Lynn M. Mirabella is a partner at MKFM Law, where her practice is concentrated almost exclusively in the area of family law, including high-profile cases and complex litigation files. Prior to joining MKFM Law, she worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. She is certified to represent children as a Guardian ad Litem, Child’s Representative, and Attorney for Child. In addition, she is certified in collaborative law, arbitration, and as a mediator. She has taught several classes and seminars in both DuPage and Kane Counties. She is a member of the DuPage County, Kane County, and Illinois State Bar Associations. She was President of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, DuPage County, and a member of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers. In addition, she previously served on Senator Mark Kirk’s Federal Judicial Review Commission from 2011 through 2016.

I began my practice over 11 years ago with the determination to make things better for my clients and my community. That continues to be the focus of my practice, and I look forward to many years of future service to my neighbors and friends. I grew up in Libertyville, graduating from Copeland Manor, Highland Jr. High, and eventually Libertyville High School in 1997. I attended college at Miami University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business, Majoring in Marketing. During college, I was president and judicial board chairman of my college fraternity, and was involved with Associated Student Government, various volunteer, and civic groups, and volunteered as a tutor. I attended law school at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where I was active in Student Court, Moot Court Honor Board, the Tenant Information Project, the Human Rights Quarterly, and was a member of the Dean’s list. During this time I also volunteered as a youth mentor for the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, taught a High School class curriculum in civics called StreetLaw, and worked part-time for Kaplan tutoring and preparing students for the Law School Admissions Test. I continue to be actively involved in the community. Currently, I sit on the Board of Directors of the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County, a non-profit tasked with improving housing options throughout Lake County. I am also currently exploring the formation of a non-profit to rehabilitate abandoned, nuisance homes to stabilize housing values and rid neighborhoods of dangerous and often unsanitary hazards. I am regularly appointed by judges to serve as guardian ad litem in guardianship matters. I currently live in Mundelein with my wife, Dr. Amanda R. Johnston, DVM (veterinarian), our son Merritt, and our dog and cat. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, keeping aquariums, bicycling, hiking, canoeing, golf, coaching youth lacrosse, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. Effective, knowledgeable, and ethical criminal defense. Call for a free consultation. Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. A homeowners association recently tried to enforce long-dormant deed restrictions (ignored for 30 years against) my client, in a discriminatory manner. The association followed none of its own rules, and was ostensibly re-formed solely to discriminate against my client by forcing the costly removal of valuable improvements on his land. A neighbor filed suit, arguing the dormant deed restrictions against my client, who is a person of color and substantially younger than others in the neighborhood, while ignoring blatant violations on their own property and at nearly every other property in the neighborhood. At the close of discovery, we successfully moved the court for summary judgment on the grounds that there was no way the suing neighbor could possibly prevail. My client’s property rights were maintained and the discriminatory action was thwarted. How did you build a successful practice? Mutual respect. I am proud of the fact that my firm offers free initial case consultations. This stems from a recognition that, while my time is valuable, so it the time of my clients. I strongly believe that initial case consultations, even if valuable to clients, should be free, because I do not believe it is fair to charge for time spent evaluating whether my firm can help a certain client, and in developing the plan of action. Once we come up with a plan of action, we communicate that proposed scope of work to the client so they can accept or reject our proposal for representation. Only after a client has agreed to hire us, based on the agreed plan, are legal fees assessed. This approach, based on mutual respect, has been crucial to our firm’s success. What should clients look for in a lawyer? It’s a personal relationship as well as a professional one. Clients must be comfortable with their attorney on both these levels. Clients should be sure that they can communicate well with their attorney. A knowledgeable professional in any field should be able to explain even the most difficult contexts in terms a layperson can readily understand. If you cannot understand your attorney, its probably not a good fit. How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? The saying goes “A good attorney knows the law, a great attorney knows the judge.” This is true because the practice of the law is not only theoretical, but also practical and pragmatic. An experienced local attorney will typically know the courts, judges, clerks and local procedures better than an attorney who does not practice in the county on a regular basis. Thus, clients represented by local attorneys will reap numerous advantages in the course of a case. What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? Typically, after learning enough about the case for a proper evaluation, I explain how the law works in the area, how I expect the law will be applied to their situation, and how my firm can potentially be of service to the person (and how we would charge for our services). Often, in order to properly conduct an initial consultation, I will need to review relevant paperwork, but with smart phones, scanners and teleconference software, it is increasingly easy to share documents electronically. What information do you need in a free phone consultation? Every case is different, but in general, I will need to know the parties involved in a case (so that I can make sure there is no conflict of interest), I will need to know the location of the case, and often it is very helpful to review relevant documents. Every case is different, and many of the documents I would need to review may be available online (like court records), so a potential client should not be dissuaded from calling to schedule a free consultation. If we need more information, we will let you know. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? I do my best to build a strong professional network both within and outside of the legal community. If a potential client comes to my firm and, for whatever reason(s), the case is not a good fit for my firm, we do our best to match the client with the right attorney. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Helping people. This is how attorneys help ensure equal justice under law. That’s why good attorneys enter the practice. What are your other interests in addition to law? My hobbies include: canoeing, hiking, bicycling, golf, fishing, disc golf, and keeping aquariums. Causes that I support include Affordable and Just Housing, Medical Research, and community efforts to foster local, small businesses. Are you involved in your community? Yes, I am active in my local and state bar associations, the GLMV, and business networking groups. I am regularly appointed by judges in Lake County to serve as a Guardian ad Litem. I serve on the Lake County Chamber of Commerce as a Board Member. Additionally, I serve as President of the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County (AHC), which works closely with Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) to serve the joint mission of fostering safe, affordable housing in our area.

