2026
Illinois Valley
Attorney
&
Law Directory
A comprehensive guide to attorneys and law offices serving the Illinois Valley
2 October 2026 | Attorney & Law Directory | A Shaw Media Publication
Questions to ask when looking for an attorney Various situations call for working with a lawyer or an attorney. Having a skilled, experienced legal advocate in your corner in such situations can be advantageous and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. When searching for legal representation, individuals may realize that there’s no shortage of legal firms. That can make it more challenging to find the right lawyer or attorney. The vetting process is an important part of finding legal representation, and the following are some questions individuals can ask as they look for a lawyer or attorney. ARE YOU A LAWYER OR AN ATTORNEY? The terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are not interchangeable. The employment search engine Indeed notes that attorneys can represent clients in court and other legal proceedings while lawyers cannot. That’s a subtle yet significant distinction that individuals must take into account when looking for legal representation. WHAT LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN CASES LIKE MINE? Though each legal situation is unique, many are not oneof-a-kind instances. So individuals should ask about an attorney’s experience with cases like their own and take note of the breadth of that experience. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL OUTCOMES OF MY CASE? Even the most experienced and skilled attorney cannot say with absolute certainty what the outcome of a case will ultimately be. However, that does not mean they cannot study the details and provide an assessment to give prospective
clients an idea of how the case will unfold. When vetting attorneys, individuals should prepare and be ready to discuss details that can help each professional provide the most accurate assessment of their case. WHAT WILL YOUR REPRESENTATION COST ME? Expenses and attorney fees can be significant, so individuals should not hesitate to ask how much legal representation will cost them. Attorneys represent clients on a contingency basis in certain situations, such as when an individual is suing for damages. In those situations, individuals should confirm what percentage of damages the attorney will receive and if there are any costs they may be responsible for. In other situations, confirm if an attorney is charging a fixed amount for their services or an hourly fee. It’s also necessary to inquire about expenses and request that an attorney provide a reasonable estimate of what their fees will be while they’re representing you. HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE DURING THE CASE? It’s understandable that individuals want to be kept abreast of the details of any legal matter they’re involved in. Ask how that will unfold if you hire the attorney you’re vetting. Will an intermediary be calling with periodic updates or can clients contact the attorney directly via an email, phone call or text message? The right representation can make all the difference in a legal situation. Asking the right questions can help individuals find an attorney they’re confident can deliver the best outcome. TF23C514 A Shaw Media Publication | Attorney & Law Directory | October 2026 3
What anyone should know about disability rights Life is full of challenges, and obstacles are often easier to overcome when people have some trusted allies in their corner. Certain situations are more easily managed with a little help from a trustworthy support system, and that system can include a reliable legal representative. The American Civil Liberties Union notes that individuals with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation and exclusion. That’s why it pays for such individuals to have a trustworthy legal advocate in their corner to advise them on their rights and recommend action to take if those rights are being compromised. WHAT RIGHTS DO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE AT WORK? The ACLU notes that federal laws protect people with disabilities from being discriminated against in the workplace. Such individuals do not have to inform an employer of a disability when they apply for a job or even after they’re hired. That’s the case even if their disability requires a reasonable accommodation in the future.
Individuals with disabilities who can perform the job cannot be denied promotions, fired or demoted, harassed, or paid less as a result of their disability. It’s also illegal to refuse to hire someone capable of doing the job simply because of their disability. People with disabilities also are protected under the law from unnecessary medical inquiries at work. WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WORKRELATED DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION? The ACLU notes that the following are some examples of disability discrimination in the workplace: • A refusal on the part of an employer to hire, promote or equally pay a person because of a disability when that person is capable of doing the job • An employer refuses to make reasonable accommodations to ensure a person with a disability has an equal chance to succeed at work • An employer demands that a disability be disclosed or discussed when you have not requested an accommodation • A person is the target of derogatory
4 October 2026 | Attorney & Law Directory | A Shaw Media Publication
comments, jokes or gestures related to a disability from a boss, coworkers or customers WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I BELIEVE MY RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED? The ACLU recommends individuals with disabilities who believe their rights have been violated take various steps in response to such violations. In addition to contacting a lawyer, the ACLU recommends filing a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a state fair employment practices agency. The ACLU notes that deadlines to submit such filings may be as short as 180 days, so it’s vital that individuals move quickly in response to any violations. The ACLU urges federal employees to contact their EEO counselor within 45 days. Disability rights are in place to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace. Lawyers who specialize in this area of the law can advocate for people with disabilities and ensure they are treated fairly and equitably. TF23C515
Meyers, Flowers, Bruno, McPhedran & Herrmann is an Illinois Valley law firm operating from a simple philosophy: put the client first. Our trial attorneys have successfully advocated for plaintiffs in numerous high-stakes cases, resulting in landmark verdicts and positive changes in policies to protect the residents of LaSalle County and the surrounding counties. We take on cases that make a difference, not only for those involved but for our community and society as a whole.
