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Charles R. Wolf
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Charles R. Wolf
116 N Chicago St
Suite 330
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 553-0370 | Fax: (815) 553-0293
http://www.crwolflaw.com
A law firm that handles your problems with care.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
No strong preference. I take clients who want either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. I do not do other chapters, but I will take a business Chapter 7 if needed. I prefer not to come into an existing case where the previous attorney has withdrawn.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
IL, May 2000
Bar Number: 6271521
Other Court Admissions
The Federal Courts of the Northern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, and the Northern District of Indiana.
Association Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association; Chicago Bar Association; Will County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend legal education seminars on selected topics in Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Probate Law, and Legal Ethics. I exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Example Cases
Client X had close to $400,000 in personal debt due to business losses while self-employed, as well as an old IRS claim for $20,000. I was able to get X's debts discharged, including the IRS claim.
Client Y owned two properties, including his home and the family homestead where some relatives lived. Both were in default and heading for foreclosure due to his wife's temporary layoff. Through a Chapter 13, we saved both properties for his Estate.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Chicago - Ken College of Law
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1999
Honors:
American Jury Award; American System of Justice
Focus and Accomplishments:
Focus on Read Estate and Probate law.
Degree:
M.S.
School:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Year:
1972
Honors:
Graduate assistantship, 1971-1972
Focus and Accomplishments:
Foundations of Education.
Degree:
Ph. D.
School:
Loyola University
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1984
Honors:
Dissertation fellowship, 1981-1983
Focus and Accomplishments:
Philosophy of Education.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
Our office was opened on September 2, 2003 at 5 East Buren Street in Joliet, IL. In April, 2007, we moved into larger quarters at 116 North Chicago Street in Joliet, IL.
More than half of our business is bankruptcy, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Most of the remainder is divided between real estate transactions and probate cases; we occasionally handle a "miscellaneous" matter such as a small claims case or an eviction.
Previous Employment Summary
From July, 2002 to August 2003, I was a staff attorney at MGM Law Offices, LLC, in Chicago, IL. From June 2000 to July 2002 I was an associate at Heller & Richmond, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Activities and Awards
Pro Bono bankruptcy work for Will County Legal Assistance Program, 2004 - present; Judge, Lewis University Regional Mock Trial Competition, 2005 - 2006; Member, Bankruptcy, Real Estate and Probate Committees, Will County Bar Association, 2004 - present.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think this is an excellent idea because a client who has an understanding of the law can greatly assist his/her attorney in achieving a favorable outcome of the case. An uninformed client is more likely to be unaware of issues raised by his/her case and to run afoul of various rules of law.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to review clients' documents for a modest fee.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Self-representation is a bad idea, particularly in bankruptcy where the rules are very complicated. I have never had a client ask me to coach him/her for this type of situation. However, if a client insisted on self-representation, I would make an effort to provide the necessary information.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
After many years of doing other kinds of work, my exposure to real estate sales made me aware of contracts and contract law. From there, I wished to learn more about the law and that developed into a plan to attend law school. Along the way, I discovered that I could be more effective in helping to solve people's problems through law than in other types of work.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
A lot of my work experience has been in education, which helps me to teach my clients about what is going on in their situations and how things might be resolved.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I did not actually choose it - it chose me. In my first position with a law firm, I was told after being hired that I would handle the firm's bankruptcy cases. I knew nothing about bankruptcy at the time, but with the help of an able mentor, I quickly learned the trade. Not only did my expertise increase rapidly, but I found that I actually enjoyed assisting clients who had seemingly catastrophic financial problems.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the relief from anxiety that my clients experience when I explain to them how I can help them. The relief seems permanent, if "Thank You" notes, Christmas cards and such are any indication. Also, I enjoy the freedom that my practice gives me to make decisions and to act in what I believe are the best interests of my clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am essentially a solo practitioner, so my clients deal directly with me. I do most, if not all of the work on their cases. However, I share my office with another attorney who sometimes assists, and with whom I can discuss situations and ideas. We also refer certain types of cases to each other. In addition, there are two attorneys whom I consider "of counsel" and who are available to assist and to share their expertise when that is appropriate.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a good instructor and a good public speaker, which means that I explain the law to my clients in a simple and systematic manner, and I am rarely at a loss for words in the office or in the courtroom. In the office I try to be friendly, relaxed, sympathetic, caring and reassuring. Rather than trying to impress people with my brilliant legal expertise, which some lawyers do, I want to be known as someone you can go to when you have a problem.
Personal Interests:
In addition to practicing law, I have a second career as a church musician and currently serve as organist at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Lockport, IL. I like to travel and have visited many parts of the world. I enjoy photography and building scale models. I am interested in art, archeology, history and historic preservation. My wife has two Jack Russell terriers and I accompany her to club meets and events. I also belong to the Graphology Club and the Parapsychology Club at Joliet Junior College, Joliet IL. I would say that I dabble in many things.
Fax
(815) 553-0293
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Weekends and evenings by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Italian
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
My usual fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $650 plus court costs; add $100 if two parties are involved. For a Chapter 13, the initial retainer fee ranges from $650 to $750, plus court costs, with the balance paid by the Trustee. Fees for other services are negotiable.
Hourly Rates
When appropriate, I charge $150 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. If the client signs a contract for services, there is no extra charge for office visits.
Typical Retainer
It depends on the type of case (see first answer above).
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
