Botto Gilbert Schottland Lancaster PC

I had a horrible experience with Botto Gilbert Law Firm in Crystal Lake. In late 2020, I was coping with the loss of my mother and during the same time frame, my wife was in favor of filing for a divorce. As you can already tell, this was the lowest point of my life and I pray that no one should ever have to deal with such crises. I hired Andrew, Attorney at Law to help with filing the paperwork at the local court and schedule a hearing with the Honorable Judge to expedite the divorce proceedings, our case was as simple as it could get, there were no claims made by either parties and our divorce was finalized at the first scheduled hearing, and with that said, Andrew initially agreed to take on the case for a total of $1500 and I would only be required to pay extra for the time and effort for any follow up hearings, and in my case – there were none. I paid an initial deposit of $1000 and we had a balance due of $500. Keeping my state of mind under the spot light, I mistakenly dropped off my rent check of $900 to the law firm and it was cashed soon thereafter. I was under the impression that I would be due a refund, but absolutely not! – this law firm will milk you for your money and do not expect to get a refund. I’ve been told, the law firm invested a total of 6.8 hours towards my case and the total amount charged is over $2200 -- (Andrew took on the case for $1500!!) – After speaking to the law firm numerous times, I’m being referred to the fine print of the agreement that I initially signed, which stated that they would charge for any extra time. I honestly feel that anyone hiring this law firm should get their agreement reviewed by another law firm to ensure there you do not get nickeled and dimed later; and I highly recommend that this law firm should advise their clients as soon as the amount being charged is reaching the threshold of the initial agreed amount to avoid any confusions later with their clients. Now in 2021, I am being asked to pay an additional $375 for the court cost that they clearly forgot to include in their initial quote. I work a minimum wage job and I simply cannot afford. I’ve pleaded multiple times to the office manager and their other Senior staff to waive the remaining balance, but they are standing firm. I’ll never recommend this law firm to anyone!

Elizabeth Ellis is a great woman, very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Extremely pleasant and patient. Asks insightful questions to better understand your situation.

Go elsewhere, they are only concerned with making money! Had a brief interview with George in regards to creating a will. Submitted my paperwork and never heard back. Multiple calls to the office, they always said he was at lunch or not in, etc. Never available. They said that they would leave a note for him to call me. He never called. When I finally heard from him he said he wouldn't make enough money on creating my will and it was not worth his time. What a waist of MY time!

Have used firm for any and everything last 20 years. Never disappointed. Very professional and extremely effective at all. Have,and will recommend.

I must say for my first time ever having to hire an attorney, this place did it. I went through a divorce and have 3 kids. Elizabeth literally worked her magic and I’m officially divorced and got everything I asked for! Even with the whole COVID-19 she still fought! I highly recommend them. And her assistant Margie is also amazing! Thank you ladies again. So happy my divorce is final!