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Catherine H. Barbercheck
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Catherine H. Barbercheck
Barbercheck & Associates, P.C.
201 West Springfield Avenue
Champaign, IL 61824
Phone: (217) 352-3634 | Fax: (217) 356-7000
http://www.barberchecklaw.com
With Integrity and Understanding
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work on cases involving personal injury, contract enforcement or defense, and estate planning.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Shareholders' Rights
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- International Transactions
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Warranties
- Construction Defects
- Construction Disputes
- Mechanics' Liens
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
- Debt Collection/Relief/Harassment
- Frauds, Scams, Hoaxes
- Identity Theft
- Repossessions
- Student Loans
- Truth in Lending
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 1978
Bar Number: 3122578
Other Court Admissions
U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois 1979, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit 1984.
Association Memberships
Illinois Bar Association and the Champaign County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I teach and attend continuing legal education seminars on many topics in the law, and I always exceed the required number of hours.
Papers and Publications
I was co-author of a chapter titled "Summary Judgment" in the book Illinois Civil Practice, published by the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. It was last revised in 1995.
Example Cases
I am currently working on a case that arose from misrepresentation in a residential real estate sale. I also have a case where I'm assisting family members to arrange health care and financial management for a disabled family member. I just settled two personal injury cases as well. One case involved an auto accident, the other involved a slip and fall injury.
Education
Degree:
B.S.
School:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Year:
1975
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Lewis University College of Law
City:
Glen Ellyn
State:
IL
Year:
1978
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
The firm was originally established in 1973 under the name Lawrence E. Johnson and Associates. I have worked with the firm since 1978 and became one of two partners with Lawrence Johnson in 1985 and became sole owner in January 2006 after his death.
We strive to be a full-service law firm, but if there are areas of practice that we don't handle, we know qualified attorneys who do and can make competent referrals.
Previous Employment Summary
My law employment has been exclusively with this private practice.
Activities and Awards
• Community Service Award from Illinois State Bar Association, 2001
• Community Service Award East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association, 2001
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I have supported self-education for many years. I appreciate clients who educate themselves. I believe we should have more education about legal matters in high schools, and feel that it is as least as important as consumer education.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I have done this in the past when requested and will continue to do so in the future.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am very happy to coach clients in self-representation to the extent that I can do so within my professional responsibilities. I like to explain the system to people and explain their options.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
The standard answer is still the true one: I like to help people. In addition to that, however, I think that lawyers are the freest people to the extent that they truly understand their rights. I like the variety that general practice brings. Even after 30 years, I'm still learning something new every day.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I was raised by a working class family and I was the oldest of seven children. I worked to pay for my own education. These experiences in particular give me perspective on the practicalities the average person has to deal with in life.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I really have a general practice, and I am drawn to the variety. I work with many different kinds of people and get the chance to become knowledgeable about many different topics and in many areas of law.
What do you like best about your career?
As I noted before, I love the variety of my career and it always keeps me interested.
Tell us about your law firm:
The people working with me have worked with me for many years. My two associate lawyers have been with me for over ten years. My paralegal has been at the practice for five years. We all work very well together as a team.
What are your strengths and style?
My strengths are that I can be empathetic with my clients while still working with them to focus on their goals. My style is to be accommodating with the opposition as long as that works to my clients' interests, but am assertive when necessary.
Personal Interests:
I'm an avid reader and I enjoy gardening when I get a chance. I also have a private pilot's license and I enjoy spending time with my two cats.
Office Manager/Assistant
Viola Lighthall.
Fax
(217) 356-7000
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For a package of standard wills, living wills and powers of attorney, the cost is $150 for an individual and $250 for a couple. A standard residential real estate closing is $450.
Hourly Rates
$200 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I offer a free initial consultation for roughly one hour.
Typical Retainer
This depends on the case, but it's usually about $2,000.
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.
