Engelman & Smith

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be a challenging endeavor for anyone, but it often presents unique difficulties for middle-class families and individuals who seek quality legal representation at an affordable rate. For residents and businesses across Illinois, particularly in the Evanston area, finding a law firm that combines extensive experience with a commitment to accessible and effective service is a significant advantage. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Engelman & Smith, highlighting their enduring mission, their comprehensive range of services, and why they remain a suitable and dedicated legal resource for local users in the Illinois region.

Engelman & Smith, established in 1976 by Steve Engelman and Mark Smith, was founded on a vision to bridge a crucial gap in the legal system. They recognized that while the wealthy and corporations had ample resources for legal counsel, and the impoverished had legal assistance programs, the middle class often struggled to find quality legal services at reasonable and affordable rates. Starting from an Evanston storefront, the firm pioneered an innovative approach, utilizing early word processing technology to efficiently handle diverse legal matters, significantly reducing fees compared to other lawyers. This foundational commitment to providing accessible, high-quality legal services has remained at the core of their practice for nearly five decades, solidifying their reputation as a client-focused firm in Illinois.

The firm's philosophy extends beyond just legal representation; it includes a strong sense of obligation to give back to the community that supports them. Engelman & Smith played a pivotal role in the creation and passage of the Evanston Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, an initiative that not only benefited local residents but also became a national model for defining landlord and tenant obligations. As the firm matured, Steve Engelman (who retired in 2018) and Mark Smith continued their deep involvement in various governmental, charitable, legal, and community service capacities. This blend of professional legal excellence and genuine community engagement underscores their holistic approach to serving the people of Illinois. Their enduring mission, as articulated by Mahatma Gandhi's quote, "Truth never damages a cause that is just," reflects a steadfast dedication to integrity and justice in all their endeavors. For anyone in Illinois seeking legal guidance from a firm deeply rooted in its community and committed to ethical practice, Engelman & Smith presents a compelling option.

Location and Accessibility

Engelman & Smith is conveniently located at 1603 Orrington Ave #800, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. This prominent address in downtown Evanston ensures excellent accessibility for clients throughout Evanston, the North Shore, and the wider Chicago metropolitan area. Orrington Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, making the office easy to reach by car or public transportation. Evanston is well-served by public transit, including the CTA Purple Line and Metra Union Pacific North Line, providing convenient connections to downtown Chicago and numerous surrounding suburbs. This strategic location minimizes travel burdens for clients seeking legal counsel. Being situated in a vibrant commercial and professional hub also places the office in close proximity to local courthouses and other essential services, contributing to efficient legal processes for clients.

Services Offered

Engelman & Smith focuses its practice on civil law, offering a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to the needs of individuals, families, and small businesses. Their commitment to providing quality and affordable representation spans several key areas. The firm’s primary practice areas include:

• Residential and Commercial Real Estate: Providing extensive experience in all facets of property law, representing buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, financiers, borrowers, investors, developers, and converters. This includes legal assistance with acquisition, leasing, financing, zoning, development, litigation, and sale of both residential and commercial properties.
• Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Probate Administration and Litigation: Assisting clients with crucial future planning, including drafting wills and trusts, establishing guardianships, and guiding families through the complexities of probate administration. The firm also handles litigation related to estates and guardianships when disputes arise.
• Small Business, Entrepreneurial Formation, and Management: Offering legal counsel to small businesses and entrepreneurs, from the initial formation of a business entity to ongoing management issues, contract review, and general legal advice to ensure compliance and strategic growth.
• Family Law: Mark Smith, one of the founding partners, concentrates his practice in Family Law and accepts new cases on referral. This includes guidance through divorce proceedings, issues related to child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), and the division of marital assets, including homes, businesses, and pensions. The firm strives for creative solutions to maximize financial recovery and minimize emotional impact.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mark Smith is a trained Mediator and a Supreme Court approved Arbitrator, and a former member of the Illinois State Bar Association's (ISBA) ADR and judicial evaluation committee. This expertise allows the firm to explore and facilitate settlements outside of traditional courtroom litigation, when appropriate, offering more collaborative and potentially less adversarial solutions.
• Civil Litigation: The firm handles a broad range of civil practice experiences, with attorneys having tried numerous jury and bench trials in both state and federal courts, including achieving significant jury verdicts. While adept as litigators, they are always prepared to discuss settlement, balancing aggressive advocacy with pragmatic resolution.

