Melvin Lawyers

Berta Sasso is an Associate Attorney at Spiros Law, P.C. where she serves clients who need representation in the areas of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. Berta is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago where she earned her B.A. in Political Science. She then continued to Southern Illinois University School of Law where she obtained her J.D. while graduating cum laude. She has previous experience clerking at the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid where she helped low-income individuals in matters regarding their consumer rights. Berta is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Missouri. She is a member of the...

Jason Spangehl is the Principal Attorney at the Law Office of Jason Spangehl in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. For nine years this practice has exclusively addressed immigration law in one of the fastest growing immigrant academic communities in the United States.

Jason brings nineteen years of experience in education at every level from elementary through post-secondary to his practice, including broad experience as an instructor at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels, as a college administrator. He also works as executive consultant to senior administrators and governing boards at Universities across the country through his separate consulting practice, Spangehl Higher Education Associates.

The Law...

Mr. Harrington joined the firm of Kanoski Bresney in November of 2014. Prior to making the move, he was a personal injury defense attorney for more than 20 years. This background and experience allow him to anticipate the defenses the insurance companies will use and stop them from wrongly denying your claims.

Suffering an unexpected personal injury can be frightening and traumatic. The most gratifying part of his job is the initial meeting with clients, where he can answer all their questions, explain exactly what to expect, and alleviate their concerns in their time of need. His practice includes all types...

After attending the University of Illinois for Undergraduate school I attended Northern Illinois University School of Law. I was a Prosecutor for the McLean County State's Attorney's office before leaving the office to practice with my father Jim Finegan. I specialize in Criminal Defense, including DUIs, felony cases, drug cases, orders of protection and expungements and will use my background as a Prosecutor to help you defend your case.

Kathy has spent her entire legal career advocating for fair compensation to those who are injured and believes in the mission to do the right thing, not the convenient thing on behalf of Kanoski Bresney's clients. Kathy believes the greatest accomplishments she has received are the words of appreciation and gratefulness from those she has represented.

Kathy was born in Spring Valley, Illinois, and grew up in a small town in Peoria County, Illinois. Kathy attended the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, and she was on the Dean's List several semesters and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts...

Drew is originally from Highland, Illinois and is a Partner for Stange Law Firm, PC who manages the Illinois offices of the firm. Drew obtained his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. After college Drew worked as a professional pilot and flight instructor where he worked hand in hand with pilots and student pilots. Drew then went on and earned his Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale, Illinois. After law school, Andrew gained experience working for another law firm in Illinois and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Madison County,...

Emma Curtis is a Team Leader Attorney at Stange Law Firm’s Maryville, Illinois office. She puts the needs of her clients at the forefront.

Emma graduated with her undergraduate degree from Maryville University, Emma then went on to further her education and received her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law.

Prior to working at Stange Law Firm, Emma was an Assistant States Attorney then worked with a private firm totaling 16 years of experience in various areas of law. Emma is also proud to have served in the United States Navy.

The choice of a lawyer is an important...

My academic interests encompass both information technology and law. I am a Professor and H. Ross & Helen Workman Research Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law. I have a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a JD summa cum laude from Georgetown University. I have served as a technical expert in numerous patent lawsuits in the communication and computer areas, especially wireless communication, RF, e-commerce, software applications, integrated circuits, microelectronics and semiconductors. I am an inventor and hold 20 U.S. patents and serve on the boards of directors/advisors...

Todd received his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law Chicago in 2005. For more than 10 years following law school, he served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Toll Highway Authority. In this trusted position, Todd litigated eminent domain cases on behalf of IDOT and the ISTHA. In addition, during this time Todd also served as a defense attorney in personal injury lawsuits. Todd also served as local liquor counsel for several high-end hotels and restaurants, including the Palmer House Hilton, Hilton Towers, Hilton Rosemont, Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport, Hilton...

Colby is an associate attorney at Meyer Capel, A Professional Corporation. Awarded his juris doctorate with honors (magna cum laude) by Northern Illinois University in 2012, Colby demonstrated excellence though his academic endeavors and by his participation as the Symposium Editor for the Board of Editors of the Northern Illinois University Law Review and as an accomplished moot court competitor. Colby was a Semi-finalist at the 29th Annual NIU Prize Moot Court Competition and an Octofinalist at the 30th Annual John Marshall Law School International Moot Court Competition in Information Technology and Privacy Law. Colby has...

