Civil Litigation Attorney in Cook & DuPage County
Protecting Your Rights in High-Stakes Legal Disputes.
Civil disputes aren't just about the law; they are about leverage. Whether you are facing a breach of contract, a property dispute, or a professional conflict, Lofgren Legal provides the aggressive litigation strategy needed to reach a favorable resolution. We navigate the complexities of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure so you can focus on your business and life.
Civil Actions We Handle
We represent individuals and small businesses in the Illinois circuit courts, including the Daley Center (Law Division) and the Bridgeview Courthouse.​​
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Breach of Contract: Enforcing agreements or defending against claims involving unpaid debts, service failures, or partnership disputes.
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Property & Real Estate Litigation: Resolving disagreements over deeds, boundary lines, mechanics' liens, and landlord-tenant conflicts.
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Consumer Fraud & Conversion: Seeking remedies for deceptive business practices or the unauthorized taking of your property.
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Defamation & Privacy Claims: Protecting your reputation against libel and slander, or addressing violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
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Chancery & Equitable Claims: Seeking court orders (injunctions) to stop harmful actions or force the fulfillment of a specific obligation.
The Illinois Civil Litigation Process
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The Complaint & Summons: Every case starts with a formal "Complaint" identifying the Cause of Action and a "Summons" served to the defendant.
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The Responsive Pleading: The defendant typically has 30 days to file an "Answer" or a "Motion to Dismiss" if the legal basis of the claim is flawed.
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Discovery Phase: The longest part of any case. We exchange documents (Production), answer written questions (Interrogatories), and take sworn testimony (Depositions).
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Pre-Trial Motions: We often file "Motions for Summary Judgment" to resolve cases before trial if the facts are not in dispute.
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Trial or Settlement: Most civil cases settle before trial. If an agreement cannot be reached, we take your case before a judge (Bench Trial) or a jury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a civil lawsuit take in Illinois?
A: Small claims cases (under $10,000) can often be resolved in a few months. However, complex "Law Division" cases (claims over $50,000) in Cook County can take 12 to 24 months to reach trial, depending on the volume of discovery and the court's schedule.
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Q: Can I recover my attorney’s fees from the other side?
A: Under the "American Rule," each party generally pays their own attorney’s fees regardless of who wins. However, you can recover fees if:
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There is a specific Contractual Provision (an "Attorney's Fees Clause") in the agreement you are suing over.
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A specific Illinois Statute (like the Consumer Fraud Act) allows for fee-shifting.
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Q: What is a "Statute of Limitations" in a civil case?
A: This is the deadline for filing your case. In Illinois, the deadline depends on the claim:
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Written Contracts: 10 years (735 ILCS 5/13-206)
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Oral Contracts: 5 years
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Property Damage: 5 years
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Defamation: 1 year If you miss this deadline, your claim is barred forever.
Q: What is the difference between "Damages" and "Injunctive Relief"?
A: Damages are monetary compensation for your loss. Injunctive Relief is a court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something—such as stopping a former employee from using your trade secrets or stopping a neighbor from building on your land.
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Q: What happens if I win but the defendant refuses to pay?
A: Winning the judgment is only half the battle. We also handle Post-Judgment Collection, which includes garnishing wages, placing liens on property, or seizing bank accounts through "Citation to Discover Assets" proceedings.