Civil Rights

As founder of the firm, Michael effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. And he has named partners to the firm who value and demonstrate these tenets as well. He is the rare attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials. His record of success in both civil and criminal courts includes acquittals in high-profile criminal cases and numerous seven-figure and eight-figure awards for victims. He has saved many corporations from unfair and oppressive government regulation and has won out-right victories for small companies and owners embroiled in complex corporate litigation.

In 2007, Brett Appelman established Appelman Law LLC with the mission of safeguarding and advocating for the rights of individuals accused of crimes. Brett firmly believes that every defendant, regardless of the charges they face, deserves the most exceptional legal defense possible. Brett personally handles a wide array of complex cases at the highest level, including Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Assault, and individuals charged with multiple DUI offenses. He has consistently achieved successful outcomes for clients facing various criminal charges, such as DUI, Aggravated Battery, Solicitation, Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, Tax Evasion, and Felony Drug Possession and Delivery. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brett pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. He then earned a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice before attending law school at the University of Wisconsin. Prior to establishing his own firm, Brett gained valuable experience as an Assistant Public Defender in Kane County, Illinois. During his time there, he defended numerous DUI and Driving While Suspended cases, as well as various misdemeanors. Additionally, Brett served as the defense attorney on the board of the Treatment Alternative Court, Kane County's specialized mental health court. In a remarkable accomplishment in 2016, Brett secured a Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity verdict in a felony trial, sparing his client from potentially facing decades of imprisonment for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. To schedule your free consultation with the Naperville, IL Criminal Defense Attorney, visit online or call 630-717-7801.

Peter Menges received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1997. He also received a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1997, where he graduated cum laude. Mr. Menges spent his first five years of practice as a Trial Attorney with the Denver Office of The Office of the Colorado Public Defender. Mr. Menges opened The Law Office of Peter D. Menges, P.C. in January of 2003 and has been exclusively in private practice ever since. Mr. Menges has extensive trial experience. Mr. Menges has personally handled over a hundred trials. He has tried cases in Federal District Court, Colorado State District Court in numerous jurisdictions, County Court cases in numerous jurisdictions, Municipal Court matters in numerous jurisdictions, and Administrative Hearings in a number of forums. Mr. Menges has also handled Arbitrations and Mediations in civil cases. In the Federal Criminal Court context, Mr. Menges has successfully defended clients in many complex prosecutions for “white collar” cases, such as mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and computer crimes, as well as other complex cases such as large-scale drug conspiracies. In the State Court criminal context, Mr. Menges has handled cases and done jury trials for almost every type of charge ranging all the way from homicide cases to traffic offenses. In the civil context, he has handled a very wide variety of cases including general commercial disputes, personal injury cases, property disputes, contract disputes, mechanics liens issues, slip and fall cases, wage disputes, torts and civil rights. Mr. Menges has also done appellate work in courts ranging all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Menges has served on the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United States District Court in Denver since 2003. He has lectured to hundreds of Colorado criminal defense attorneys on criminal defense law and procedure. He does pro bono work for those in need, and in 2004 was awarded the Colorado Lawyers’ Committee’s Community Contribution Award for his work fighting to secure the release of a formerly mentally ill patient who had been indefinitely committed to the Colorado Mental Health Institute after a “not guilty by reason of insanity” commitment.

Jerome B. Blevins is a partner in the Liability division in the St. Petersburg office. Over the past 20 years, Jerry focused his practice in several areas including civil trial, personal injury, automobile liability, premises liability, products liability, civil rights (both federal and state) and governmental sovereign immunity. In addition, he has extensive litigation experience in commercial trucking and insurance defense. Currently, Jerry primarily represents insurance companies and self insured entities. Throughout his legal career, Jerry has always strived to create a personal relationship with his clients built on mutual confidence and trust. He pursues each case with diligence and above all remains extremely dedicated to his client’s causes. Jerry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Kentucky in 1982, graduating with high honors, and is a Phi Beta Kappa. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 1986. Jerry is a member of the Florida Bar, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, and is a certified circuit civil mediator. He is also a member of the Pinellas Trial Lawyers Association, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, Florida Defense Lawyers Association, and a member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association (T.I.D.A.).

