Civil Litigation · DuPage County, Illinois
Business and personal disputes handled with a clear head and a steady hand, whether the right outcome is a negotiated settlement or the courtroom.
Civil litigation is what happens when disputes can’t be resolved through direct negotiation. Filing a complaint, responding to one, discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial when necessary. Most civil cases settle — but settlements depend on credible threat of litigation, which depends on real trial capability.
We handle civil litigation for individuals and small businesses across DuPage and Cook County. Real estate disputes, contract enforcement, business conflicts, lease and landlord-tenant matters. We provide realistic case assessment — including when settlement is the better path than continued litigation.
Personal and small business civil litigation.
Breach of contract claims and defenses. Service agreements, sales contracts, employment, leases.
Partner disputes, vendor disputes, employment matters, business contract enforcement.
Purchase agreement disputes, title issues requiring suit, easement and boundary disputes.
Eviction prosecution and defense, lease disputes, security deposit claims, habitability defenses.
Debt collection for businesses, defense against collection actions for consumers and businesses.
Pre-litigation negotiation, mediation, structured settlements. Often the best resolution path.
Demand letter, settlement attempts, case evaluation. Many disputes resolve here.
Complaint and answer filed. Initial motions. Discovery commences.
Interrogatories, document production, depositions. Often the longest and most expensive phase.
Most cases settle during or after discovery. Trial follows if no settlement.
We tell you honestly whether litigation makes economic sense — including when it doesn’t.
Daily practice in DuPage and Cook County courts. We know the procedures and the personalities.
We’ve tried cases. That credibility translates into better settlements.
Most cases should settle. We push toward resolution that makes sense — not toward maximum billing.
Chris or John handles your case personally throughout. Your relationship is with the attorney.
Many disputes cross practice areas — contract, real estate, business. We handle them under one roof.
From our Villa Park office, we represent clients across DuPage County and the western suburbs of Chicago.
Depends on the strength of your case, the resources of the other party, the relationship you want to preserve, and the realistic outcomes of trial. Most cases should settle — litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain. We provide honest evaluation.
Almost always hourly — costs depend on whether the other side fights, how much discovery is needed, and whether the case goes to trial. Simple matters might be $5K-15K. Contested matters with substantial discovery can be $25K-100K+. We provide estimates at each phase.
Most civil cases take 12-24 months from filing to resolution. Complex cases or contested discovery can stretch to 3+ years. Many cases settle along the way, often after major milestones (discovery closes, summary judgment briefed).
Statistically, no — over 90% of civil cases settle before trial. But cases settle only when both sides take seriously the threat of trial. We prepare every case for trial even when settlement is likely.
Legally yes (with some exceptions). Practically, against represented opposing parties, almost never advisable. Discovery rules, procedural requirements, and motion practice are difficult to navigate without legal training.
Collecting on a judgment can be harder than getting one. We help assess collectibility before suit and pursue collection strategies (garnishment, liens) after judgment. Sometimes the right answer is not to sue.
Whether you’re considering suing or you’ve been sued, the first consultation is free. We provide honest assessment of your options and realistic outcomes.