Wapella Lawyers

Frank DiFranco- Selected to 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers Primary Practice Areas: Criminal Defense & Plaintiff Personal Injury Over 30 Years of Experience Mr. DiFranco has earned a lifetime position in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum based on awards he has won for clients. Some of those cases include: -$11.2 Million Jury Verdict Prado v. City of Evanston -$5.2 Million Jury Verdict Abruzzo v. City of Park Ridge -$1.5 Million Jury Verdict Bojalad v. Parliament Enterprise -$1.17 Million Jury Verdict Meadors v. Borg Warner, Protective Services, Corp. Contact Our Firm: 617 Devon Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068 (847) 825-7744 difrancolaw@aol.com

Megan M. Nolan was born in 1983 in Belleville, Illinois. Ms. Nolan received a B.A., Honors Diploma, from Murray State University, in 2006, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice. Ms. Nolan received her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2009, where she pursued a concentration in Civil Litigation. She was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2009, and the Illinois Bar in 2010.

Ryan A. Margulis is an experienced personal injury attorney and partner at Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP. Since 2003, Ryan has concentrated on representing injury victims in serious and complex bodily injury cases throughout Illinois. Ryan takes great pride in meticulously handling every aspect of each client’s case, from initial client contact through final resolution.

Melanie K. Fairman is an experienced trial attorney who has represented plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death actions since 1994. Over the years, she has obtained millions for clients through settlement and trial. A large percentage of her practice involves cases arising from medical malpractice and nursing home negligence, but over the years she has litigated quite a few significant vehicular collision and premises liability cases, including a $3.8 million verdict in a case tried by Melanie and her partner, Steve Seidman, against JW Marriott based on exposing a guest who was an attorney to Legionella bacteria, causing him...

Charles Lee Mudd Jr. is the founder and principal of Mudd Law, located in Chicago, Illinois, Park City, Utah, and Houston, Texas. He focuses his practice on a wide range of business legal issues, including transactional and litigation matters involving intellectual property, Internet law, and emerging technology. Mr. Mudd and his firm serve a diverse group of clients, including local, national, and international individuals and businesses. Mr. Mudd received a B.A. in philosophy and a Master of Arts in political science from Purdue University and then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the Quinnipiac University School of Law....

A former Cook County criminal and DUI prosecutor, Attorney Uche is a nationally recognized criminal and DUI defense attorney. Attorney Uche has successfully defended and won acquittals for his clients in hundreds of cases that span broad areas of criminal law including but not limited to: DUI charges, murder charges, gun/weapons charges, drug charges and financial crimes amongst others

For instance, Attorney Uche has successfully argued and persuaded the Illinois Appellate Court in People v. Litiwn 2015 IL App (3d) 140429, to throw out his client’s conviction and 12-year sentence for drug trafficking; a case now often cited as legal precedent....

While working full time, and raising his two children, Justin started college in pursuit of becoming an attorney. His dream has been brought to fruition as he is ready and able to tirelessly represent his clients. He considers his role as an attorney to not only be an advocate for his clients, but also for the community. Justin brings passion and strong ethical fortitude to the practice of law. When not practicing law, Justin enjoys spending time coaching youth football and baseball.

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D. & Certificate in Civil Advocacy, 2016

DePaul University, B.A. Philosophy &...

Lisa M. Nyuli has been a partner since joining the firm of Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. in 2000. Prior to joining the firm, for the first 10 years of her career, she worked as an attorney in Aurora, Illinois and in Geneva, Illinois. She was licensed in 1989 and focuses her practice primarily in all areas of family law. In 2008, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Ms. Nyuli is also active in the Illinois State Bar Association as a member, having served two terms on the Board of Governors, and...

Since 1999, Lawrence Maya has focused his practice on representing injury victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Licensed in both state and federal courts, he has successfully prosecuted a wide array of cases, including medical malpractice, automobile accidents, food poisoning, products liability and toxic mold exposure. Mr. Maya also remains active in the community. He has served as a member of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce in Chicago. He has also written a legal column for a local area newspaper. In 2017, Mr. Maya was asked to appear in and recorded a videotaped discussion on the Concealed...

Aggressive, pragmatic, energetic, zealous representation of clients' interests, both in court and out of court, is a succinct summary of my experience and what I bring to the representation of all my clients.