Attorney Kendall D. Hartsfield is a graduate of Western Illinois University, Governors State University, and Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Master of Arts in Political and Justice Studies, and Juris Doctorate, respectively. Mr. Hartsfield’s diverse background ranges from experience representing indigent defendants for the Will County Public Defenders Office to experience as an educator for the City Colleges of Chicago, for which he taught courses to pre-trial detainees at the Cook County Department of Corrections. Attorney Kendall D. Hartsfield is admitted to practice throughout the State of Illinois, and he is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Mr. Hartsfield is also a member of the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. To schedule a free consultation with Attorney Hartsfield, visit his website, or call 312-345-1700.

Sam L. Amirante, a retired Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County has returned to private practice, where he concentrates in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. While a Judge, Sam Amirante was assigned to the County’s Third District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows for 13 years and 3 years in the City of Chicago, Judge Amirante carried out his duties with competence, integrity, dedication and compassion. A Chicago columnist, who dubbed Judge Amirante the Hugging Judge, noted that he occasionally directed youngsters in court to hug their parents after resolving matters which have caused an emotional break between them, usually evoking a round of applause from his courtroom. After his appointment to the bench in December, 1988, Judge Amirante presided over hundreds of jury and non-jury trials involving Felonies, Misdemeanors, Traffic, Domestic and Civil matters. He earned approval and praise from sundry citizens, government officials and court watchers. Upon graduation from Loyola University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970 Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. From 1970 to 1976 Sam honorably served in the United States Marine Corps on both active and reserve duty attaining the rank of Sergeant and Platoon Leader. While in boot camp he became the17th Marine in the long history of the Corps to receive a perfect 500 points on the tough Marine Corps physical fitness test. Sam is currently a member of the American Legion, Chicago Police Marine Corps League, Italian American War Veterans and various other veteran groups. While on reserve duty, Sam earned his Juris Doctor Degree (JD) from Loyola University School of Law in 1974, graduating in the upper third of his class and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. While attending school, he worked part-time as a policeman for the Village of Norridge. Following his admission to the Illinois Bar, he became an Assistant Public Defender participating as lead counsel in hundreds of felony and misdemeanor bench and jury trials. Sam eventually became the supervising attorney for all of Northwest Suburban Cook County. In 1978,Sam entered the private practice of law where he tried cases throughout the State of Illinois and other States and served for a Prosecutor for the Village of Norridge. That same year, together with Attorney Robert M. Motta, provided legal counsel for serial killer John Wayne Gacy. At the conclusion of the trial, the trial judge commended Amirante and Motta for the excellent legal defense they had provided during the 15-week long trial. Prior to Judge Amirante’s appointment to the bench in 1988, he was a partner in the law firm of Amirante & Etchingham with offices in Park Ridge. In 1987, upon completion of the United States v. Jack Farmer et.al. trial in the United States Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois the Court Buffs of Chicago reported in their December 10, 1987 Courtwatchers Newsletter: “Having observed the likes of BAILEY, BUGLIOSI, AND SPENCE PERFORM IN CHICAGO COURTROOMS, we can say the amicable AMIRANTE ranks with them.”Sam is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, the Federal and U.S. Supreme courts. He has appeared pro hoc vice on matters in Wisconsin, California, Michigan, Washington, Indiana, and Washington, D.C. He has served as a representative of the Illinois State Bar Association; Northwest Suburban Bar Association (past president); Italian American Bar Association; Illinois Judges Association; the Justinian Society of Lawyers; the Board of Special Olympics; Board Member of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church in Chicago; Legal Technology Advisory Board at Harper College; the Arts and Science Alumni Association of Loyola University; National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame; the Italian American Political Coalition and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans; Director and Legal Counsel for the Italian American Police Association; Director for the Little City Board; and as author of the Missing Child Act of 1984, commonly referred to as I-SEARCH; and authored the Loyola Law Review article George Orwell’s 1984 Revisited, Police Abuse of Computers in the 20th Century; and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs as well as speaking engagements.

