Banking Law

Our firm represents several local banks as well as some regional and national banks. We provide our banking clients with representation concerning almost all aspects of their business, including mortgage foreclosures, loan document preparation and analysis, transactional advice, secured property, title examinations, replevin and various other matters. We also represent our banking clients in litigation.

Terry R. Black
Douglas R. Hoffman

Civil Litigation

Insurance Defense

We handle a wide variety of insurance defense cases including coverage disputes, declaratory judgment actions, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, municipal liability, dram shop liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist arbitration, product liability and professional liability. Repeat business may be the best indication of our commitment to delivering outstanding service, and we are proud to have handled thousands of cases in Southern Illinois. Jerome McDonald is the primary attorney handling civil defense cases. He has tried 150 cases to verdict and handled dozens of appeals. Mr. McDonald is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. Our attorneys include members of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel.

Jerome E. McDonald

Personal Injury

Our personal injury practice is designed to obtain compensation for injury to your person. There are unlimited ways to become injured, the foremost being, traffic accidents, premises liability and defective products. Our attorneys and staff provide a unique perspective from which to evaluate your case, empathize and pursue your recovery. We initially negotiate with the opposing party or insurance company, and if necessary, proceed to trial. Please contact us for a FREE consultation.

Jerome E. McDonald

General Civil Practice

Our firm represents individuals and businesses with their general civil practice and business litigation needs. We handle contract disputes and litigation, liens and lien foreclosures, damage claims, employment issues, real estate taxation, forcible entry and detainer, and various other civil practice matters. We also handle appeals and frequently act as local counsel in Southern Illinois.

Terry R. Black
Mark J. Ballard
Jerome E. McDonald
Matthew B. Flanigan
Jarred R. Tynes
Andrew D. Thomson
Douglas R. Hoffman

Corporate Law

We assist with the formation of business entities, including corporations and limited liability companies; as well as the sale, merger and acquisitions of ongoing businesses. We also provide general representation to business clients necessary for the ongoing operation and maintenance of their businesses, including the drafting and negotiation of contracts and well as general counsel and advice.

Mark J. Ballard
Matthew B. Flanigan
Andrew D. Thomson

Creditor Bankruptcy

Our firm represents creditors in all aspects of bankruptcy proceedings. We do not practice debtor bankruptcy. Representation includes filing of claims, contested matters, appearances in bankruptcy court and document review.

Douglas R. Hoffman

Municipal Law

Our firm represents various municipalities as attorney of record, assisting our clients with transactions, ordinance drafting, employment issues, governance, and litigation (ordinance enforcement, demolition actions, etc.).

Douglas R. Hoffman
Andrew D. Thomson

Family Law

Our practice covers the major family law issues including divorce, property settlement and child custody matters, but also offers experience in areas including prenuptial agreements, paternity actions, modifications, adoption, and post-judgment proceedings. See www.carnine.net for more information and answers to frequently asked questions surrounding divorce and family law matters.

Aaron S. Carnine

Mineral Law

Mineral law is a significant and long-standing practice of our firm in which we provide counsel regarding all aspects of the coal, oil, and gas industry; including ownership, correlative rights, exploration and development, regulatory law, acquisitions and dispositions, and other matters related to mineral law. Our clients include owners, operators, producers, and contractors from national corporations to locally owned small businesses. Services include contract and lease preparation, title examinations, title opinions, civil litigation, purchase and sale transactions, due diligence, and financing arrangements. When necessary, we represent our clients in administrative litigation before the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and in matters before the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. We also represent companies with matters related to other minerals such as fluorspar and rare minerals, as well as non-mineral substances such as gravel, limestone, and dirt.

Terry R. Black
Matthew B. Flanigan
Jarred R. Tynes

Real Estate Law

Our firm handles every aspect of real estate law for both local and out-of-state individuals and companies. We perform legal services in the area of negotiations, document preparation, document examination, title examination, zoning and other activities related to the sale and purchase of real property. We also prosecute and defend real estate litigation such as mortgage foreclosures, lien foreclosures, title issues, reformation, partition, contract enforcement and the like. Our firm is also a member of Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. and is an authorized issuer of title insurance policies for the company. Title examination and issuance of title commitments and policies on real estate transactions is handled for individuals, companies, and lenders.

Terry R. Black
Mark J. Ballard
Matthew B. Flanigan
Jarred R. Tynes

Wills, Trusts & Estates

We provide estate planning assistance to clients, which often includes the execution of a will or trust, power of attorney for health care and power of attorney for property. Some of the many planning considerations can include estate and gift tax planning, business succession planning and probate avoidance.

We also provide legal services needed to administer estates and trusts, which can include the probate of an estate and representation of beneficiaries. Upon the death of a decedent, we provide assistance to executors and trustees on the decision to probate an estate, the inventory and accounting of assets, distributions to beneficiaries and any other actions that may be required. Legal assistance can also be provided to establish a guardianship over a minor child or a disabled adult, as well as provide counsel to guardians and/or wards.

Mark J. Ballard
Matthew B. Flanigan
Jarred R. Tynes
Andrew D. Thomson