Features / Highlights

Engelman & Smith is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its enduring commitment to client service and legal excellence for the Illinois community:

• Long-Standing History: With nearly 50 years in practice since 1976, the firm boasts a rich history of serving the Evanston and Illinois communities, establishing deep roots and extensive experience.
• Founding Mission: Dedicated to providing quality and affordable legal services to the middle class, a mission they have consistently upheld throughout their history.
• Experienced Attorneys: Mark Smith brings over 40 years of legal experience, with extensive trial experience and a focus on Family Law. While Steve Engelman retired in 2018, his legacy of civil law practice, including real estate, estate planning, and small business, continues to influence the firm’s approach.
• Community Involvement: Both founding partners have a strong record of giving back to the community, including assisting in the creation of the Evanston Landlord-Tenant Ordinance and serving in various governmental and charitable capacities.
• Strategic and Collaborative Approach: The firm prioritizes a thorough investigation of facts and legal research, working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs, formulate goals, and explore alternative paths to achieve successful results, whether through litigation or settlement.
• Mediation and Arbitration Expertise: Mark Smith’s training as a Mediator and Arbitrator provides clients with valuable options for resolving disputes outside of court, offering potentially less adversarial and more efficient solutions.
• Reputation for Trustworthiness: The firm aims to establish enduring relationships with clients, providing candid assessments of case strengths and weaknesses, ensuring clients are informed and prepared to make educated decisions without surprises.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific promotions or special offers are not publicly advertised, it is a common practice for legal firms of Engelman & Smith’s stature to offer initial consultations to prospective clients. These consultations provide a valuable opportunity for individuals and businesses to discuss their legal concerns, understand the firm's approach, and determine how their expertise can best address specific situations. It is always recommended to contact Engelman & Smith directly to inquire about their consultation process and any potential fee structures. Engaging in an initial discussion can help clarify legal pathways and provide a preliminary understanding of what to expect.

Contact Information

For residents and businesses in Evanston and the broader Illinois region seeking dedicated legal assistance, connecting with Engelman & Smith is convenient. You can reach their office using the following details:

• Address: 1603 Orrington Ave #800, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
• Phone: (847) 328-1900
• Mobile Phone: +1 847-328-1900

Prospective clients are encouraged to call during business hours to schedule an appointment or to speak with their team about their legal inquiries. The firm’s long-standing presence and commitment to client communication ensure that your initial contact will be informative and professional.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local users in Illinois, particularly those in Evanston and the surrounding Chicagoland area, Engelman & Smith presents an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous choice for their diverse legal needs. Its central and easily accessible location on Orrington Avenue in Evanston ensures convenience, making it simple for residents and business owners to seek expert legal guidance. What truly sets Engelman & Smith apart for locals is their foundational mission, established nearly five decades ago, to provide quality and affordable legal services to the often-underserved middle class. This commitment means that individuals and families in Illinois can expect dedicated representation without prohibitive costs, a critical consideration for many.

The firm’s comprehensive range of services, spanning essential areas like residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, small business formation, and particularly family law (with Mark Smith’s focused expertise), directly addresses many common and significant life events and challenges faced by the local community. Their extensive experience in civil litigation, coupled with a strong emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods, offers clients flexibility and the potential for less adversarial outcomes. Moreover, Engelman & Smith’s deep roots in the Evanston community, evidenced by their involvement in significant local initiatives like the Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, reflect a genuine understanding of local needs and a commitment to giving back. For any Illinois resident seeking seasoned legal professionals who prioritize client interests, offer practical solutions, and are deeply invested in their community, Engelman & Smith stands as a reliable and trustworthy partner, ensuring that quality legal support is within reach.