Stephen Bernhardt has been an attorney since he was 25 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, Bernhardt has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil law. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, first handling misdemeanor offenses such as DUI, Battery, Possession of Controlled Substance, Violation of Injunction and many others. Bernhardt was quickly moved to a felony division and become the State Attorney’s Office’s representative for the county’s Drug Court Program. In this role, Bernhardt learned many techniques to help individuals overcome addictions as well as the differences between the many rehabilitation establishments throughout Florida. Prior to leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt was the lead prosecutor in his division. Bernhardt conducted several jury trials that ended in convictions and sentences of more than thirty years, including a mandatory life in prison sentence. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt began practicing civil law for one of the largest creditors’ rights firms in the United States. Bernhardt quickly became the lead litigating attorney for the firm’s Florida office and handled countless civil hearings and trials before leaving to start Bernhardt Law, PLLC. Bernhardt Law focuses on the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Debt Defense. Using the knowledge gained throughout the years, Bernhardt Law is dedicated to making sure each client’s specific situation is handled with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and integrity.

Stephen Bernhardt has been an attorney since he was 25 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, Bernhardt has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil law. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, first handling misdemeanor offenses such as DUI, Battery, Possession of Controlled Substance, Violation of Injunction and many others. Bernhardt was quickly moved to a felony division and become the State Attorney’s Office’s representative for the county’s Drug Court Program. In this role, Bernhardt learned many techniques to help individuals overcome addictions as well as the differences between the many rehabilitation establishments throughout Florida. Prior to leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt was the lead prosecutor in his division. Bernhardt conducted several jury trials that ended in convictions and sentences of more than thirty years, including a mandatory life in prison sentence. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt began practicing civil law for one of the largest creditors’ rights firms in the United States. Bernhardt quickly became the lead litigating attorney for the firm’s Florida office and handled countless civil hearings and trials before leaving to start Bernhardt Law, PLLC. Bernhardt Law focuses on the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Debt Defense. Using the knowledge gained throughout the years, Bernhardt Law is dedicated to making sure each client’s specific situation is handled with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and integrity.

Attorney Issa Elkhatib was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, a city that shaped his values of hard work, loyalty, and resilience. These qualities are at the heart of his approach to law. He is a trial lawyer with a proven track record of defending clients facing serious charges, including murder, rape, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and drug offenses. He has successfully secured not-guilty verdicts and case dismissals in high-stakes cases where everything was on the line. His practice also extends to white-collar criminal defense, with experience in handling complex cases involving theft, fraud, and embezzlement. Attorney Elkhatib’s ability to navigate these difficult cases has earned him a reputation as a skilled and determined advocate. What sets Attorney Elkhatib apart is his personal commitment to each case. He believes that every client deserves honest counsel, personalized attention, and the best possible representation. He is deeply invested in ensuring that the truth prevails and works tirelessly to protect his clients' rights and futures. Attorney Issa Elkhatib, managing partner of The Elkhatib Law Office, is known for his fierce advocacy and his unwavering dedication to his clients. No matter the complexity of the case, he fights with passion and determination to achieve the best possible outcome.

Brittany S. Bitar is an attorney licensed to practice law in Washington state and California. She focuses on business, intellectual property, and real estate law, but also takes cases in various other areas. Brittany also holds her real estate brokers license in Washington state. In addition to having her own law firm, Brittany works as general counsel for a corporation in Seattle. She has litigated copyright infringement, contract, and real estate related cases, and worked on real estate, HOA, land use, and other contractual, business, and property related non-litigation matters. In addition to taking individual client matters, she also does contract work for other firms including in family law cases. Brittany has interned with Judge Morris at Dauphin County Courthouse and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Civil Litigation Section during law school. She additionally holds a certificate in Dispute Resolution. Brittany has worked with firms that practice in estate planning, business law, employment law, contract law, family law, torts, personal injury, intellectual property, trademark law, copyright law, civil rights, real estate law, copyright law, nonprofit organization law, landlord tenant law, RICO and fraud, breach of contract, civil racketeering, corporate law, commercial torts, and other areas. She has also done contract work in business and trademark law. In 2015, Brittany founded and managed a charitable nonprofit organization, Diëresis, which focused primarily on assisting the homeless in the greater Seattle area. She has also volunteered with the American Red Cross as a lead, Bread of Life Mission, Hopelink, and other nonprofit organizations. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys day hikes, resin painting, playing the acoustic guitar and piano, and playing with her dogs.