Chairperson of the Criminal Law Committee for the Bar Association. He was previously selected by the Illinois Supreme Court to the screening committee for the Capital Litigation Trial Bar for the 19th Judicial Circuit. As an Assistant State's Attorney and...

As a senior attorney for Gordon Law Group, Michael Brandwein has years of experience representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service and Illinois Department of Revenue. With his knack for drafting complex financial statements, Michael has helped innumerable clients secure repayment plans and submit favorable settlement offers. His work has saved clients millions of dollars in taxes, interest, and penalties. Michael also guides individuals and businesses through IRS audits, drafts penalty abatement requests, solves complex tax-related issues, prepares delinquent FBAR submissions, and assists clients with IRS compliance and disclosure filings. Additionally, Michael has substantial experience establishing new business enterprises on behalf of...

Graduated university of Wisconsin 1977. John Marshall Law school 1980 work in the Lake County states Atty.'s office as a prosecutor for five years up until 1985. Handled all prosecutions from traffic cases to misdemeanors then onto felonies and everything including armedrobbery ,drug charges,murder sexual assault. Since 1985 I have been vigorously defending clients for the last 30 years on all types of criminal and traffic matters in Lake Cook Mckenry counties, and Kenosha county in Wisconsin. I have the knowledge and experience of dealing with all these prosecutors and judges in this area for a long time , which...

Axel R. Cerny grew up in the DuPage County community, attending Wheaton Academy in West Chicago. Following graduation in 2006, Axel attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/ Journalism studies in 2010. From there, Axel returned to the area to study at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2013, and after passing the bar exam was promptly hired to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State’s Attorney. There he worked for two years under DuPage County State’s Attorney, Bob Berlin, prosecuting...

Mr. Munninghoff graduated cum laude from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2011 after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame in 2007. While at Chicago-Kent, Mark was repeatedly named to the Dean’s Honor List. In addition, Mark was a member of Chicago-Kent’s Moot Court Competition Team and competed in several Moot Court competitions. In addition, Mark received multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards.

Since being admitted to practice law in Illinois, Mark has practiced in many areas of personal injury litigation including medical malpractice, premises liability and automobile and trucking negligence cases. Mark has successfully represented injured...

Robert F. Kramer received his law decree from Northern Illinois University and has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1993. He opened The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. in 1997, in Plainfield, Illinois and now has offices in Will and DuPage Counties. Mr. Kramer has over 20 years of experience representing clients in divorce and family law matters. He is an experienced trial attorney who has litigated numerous child custody cases, complex marital estate and support cases and has helped over one thousand people with their legal matters. He attributes his firm's...

Throughout much of Pat's career, he has worked defending insurance companies against personal injury, wrongful death, and healthcare negligence cases. This experience gives Pat a unique perspective, since he knows the "tricks of the trade" which insurance companies use as they value a personal injury claim and defend against a case. With this knowledge and understanding, Pat will ensure you are not taken advantage of in these situations, allowing you to achieve maximum compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Pat has been a trial lawyer for more than a decade and has tried numerous cases to verdict. Pat first developed...

Ms. Wechter thoroughly enjoys advocating for her clients and uses her caring, yet firm demeanor to obtain optimal results. She is a fierce, knowledgeable, and confident litigant inside the courtroom, while remaining a compassionate and empathetic ear to her clients outside of the courtroom.

My practice is focused exclusively on the representation of the victims of accidents and their families in complex personal injury and wrongful death litigation with a special emphasis on nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We have not and will not represent insurance companies. I believe that my job is to equip clients to make decisions about their case which are consistent with their goals and values. In order for clients to be able to do this, it is my job to provide clients with a good understanding of the law applicable to their case and regular...

I am an experienced, client-focused, compassionate family law attorney. Please contact me today to discuss your legal needs at 630.665.7676. I practice family law in Cook, DuPage and surrounding counties.

I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and my J.D. from DePaul College of Law. I began my legal career as a defense litigation paralegal at Swanson, Martin, and Bell, LLP prior to law school. I received a Child and Family Law Fellows award from the Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family...

Jordan has been practicing law for nearly 30 years, litigating hundreds of cases and 69 jury trials in state and federal courts. Jordan was named one of the 40 Illinois Attorneys under 40 to Watch by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, which praised him as "one of the city's most energetic and resourceful trial attorneys. The results he's gained have earned him the praise of judges, city officials and his fellow lawyers.” Jordan knows personal injury and civil rights law from both sides. He spent years defending the City of Chicago and its employees in personal injury and civil rights...

Vicki Hathaway Gonzalez is an experienced facilitator of real estate transactions. Vicki is known for her style of representation that insists that her clients are fully informed of their rights and obligations under their real estate contract, as well as the real consequences of their decisions regarding those rights and obligations.

Vicki's interest in real estate started long before her graduation from John Marshall Law School in 1992. She started investing in real estate in the 1970's, then became a licensed real estate agent, and also taught real estate licensing for the Century 21 Real Estate Academy. As an attorney, she...