Have you been investigated for or charged with a serious criminal offense such as homicide, drug charges or a gun crime? Are you seeking experienced, energetic criminal defense that can free you of these overwhelming difficulties and return you to a normal life? Veteran Chicago criminal defense lawyer Hal M. Garfinkel is a former prosecutor with 20 years of experience. Past clients and opposing counsel in past criminal cases agree: Hal M. Garfinkel is the Chicago defense attorney you need to speak for your rights in state or federal criminal offenses. Contact the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel in Chicago, Illinois, for a free initial consultation. Mr. Garfinkel represents clients in Chicago and surrounding cities in DuPage County, Cook County and Lake County, and throughout Illinois. He is available 24/7 by phone, fax or e-mail.

Otto S. Hurtado is an experienced family law attorney. He is certified as a Family Law Mediator and Guardian ad Litem. Mr. Hurtado is a Graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois, College of Law. Mr. Hurtado is actively involved in the Kane County Bar Association, participating in various activities such as, Ask A Lawyer Day, Lawyer in the Library, volunteer Judge for Mock Trial Competitions, and as a participate the Guardian Ad Litem training. Mr. Hurtado understands that no two cases are alike, and believes in tailoring services specifically for his clients. If you are dealing with divorce, family law, real estate or criminal matters, please call 630-844-8781 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.

Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt is the founder and president of the Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. Located in Buffalo Grove, IL, Attorney Gebhardt focuses his practice on criminal defense and real estate law. Understanding that the legal system can be frightening, Attorney Gebhardt works with his clients in order to help them achieve their legal goals. To schedule a free consultation with Attorney Gebhardt, visit his website or call 847-239-4703.

Attorney Eric J. Blatti was born in the state of Illinois, specifically the Joliet area. He has since remained a part of the local community. Eric graduated from Joliet Township High School and attended Joliet Junior College where he received his Associate's Degree in Arts. After junior college, he continued his education and graduated from Lewis University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (Cum Laude). Eric then attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He earned his Juris Doctor agree in January of 2008 (Dean's List). While in law school, Eric interned for the Will County Public Defender's office. In 2008, he passed the Illinois State Bar and was hired as a full-time-attorney. As an Assistant Public Defender, Eric earned the respect of fellow attorneys and judges. He had a reputation as a fearless litigator and persuasive negotiator. He gained valuable experience by trying over 50 cases, including both jury trials and bench trials. Utilizing his extensive legal knowledge and effective trial skills, Eric now operates his own practice and serves Chicagoland in the areas of criminal defense, traffic crimes, DUI, expungement, driver's license reinstatement, and divorce and family law. He maintains active memberships in the Will County Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. Attorney Eric J. Blatti and our law firm can assist you with your Will County, Kendall County, or Grundy County case. Call 815-666-2740 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our Plainfield law office.