I help clients protect their most valuable business assets: their ideas and inventions, their purpose, and their products. I help clients protect themselves and their assets through a combination of intellectual property management, business planning, and estate planning. I help business owners start and run their businesses successfully. I help clients keep their focus on the core parts of the business, the things that made them want to do it in the first place, by making sure their foundations and legal strategies are strong and tailored to their unique needs. My focus on clients’ legal issues takes that off their list...

Kevin is a dedicated attorney and advocate for his clients. He began his career in law as a prosecutor and prosecuted offenses ranging from DUI to Homicide, Sexual Assault, Fraud, and Domestic Violence. As a private attorney he has brought his incredible skill and knowledge to bear for his clients in similar cases. He fights and he wins.

Mary Ludwig received her J.D. and M.B.A., along with a Certificate in Food and Agricultural Law from Drake University in 2005. Prior to that she received a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture Economics from the University of Illinois. Mary concentrates her practice in agricultural law, estate planning, real estate transactions and probate. Her agricultural law experience includes organization and representation of production agricultural farm operations, agricultural cooperatives, grain elevators, agricultural input suppliers, ethanol and bio-diesel plants, and specialty farm product companies, wind tower and cell tower leases and easements, pipeline, gas, public utility and fiber optic easements,...

Michael R. Nichols was born and raised in Galesburg, IL. Michael Received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Southern Illinois University. He then received his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law. At NIU Law Michael graduated with honors and was a leader within the Professionalism and Ethics Society, while also working as a graduate assistant.

Michael approaches everyday in a positive manner with the sense of urgency that is required to produce an optimal result for his clients. Michael understands the importance of each individual case and enjoys walking his clients through every step in the...

I help people across central Illinois obtain relief from their debt through filing bankruptcy. I represent people in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I am licensed to practice in Illinois, am a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and am admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Eureka College where I also minored in Spanish. I then received my law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law. While in law school I worked in the...

Attorney Lauren A. Anaya has over 20 years' experience in the practice of law and is ready to put her experience to work for you. Dr. Anaya began her legal career with the United States Department of Justice after being hired pursuant to the Attorney General's Honors Program, the largest and most prestigious federal entry-level attorney hiring program of its kind. She served with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and subsequently went to work for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in the Office of the General Counsel. She knows immigration law and can assist...

Don B. Pioletti, Jr. has practiced law for over 35 years. He graduated from the George Mason University Law School in Virginia in 1976. He then served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General and later as an Assistant State's Attorney. He now practices at Pioletti & Pioletti in Eureka, IL doing general practice law.

Bruno Law Offices was founded in 1980 in Urbana, Illinois. The firm concentrates in criminal cases, DUI, serious State and Federal cases such as sex and drug crimes. Thomas Bruno has been the principal in Bruno Law Offices since being licensed to practice law in 1980. Bruno Law Offices never charges for an initial office consultation. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000 to tell us your story and learn about how we may be able to help.

G. Edward Murphy is the Managing Partner of Murphy & Dunn, P.C. and has been one of the best divorce, custody and family law attorneys and lawyers in Peoria, Bloomington and Central Illinois for the past 36 years. He knows how to litigate your case when necessary, negotiate favorably if possible, and win your case for you and your children in court. He is a skilled trial attorney, but also a capable mediator and problem solver. He has been lead counsel running Murphy & Dunn, P.C. for the past 35 years since he was 26 years old and has been winning...

Douglas B. Johnson is a skilled young lawyer that graduated law school at an astonishing pace of 2 years. Doug graduated cum laude at the top of his class regularly receiving awards and honors for his academic achievements. Doug is a Bloomington-Normal native, as he was born and raised in the twin cities, and prior to joining Johnson Law Group worked for many years with State Farm at their Regional and Corporate offices, in the area. Doug is an experienced negotiator as he conducted mediations representing State Farm's interests. He also worked for a private investigation agency where he gained...

Shayla Maatuka transitioned her private practice into the partnership of Dodd & Maatuka. She currently serves as managing partner for Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC. She combines her expertise as an entrepreneur - successfully establishing four businesses - with the practice of law, concentrating on civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, as well as business litigation. Her passion for the community helps others achieve their goals through entrepreneurship. She currently sits on the boards of Visit Champaign County and Mettler Studios, Inc. and formerly sat on the boards of the East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association, the Executive Club...