My trial experience and ability is my biggest professional strength. I have been fortunate to try scores of cases, before judges and juries, representing multinational corporations, family owned businesses and individuals in a wide variety of matters. I have particular expertise and experience in prosecuting and defending emergent litigation matters such as temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.

Nancy M. Vizer founded her law firm in 2001 in Chicago, IL, to provide an outlet for immigration clients to receive personalized service. The firm almost always charges a flat fee, so that clients can know exactly what to expect. Ms. Vizer works directly with each of her clients, rather than delegating work to a team that the client may never meet. The staff remains fully familiar with each of Ms. Vizer's immigration cases, and is able to answer questions when Ms. Vizer is occupied with other matters, but clients always have access to Ms. Vizer for their substantive concerns.

I am a Chicago and Miami lawyer practicing family- and employment-based immigration law, and removal and deportation defense and appeals. I also work with criminal and family law issues as they arise in the context of immigration cases.

Adriana C Cross is an experienced Family Law, Estate Planning, and Bankruptcy attorney and owner of A Cross Law Firm PLLC, a full-service law firm located at 111 W. Jackson, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60604. She works personally on any and every case that comes into the firm. Adriana became licensed in the Northern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Court in 2019, and the Southern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Court in 2024. She also handles cases in St. Clair County, IL and Cook County, IL. Adriana opened A Cross Law Firm PLLC following her departure from John Buchmiller and Associates, and continued to...

I provide immigration solutions to corporate clients including foreign investors, domestic businesses hiring foreign workers, and multinational companies transferring foreign employees to the United States. I also represent individual executives, professionals, researchers, scientists and artists regarding their specific immigration-related needs. My practice comprises all aspects of nonimmigrant visas, permanent residence, citizenship and worksite enforcement, including Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and E-Verify compliance.

I try to anticipate my clients’ needs by making every effort to consider cost, timing and longer-term issues at stake, as immigration decisions can have a reverberating impact even decades into the future. By understanding what is important...

Williams & Nickl concentrates its practice on the representation and defense of licensed professionals before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Edward is a former Chief of General Prosecutions for IDFPR as well as the Chief of Real Estate Prosecutions. Since 1992, our firm has represented hundreds of doctors, dentists, nurses and other health-care workers. We also have represented hundreds of licensees in various business professions such as Detective, Security, Alarm, Real Estate, Real Estate Appraisal, Funeral Director, Mortgage Broker, etc.

Mr. Bartolic advises executives and other professionals regarding executive compensation and benefits, and represents them in all ERISA litigation. His practice is devoted exclusively to representing individuals such as executives and directors, managers, brokers, traders, investment advisors, attorneys, physicians, and educators. He helps the professionals obtain and protect the compensation and benefits they have earned through initial negotiation of compensation and benefits, internal administrative claims and appeals, and federal litigation if necessary. Mr. Bartolic also consults other attorneys on matters involving the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). His practice includes advising: personal injury and workers compensation lawyers regarding rights of...

Ian M. Barney is a founding partner of Barney & Hourihane, LLP and is licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois. He has successfully represented clients both at trial and on appeal and has extensive experience representing individuals in a variety of cases. He focuses his practice on criminal appeals and civil rights lawsuits.

He has participated in many cases of note and has argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate Court. Ian was named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine for the years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. No...

The "Law Offices of Steven R. Roach" is a full service criminal defense practice with office locations in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Wheaton, Illinois. We provide tough, experienced, effective representation on behalf of adults and juveniles throughout the greater Chicagoland area, and all surrounding suburbs. We are pleased to offer a free consultation. Our practice areas include, but are not limited to, Personal Injury, Criminal defense, Worker's Compensation, DUI, Traffic, Driver's License Revocation Reinstatement, FOID Firearm Owners Rights Reinstatement. To contact one of our law offices, call 312-421-8820 / 847-685-6000 / 630-573-8500. You may also contact us...

Dena M. Singer is an accomplished litigator and trial lawyer, who has devoted her career to advocating on behalf of her clients. She has successfully tried countless bench and jury trials to verdict covering a wide array of charges. Dena has also litigated and won numerous Motions to quash arrest and suppress evidence, motions to suppress statements and many other motions when the government has violated her clients’ rights. Dena has substantial experience defending clients in complex white collar criminal cases, including financial fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Additionally, she has defended juvenile clients in delinquency cases ranging...