The Law Offices of Scott F. Anderson provides criminal defense representation throughout Cook County, Lake County, McHenry County and DuPage County. With over 23 years of experience practicing criminal law both as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense attorney, Scott Anderson knows what most people are up against when they are charged and arrested for a crime. Scott F. Anderson practices experienced criminal defense in the follow matters: DUI Felony DUI Multiple DUI Violent Crimes Sex Crimes Theft Crimes Drug Crimes All Felonies and Misdemeanors All Traffic Violations Suspended Driver’s License Driver’s License Reinstatement Expungement

Michael F. Bonaguro graduated from Marquette University with a BS in Business Administration with a specialty in Finance. He worked at American National Bank as a credit analyst while attending the John Marshall Law School. While attending law school, Mr. Bonaguro also worked as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Monica Reynolds in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Upon graduation, Mr. Bonaguro worked for the law firm of Fraterrigo, Best & Beranek. While with the firm, Mr. Bonaguro participated in a variety of cases including excessive force, personal injury, and liability claims. Mr. Bonaguro went on to work as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the criminal division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. As an assistant, Mr. Bonaguro wrote over 50 appellate court briefs and argued many before the Appellate Court of Cook County. Mr. Bonaguro prosecuted over 60 criminal trials that included bench and jury trials. Before joining Leinenweber Baroni & Daffada LLC, Mr. Bonaguro began a law practice focusing on civil litigation, real estate, probate, divorce, and criminal matters. Additionally, he sat on the Business Conduct Committee at the CME/CBOT for 4 years. As a panelist, Bonaguro presided over many cases involving CME and CBOT rule violations. His role included making dispositions on complex trading cases that involved CME, CBOT, and CFTC rule violations. These decisions were made at various procedural levels including evidentiary hearings, settlement agreements, and probable cause hearings. Mr. Bonaguro maintains a strong dedication to assisting clients in the futures and commodities industry through regulatory and compliance practice. Throughout his practice of law, Mr. Bonaguro has been active in litigation before State and Federal Courts and is a member of the Federal Trial Bar and the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. Mr. Bonaguro has successfully litigated in these courts and devotes his practice to empowering his clients.

As a longtime resident in Chicago, IL, Attorney Gregory R. LaPapa is proud of the roots he has in the community and honored to use his skills to help families and individuals facing tough legal challenges. Attorney LaPapa has been prosecuting and defending complex legal matters in Chicago for decades, and his lengthy experience and tough negotiation tactics make him an attorney you will want to have on your side. Navigating the court system can be very intimidating, even when you are confident of the facts in your case. Attorney LaPapa is a graduate of DePaul University School of Law. After passing the Illinois State Bar Exam, he began his legal career working with the Illinois Attorney General’s office as an Assistant Attorney General. Since then, he has spent over 30 years helping Illinois residents resolve a wide range of legal matters, including criminal defense and domestic violence cases, DUI charges, and serious traffic violations. As an animal rights advocate, Attorney LaPapa’s passion for justice extends to all creatures. His philosophy of “have law, will travel” sums up his straightforward approach to helping others. At LaPapa Law Group, no case is too big or too small for us to handle. We are dedicated to providing a high caliber of legal services and passionate legal representation.

Stephen M. Komie, the esteemed founder of Komie and Associates, brings over four decades of robust experience in defending clients across state, federal, and international courts, including both trial and appellate levels. He is widely recognized for his role in several high-profile Illinois cases, including the defense of individuals such as Sandra Fabiano for child abuse charges, and Roland Breault and John Carroccia in notable first-degree murder trials. Throughout his illustrious career, Stephen has secured numerous favorable decisions for his clients in both criminal and civil courts across the United States. Among his notable legal victories is the 1995 landmark decision in the asset forfeiture case, U.S. v. $506,231.00. Further showcasing his adept legal skills, Stephen has represented clients in front of the Illinois Supreme Court on multiple occasions, securing important wins such as the 2017 People v. Ringland decision which challenged unlawful prosecutorial practices. Stephen's contributions to the legal field have been acknowledged through various honors and recognitions. Notably, he represented the legal community as an ambassador in the Rededication of the Magna Carta in Runnymede, England in 2015, marking the 800th anniversary of this foundational legal document. In 2006, he also participated as a delegate at The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction in The Netherlands. His expertise has earned him a place among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by both The National Trial Lawyers and the American Trial Lawyers Association. To schedule your initial consultation with the Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer, please contact us online or by calling 312-263-2800.