Urban & Burt, Ltd.

I only hit one star because you can't post without it. Use this firm at your own risk. My case is still in court. My former attorney received payment for services that were not performed well. The last 4 times the case was heard, I never received an update. My case somehow fell off the docket and my attorney did absolutely nothing to get it back on after several conversations. This went on so long that my court appointed GAL tried to refund me because the case had received no follow up. Meanwhile, when I spoke to my attorney again, she blatantly asked me "Do you want to argue about what hasn't been done, or get to work?" I still had hope and was trying to make this happen a second time around. I guess I should've known better when she almost settled my first case for child support WITHOUT my consultation or permission. We had several continuances prior to that. I had no idea this was occurring, because communication was vague and I was told she would handle it when they did finally speak to me. I got notice directly from court this time stating if I didn't appear for the next hearing, they would automatically rule in favor of mom. After she commeneced going back and forth with mom and the state of IL., she told me what she was asking them to settle for (I never asked her to do that, neither was I advised of this plan prior to it happening). The only reason I was able to ascertain what was transpiring is because mom would not agree to the terms. I then was able to advocate through her but for myself meaning, even though she agreed the amount I was being sued for, I had to ask WHY did I need to pay ANYTHING seeing that I had proof of payment (this was submitted to the judge AND the state prior to hiring her, and then my attorney as well upon retaining her.) going all the way back to the childs D.O.B. The one thing she did do right was successfully advocate for mom to pay half of the fees since she lied and I'm in this jam because she wouldn't hold to her agreement. Since then, I've filed for a cease and desist of legal representation of any kind from Urban & Burt Ltd. I've requested documents via email, and no one has returned my calls or request. As if that's not enough, I was charge again for filing an appearance motion that she offered to do in front of the judge out of "kindness" after the judge discharged her from this case and also charged me to withdraw from the case. I started not to write this review, because in a different setting, I think I could have respected her as a person. I think she does have wisdom at times, however, she didn't perform her due diligence. Since, I've consulted several other attorneys, and they all said the same thing. After looking at the case notes, they feel I was misrepresented. The problem is I went all in to make sure my daughter has a father in her life, so I didn't mind paying, but I'm broke now. I've literally had to choose between paying my assessments for my home or paying Urban & Burt some times (guess who won). I tried to space out payments when I saw no work being done in hopes of motivating them to do something. Nothing happened with that either. This is really stressful and disheartening. I pray you guys don't get this back. I'm walking away hurt and upset but it's all love. Here's to wishing you the best. M.W.

Cheryl has been practicing for many years and I appreciated her knowledge. It was particularly helpful in my case when I needed to change where my hearing would be set. She and her assistant Judy were so kind.They always took the time to talk to me and explain any questions I had about my case. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a good legal team.

If I could post less than one star I would. I initially contacted Urban and Burt because their office was local, not in downtown Chicago. Their reviews were good, however I discovered later why all their reviews were favorable...more on that later. They handled a child support/custody case for my daughter. My daughter needed legal representation and guidance...the court system granted unsupervised visitation to the father of her children and my granddaughter was molested during at least three visits. I explained to Cheryl, who handled the case, that our finances were limited; my daughter did not have the money to pay for the case. She is disabled due to an injury; had been denied disability and was not able to work. I also explained that I would be covering the cost of the case and my daughter and I would be willing to participate however we could and as necessary to lower the costs. The initial quote she provided for her services with our assistance was between 1,500 and 3,000 dollars. My initial deposit was 1,000. I was smart enough not to sign anything on my daughter's behalf...otherwise I would be in serious financial trouble today. That was more than five years ago. Once the decision was made by the judge, Urban and Burt invoiced my daughter for over 10,000 dollars. Over five years later, they are still collecting money from her for this case. There was nothing unusual or extraordinary about her case that would warrant the costs they were charging. Cheryl did make two or three court appearances, but the case was uncomplicated. It was over in a matter of a few months; not years. The court system is badly flawed, and Cheryl didn't seem interested in justice for my granddaughter. Whatever the court suggested or decided, she did not object; she encouraged my daughter to accept it...taking the path of least resistance. After the case was over, I contacted a few law firms who handle similar cases to determine what the cost would be for a case like my daughter's, especially if we were willing to assist. The range was between 1,500 and 3,000 maximum. Once they invoiced my daughter, she contacted the office to get clarity, but Cheryl was always unavailable...she always left a message or a voicemail, but never received a call back. She continued to call and eventually she spoke to a "colleague" who was willing to reduce the amount of the MONTHLY PAYMENT, but not the entire balance in exchange for removing her negative review of their business. Still no viable explanation or reason for the exorbitant charges. She never spoke with Cheryl Zeleznak again. CONSUMER BEWARE. I was naive enough to believe that someone wouldn't take advantage of my daughter because of her circumstances. I was wrong... sadly, people ARE willing to take advantage of you, just because they can. .

Cheryl is an outstanding divorce attorney, she was hired mid case and has made this process a lot easier than my first attorney ever could. She's very smart and diligent. I am very glad a friend of mine recommended her.

When others were unwilling to take to task, you and your team rose to the challenge and provided excellent service and professionalism. When I felt as if all hope was lost their knowledgeable and skilled team prevailed and ultimately resolved my case. Special thanks to Mr. Urban III and Leslie. They were so gracious throughout the process answering all my questions in a thoughtful and timely manner. I really felt that they were truly vested and really cared. To the entire team I thank you all for your service!