Attorney Charles Canning has represented clients throughout Kane County and across Northern Illinois for over 30 years. He assists clients with cases in the following practice areas:

"Whiting Law Group focuses on personal injury law and litigation. Our successful team of proven personal injury lawyers in Chicago and Wisconsin represent victims involving personal injury, trucking accidents, automobile accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death and medical malpractice actions. Whiting Law Group understands how the harm caused by the negligent conduct of others affects our clients and their loved ones. We strive to reduce the stress, trauma and hassles of seeking justice so that our clients may focus on their health and their families in their time of hardship. Our expertise, experience and aggressive approach extend to every...

James J. Laraia is an energetic, well-rounded attorney with knowledge and experience in family law, civil, and criminal matters. He routinely practices in DuPage, Kane, Will, DeKalb, and Kendall counties. After obtaining his B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College in 1997, Mr. Laraia went on to earn his Juris Doctor Degree from Northern Illinois University in 2001. He served as an Assistant State's Attorney and then went into private practice in 2003.

Mr. Laraia focuses his practice in family law and civil litigation and has experience handling matrimonial law, child custody and child support issues, post-decree petitions, adoptions, and parentage cases. He...

Maria "Gabby" Antoniolli started her law practice as an Assistant State's Attorney with DuPage County State's Attorney's Office where she gained extensive trial experience in a variety of cases. During her time as a prosecutor, she prosecuted traffic and misdemeanor cases such as: DUIs, Domestic Violence, and Orders of Protection. Gabby was then promoted to the felony juvenile division where she handled hundreds of juvenile abuse & neglect cases from intake through disposition. During her tenure in this division, Gabby worked closely with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and developed a deep understanding of the different aspects...

Attorney Michael F. McMahon is a former DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney with over 20 years of legal experience. He assists clients throughout DuPage County and the surrounding areas with matters relating to criminal law, including DUI defense, sex crimes, traffic crimes, drug charges, violent crimes, property crimes, weapons charges, and expungements. Mr. McMahon earned his law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993 and a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola University of Chicago. He maintains active memberships in local and state organizations including the DuPage County Bar Association, the DuPage County...

Scott G. Richmond practices in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, banking, collections, employment, Landlord-Tenant law including evictions, personal injury, wrongful death, real estate short sales, homeowner and condominium association representation and zoning/land use issues. He is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Richmond was named a Leading Lawyer in Illinois for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Mr. Richmond is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association (where he's served as General Counsel and on...

I feel that my expertise in each of these areas compliment the other. For example, complex divorces often involve real estate or business holdings, with the accompanying valuation and ownership issues. Sometimes, a trust for the benefit of children is appropriate. In doing estate planning, there is often the need to plan appropriately for the second marriage situation. Real estate clients also often need to appropriately plan their estates, and to take title to their home in a manner that is consistent with their ultimate estate desires. I was admitted to practice in the courts...

Mr. Houlihan was admitted to the State Bar of Illinois in 1986. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois as a member of the trial bar. He has been admitted to the Capital Litigation Trial Bar of the State of Illinois to represent criminal defendants in death penalty cases. Mr. Houlihan is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, where he has served as Co-Chairman of the Younger Members Committee (1988-1989); Chairman of the Criminal Law Committee (1990-1991); and Chairman of the Membership Committee (2000-2001). He is...

I, Tyler Neher, am proud to be part of the VF Law, Ltd. team as an associate attorney. My journey in law began at a family law firm in Lake and DuPage County, where I dedicated my practice to handling family law matters, including divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Before rejoining the family courts, I served as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office within their domestic violence unit. This role provided me with a unique opportunity to acquire substantial trial experience early in my career. I am...

Randy has represented technology clients large and small for nearly a decade, and has been licensed to practice before the US Patent & Trademark Office since 2003. He is passionate about startups, and works tirelessly to build IP portfolios that form core assets for young and growing companies.

An avid trumpet player, Randy regularly performs with various musical groups around the Chicago area in his spare time.

Paul Henry Millewich graduated from the National Law Center at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and received his B.S. from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Paul's experience in the Coast Guard has allowed him to assist clients with complex mechanical, technical, and engineering cases involving injuries and wrongful death. Mr. Millewich has dedicated his practice to representing injured clients in Product Liability and Medical Malpractice cases. Paul has been a Personal Injury attorney for 33 years, and he is an experienced and skilled litigator. Every case Paul accepts is prepared for trial. He is...

