Areas of Practice

WILLS, TRUST AND ESTATE PLANNING

Our firm assists our clients in the preparation of their wills, estate tax planning, charitable gifts, powers of attorney and other personal planning. Our one objective is to help our clients plan for transfer of their assets in a way that is right for each of them, that minimizes taxes, and that carries out their goals for their families and other beneficiaries through a plan that they understand.

PROBATE AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

Throughout our history, the administration of estates and trusts has been an important part of our practice. For clients who have been named to administer an estate or trust, we provide the service necessary for them to carry out their responsibilities. We work closely with accountants, financial planners, trust department offices, and other offices to coordinate a client’s affairs.

CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES

The firm is experienced in the structure of new businesses and reorganization of existing businesses. This may involve corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and other types of entities. We also form and work with non-profit corporations and charitable entities.

REAL ESTATE

The firm has extensive experience in the coordination of real estate transactions, from the simple preparation of a deed or mortgage to the complexity of a large-scale commercial real estate closing. The firm represents developers, property owners, buyers, sellers, managers, tenants and financial institutions in all phases of residential and commercial real estate activity. The firm is an agent for First American Title Insurance Company and Chicago Title Insurance Company and enjoys a good working relationship with area real estate agents and financial institutions. The firm’s attorneys are approved for closing real estate transactions by most major lending institutions and are familiar with the unique lending procedures of each one. In addition, the firm is well-versed in local municipal and county regulations regarding real estate, including zoning matters, subdivision or consolidation of real estate and creation or vacation of easements and rights of way.

BANKING

The firm has served as general counsel for a bank holding company and has for many years advised local banks and financial institutions regarding their compliance with various state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, the lawyers in this area of practice assist the firm’s non-bank clients in obtaining various types of financing arrangements, and in complying with state and federal credit laws.

FEDERAL/STATE TAXATION

One of the attorneys at our firm holds advanced degrees in tax law. This expertise is invaluable to clients. The firm handles all types of tax controversies for businesses and individuals, including those involving federal and state income tax, IRS audits, real estate deferred exchanges, federal and state gift and estate taxation, payroll taxes, fiduciary income tax, sales and use tax, tax matters arising from divorce, officer liability for payroll and sales taxes and requests for innocent spouse treatment. In addition to offering assistance and advice to clients to aid in their understanding of the broad scope of local, state and federal tax laws, the attorneys in this area of practice use their highly specialized skills to provide complex tax planning and a full range of tax legal services. The attorneys keep abreast of ever-changing tax laws to ensure clients are protected and do not pay more tax than is necessary.

LITIGATION

Insurance Defense

Our firm regularly assists insurers and self-insured businesses in defense of claims and suits, including tort, casualty, product liability, and contract matters. We are regularly retained by insurers to defend insureds when litigation arises. We provide representation in simple and complex matters, including issues arising out of insurance coverage, premises liability, trucking and automobile accidents, products liability, and assault and battery.

Automobile Liability Defense

Our firm has extensive experience defending all types of automobile cases, including defense of the insured driver as well as uninsured motorist and under insured motorist cases. We develop a close relationship with our clients, and their insurance carriers, to create effective strategies to minimize or eliminate exposure in each case.

Product Liability & Consumer Litigation

Our firm represents clients who have been sued as a result of alleged injuries or death caused by a product that was alleged to have been designed, manufactured, sold, or furnished in a defective manner. We work with clients on claims relating to products ranging from automobiles, fertilizers, heating systems, tire and rubber products, pharmaceuticals, and ladders.

Premises Liability

Our firm regularly assists businesses and individuals in cases related to injuries occurring on their premises. Nearly all property owners and lessees are at risk for these claims and our firm has defended retailers, homeowners, and many others against claims.

Real Estate Litigation

Our firm handles a wide variety of real estate litigation involving partition sales, easement and encroachment disputes, landlord/tenant issues, mortgages and foreclosures, title insurance matters, adverse possession and quiet title actions and other matters concerning the purchase, sale, financing and construction of real estate.

MEDIATION

With over 120 years of experience as trial attorneys, the members of our firm are effective negotiators who communicate well with both litigants and their attorneys to resolve a variety of civil disputes. Our firm’s offices are well suited to host mediation.

PERSONAL INJURY

Our firm represents individuals who need assistance in all types of personal injury cases in which negligence, recklessness, deliberate wrongful conduct, or fraud causes the injury.