1200 Maple Drive, Peru, IL 61354 • (815) 421-3720 • www.mfbhlaw.com PERSONAL INJURY • ABUSE • MALPRACTICE • PRODUCTS LIABILITY • AUTO ACCIDENTS CLASS ACTIONS WORKERS' COMPENSATION • COMMERCIAL DISPUTES
A Shaw Media Publication | Attorney & Law Directory | October 2026 5
Situations that call for hiring a lawyer Situations in which people can benefit from legal advice and representation arise every day. Whether it’s help writing a will or assistance closing a new home purchase, lawyers can provide a host of invaluable services to their clients. Legal representation can be costly, and those costs might compel people to go it alone. However, there are many situations in which hiring a lawyer is the appropriate move. • Complex situations: A do-ityourself approach might work with minor home improvement projects. However, that approach is rarely in a person’s best interest when a legal issue arises. That’s because legal issues are often more complex than they seem due to nuances in laws. Understanding those nuances is the responsibility of a lawyer and requires years of study. When a complex legal situation arises, the abilities of a lawyer can make the difference between a successful outcome and one that puts individuals in jeopardy. • Threat of incarceration: Lawyers are vital in situations where incarceration is a potential outcome. Such situations do not only include instances in which people have been charged with violent crimes, but also crimes involving tax issues, domestic problems and incidents involving motor vehicles. • Injured parties: Any legal situation in which someone has been injured requires the services of a lawyer. Whether you’ve been hurt or have been accused of hurting someone or have had someone suffer an injury at your
home or in your business, it’s best to hire legal representation immediately. • The death of a loved one: Lawyers can help the families of recently deceased individuals navigate the potentially complex allocation of that person’s estate. For example, lawyers who specialize in probate law can ensure all tax obligations are met and can offer insight and expertise on how to handle any disputes that may arise regarding the deceased individual’s will and assets. • Extensive estate planning: Lawyers who specialize in estate planning are often mistaken as being the same as probate lawyers. But that’s not necessarily the case. Though some lawyers provide both estate planning and
6 October 2026 | Attorney & Law Directory | A Shaw Media Publication
probate services, those services are different. Probate attorneys handle the administration of an estate after a client dies. Estate planning attorneys work with living clients who want to draft their wills and ensure their assets are allocated according to their preferences after they die. Individuals with large and/or complex estates can work with estate planning attorneys to establish trusts and create extensive asset distribution plans for people who have multiple heirs and beneficiaries in their wills. These are just a handful of the many situations in which individuals can rely on attorneys to help navigate potentially complex issues. TF22A416
The many roles played by different types of lawyers The legal profession casts a wide net. Lawyers and attorneys wear a number of different hats, and knowing how to distinguish between the many types of legal professionals can help people find the right fit when they’re looking for legal representation or guidance. • Defense lawyer: Thanks to Hollywood, the general public has a good idea of what defense lawyers do, even if most people will never need one. Defense lawyers defend people who have been accused of breaking the law. According to the Legal Information Institute, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a defense lawyer. People accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire a private attorney can be assigned a public defender to represent them as the legal process plays out. • Family lawyer: Family lawyers specialize in many different areas. Some family lawyers may specialize in di-
vorce cases, while others may specialize in child adoptions. Lawyers who specialize in domestic violence cases also may qualify as family lawyers. • Estate planning lawyer: Over time, just about anyone might require the services of a lawyer who specializes in estate planning. These profes-
Experienced Attorneys,
Here for your legal needs
sionals help people with their wills and can help ensure asset transfers go as smoothly as possible. Estate planning lawyers also can help people establish trusts. • Personal injury lawyer: Commercials for personal injury lawyers dot the television landscape, making these
professionals among the most recognizable legal professionals. Personal injury lawyers specialize in civil litigation while representing clients who may have been injured at work or in public or in another setting. • Real estate lawyer: Homeowners utilize real estate lawyers when buying their homes. These lawyers can represent both buyers and sellers (though not both at the same time) as the parties negotiate the sale of a home, essentially serving as intermediaries between the two parties. Real estate lawyers are often present when closing documents are signed. Real estate lawyers also work on disputes between tenants and property owners. Lawyers serve in various capacities and specialize in many different areas of the law. Knowing which professional to look to when in need can help people successfully navigate any legal issues that arise. TF22A411
Guilfoyle & Stevenson LLP Michael S. Guilfoyle Attorney at Law
michael@guilfoyleandstevenson.com • Real Estate • Corporate/Business
• Estate Planning • Family Law
Herbolsheimer, Duncan & Klinefelter, P.C. Since 1909
654 1st Street, Suite 400 LaSalle, IL 61301 815 . 223 . 0111 • hdkpc.com
Kathleen M. Stevenson Attorney at Law
kati@guilfoyleandstevenson.com 1316 Meriden Street
(815) 539-6711
Mendota, IL 61342
guilfoyleandstevenson.com
A Shaw Media Publication | Attorney & Law Directory | October 2026 7
Born Here. Raised Here. Fighting for You Here.
Serving the Illinois Valley for over 43 years. Personal injury and criminal defense with personal attention. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and Leading Lawyer. Free Eval Case uati Here’s What You Should Know: on Insurance Adjusters Are Not On Your Side. The Time To Find Out Your Rights Is Before Talking To An Adjuster. A Meeting To Find Out Your Rights Costs You Nothing.
George Leynaud
Auto Accidents • Wrongful Death • Child Injuries • Dog Bites All Personal Injury • Workers’ Compensation Uninsured/Under insured Insurance Claims • Medical Malpractice • Motorcycle/Boating Accidents • Nursing Home Negligence
ALSO AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Criminal defense/Felony/Misdemeanor/DUI/Traffic Wills/Trusts/Estates/Real Estate/Mediation We also Expunge/Seal Criminal Records & Aid in FOID Denial/Revocation
More Than Four Decades of Experience
GEORGE G. LEYNAUD www.leynaudlaw.com www.leynaudlaw.com SM-LA2351646
Top 5% of all Illinois lawyers & High degree of peer recognition and professional achievement
1200 38th Street, Peru, IL 815-224-4700
8 October 2026 | Attorney & Law Directory | A Shaw Media Publication
Super Lawyers
George G. Leynaud SELECTED IN 2026