Timothy was born and raised in the southwest side of Chicago. He attended St. Laurence High School, and graduated from Northern Illinois University.

Before going to law school, Timothy was working as an Illinois Certified Public Accountant (CPA), having received his certification in 1989. He spent four and a half years working for Arthur Andersen & CO., Chase Manhattan Bank and Shand Morahan & Company.

Timothy went to John Marshall Law School, graduating and being admitted to the Bar in May 1994 (Cum Laude) and was a staff member of the Journal of Computer and Information Law. He opened his own law...

Licensed to practice law under the Illinois State Bar since 1973, and the DuPage County Bar since 2003, Attorney John F. Martoccio is now a managing partner at Martoccio and Martoccio in DuPage County, Illinois. The law firm focuses on providing high quality legal advice from a team of caring family law and personal injury lawyers who treat their clients with respect. He was recently named in an article in the Illinois Trial Court Divorce Digest. He represented a stay at home mother of two who was married in 2005 in her divorce. She had no assets and spoke...

Sharon R. Mulyk is a partner with Mulyk, Laho & Mack, LLC, where her practice is concentrated in family law and collections. Sharon is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association, where she served as the President from 2012-2013. Sharon has also served, by appointment, as the DCBA Associate Counsel, Chairman of the Family Law Committee Chairman for the Membership Committee, Judiciary Committee, Planning Committee, CLE Committee and has volunteered her time to act as a Judicial Intervention Leader. She is the Past President of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers and Past President of the DuPage...

David J. Winthers is a lifelong resident of DuPage County having graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1974 and Wheaton College in 1977.

Amanda concentrates her practice in the areas of trusts and estates. She prosecutes and defends trustees, executors, and administrators, relating to will contest, undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, business wind-up, estate accounting, and trust accounting disputes through initial filings, discovery, trial, and post-trial issues such as appeals. Amanda also provides services in trust administration, probate administration, and general litigation. Amanda is an experienced litigator, having represented clients in appeals, estate and trust contests, business disputes, commercial disputes, elder abuse issues, and guardianships. She is known for building and maintaining relationships with clients through trust and collaboration.

William ("Bill") F. Bochte is a graduate of Fenwick High School, obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary's University (formerly Saint Mary's College) in Winona, Minnesota in 1965. Bill went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School in 1969 and has been in the private practice of law serving his client's needs ever since. Mr. Bochte practiced in the city of Chicago for approximately 10 years before relocating to Kane County and the Fox Valley area. Mr. Bochte has received a United States of America Presidential Commendation in "recognition of exceptional...

Alexander Sendlak is a family law / divorce attorney at the Law Offices of Dolci & Weiland, located in Oakbrook Terrace, DuPage County, IL and Chicago, IL. Mr. Sendlak accepts cases regarding: - Divorce - Family Law - Alimony / Divorce Maintenance - Post Decree Issues - Child Custody & Visitation - Child Support - Adoption

Jonathan David Herpy, Sr. has been named one of the top private equity and corporate attorneys in Illinois under the age of 40 by Chicago Magazine in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Jonathan has represented investors, sponsors, and managers of public and private pension plans, broker-dealers, investment advisers, custodians, and other financial industry service providers throughout the entire range of the investment spectrum and routinely provides market-leading advice on public/private offerings of equity and debt along with capital raising strategy.
In addition to the above, Jonathan has been touted as an industry leader for his sophisticated and efficient approach to structuring...

Stephen R. Botti is a principal in the Law Firm of Botti Marinaccio, LTD. He has received an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible rating. He is recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers in the field of family law and child custody in the Chicago metropolitan area. A former Cook County prosecutor, he has practiced family law for over 33 years and has successfully litigated or negotiated settlements in many high profile Illinois family law cases. Mr. Botti has significant expertise with complex estates that involve multi-million dollar holdings and require sophisticated financial expertise in...

Kathryn Whitacre is a Partner at Whitacre & Stefanczuk LTD where she practices in the areas of Real Estate Law, Business Law, Family Law and Estate Planning. Kathryn received her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011 and her B.A. in Business from Bowling Green State University in 2006. Kathryn is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.