The Dodds Law Office, PC, represents Illinois personal injury, Illinois workers compensation and Illinois auto accident claimants and counsels clients in the areas of criminal and family law. Terry is a native of the Bloomington-Normal area, having attended grade school and junior high in the Unit 5 School District. His mother and father also have strong ties to the Bloomington-Normal community, both having graduated from Illinois State University. Terry's Brother, Geoff Dodds, is also a licensed attorney in Illinois, currently acting as the City Attorney for the Village of Heyworth, IL. After graduating from Clinton Community High School in 1992, Terry obtained...

Joseph D. Murphy is currently the president of Meyer Capel. Following law school and a two-year clerkship with a federal district court judge, Mr. Murphy began his practice with a Wall Street law firm, gaining substantial experience in trademark licensing and intellectual property litigation. Subsequently, he moved to a Washington, D.C.-based firm, where his practice concentrated in franchise litigation and counseling. Since returning to Champaign-Urbana in 1994 to join Meyer Capel, he has focused his practice on a combination of intellectual property (including franchise licensing) and telecommunications.

Irubiel Ferrer was born in Winfield, IL and raised in West Chicago, IL. Irubiel received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Irubiel then received his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law.

Prior to attending law school, Irubiel worked as a paralegal in Chicago primarily in the areas of consumer bankruptcy and family law litigation. During law school, Irubiel clerked (Judicial Externship) for the Honorable Thomas M. Lynch of the United States Bankruptcy Court for Northern District of Illinois. He graduated with honors, was awarded Dean’s List recognition,...

Candice M. Thomason is an Associate Attorney at Murphy & Dunn, P.C. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and is a member of the Peoria County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Candice is a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law, where she graduated with honors in May of 2014. She also earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University. Candice works primarily with Managing Partner G. Edward Murphy and with her Paralegal Nathan P. Paquet in all areas of...

Chris Gramm was born and raised in McLean County. After graduating from University High School in Normal, he received his BA from Illinois State University(ISU) and MA from the University of Illinois (U of I) prior to attending law school at Northern Illinois University(NIU). Before opening a law practice in Bloomington, he was formerly a lawyer with the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted misdemeanors, DUI and traffic cases. Chris is a member of the McLean County and Illinois State Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Chris is now a partner with the law...

Rachael enjoys representing clients with passion and fervor in family matters, criminal defense and bankruptcy. In her words, “The people are the very best part of this job – it’s what made me choose this career. Obtaining the best result possible for someone during a difficult time in their life brings me personal and professional satisfaction.”

Large corporations and small companies alike need sound legal advice from attorneys who understand the demands and dynamics of the business environment. Clients of Meyer Capel will find these skills in Matt C. Deering. A native of Champaign-Urbana and a graduate of Champaign Central High School, Mr. Deering holds a bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Kentucky and a juris doctorate from Ohio Northern University. He joined the firm in 1994 as a law clerk and became a full-time associate in 1996 and a shareholder on January 1, 2003. In addition to handling general corporate and business law concerns,...

As a former senior tax consultant for a former Big Eight accounting firm, and as a business school graduate, Todd Black is uniquely qualified to advise clients on legal matters pertaining to estate planning and administration and corporate/business planning. A practicing attorney in Champaign-Urbana since 1987, Mr. Black joined Meyer Capel in 1993. Mr. Black received a bachelor of science in finance from the University of Illinois in 1983. He attended the University of Illinois on a full athletic scholarship and served as co-captain of the U of I's varsity tennis team. He was the recipient of numerous undergraduate honors, including...

Since joining the firm in 1970, Francis J. (Jerry) Jahn has been responsible for building and expanding the business practice of Meyer Capel. He served as President of the firm from January 1999 until December 2010. A 1967 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, Jerry was winner of the Frederick M. Green Moot Court Competition and the Horner Cup and Waterman Prize for Excellence in Moot Court Competition as a law student. He was also recipient of the Harno Scholarship. Jerry is a member of the Illinois State and Champaign County Bar Associations. He served on CCBA's board of...

Rebecca concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, tax planning, estate administration, probate, wills, trusts and trust administration. She counsels clients on a variety of estate planning, estate administration and trust administration issues and has significant experience in drafting both basic and complex estate plans that include wills, revocable trusts (or "living trusts"), irrevocable life insurance trusts, living wills, advanced directives, powers of attorney for health care and powers of attorney for property. In addition to preparing basic estate plans and counseling clients regarding a broad array of issues such as the importance of choosing an appropriate guardian for...

Jeff Brown is an experienced and aggressive Bloomington criminal defense and post-conviction attorney. He handles all FEDERAL and ILLINOIS criminal cases including DUI, drugs, domestic battery and unlawful use of a weapon and traffic violations.