Gaines Jan

Jan Gaines is a Partner at the law firm Blitt and Gaines, P.C. The firm's main office is located in Vernon Hills, IL, but they also maintain an office at 661 Glenn Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, USA, which is the address provided. Operating within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, Jan Gaines and her firm primarily provide services related to debt collection and creditor rights. You can reach the firm by phone at (312) 920-0620 or via mobile at +1 312-920-0620.

Blitt and Gaines, P.C. was founded in 1995 by Fred N. Blitt and Jan B. Gaines. The firm describes itself as a nationally recognized debt collection law firm, asserting its role as a leader in the legal collection of consumer and commercial debt. They operate from multiple locations, including the Wheeling office. According to available information, Blitt and Gaines, P.C. has a substantial operation with over 300 employees, including 47 attorneys, and nine offices across various states, indicating a large-scale and comprehensive legal practice. The firm aims to provide a dynamic and collaborative work environment for its employees.

Jan Gaines, as a Partner, plays a significant role in the firm. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1982 and her Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School in 1987. She joined the firm in 1995. Jan Gaines is licensed to practice in the state of Illinois and before the Northern District of Illinois. Her affiliations include the National Creditors Bar Association, Illinois Creditors Bar Association, Creditors Bar Coalition of Illinois, and Receivables Management Association International, showcasing her involvement within the industry. She has also been a guest lecturer at The John Marshall Law School.

Blitt and Gaines, P.C. is a full-service collections law firm that represents creditors, including some of the nation's largest financial institutions. Their practice areas are focused on the legal aspects of debt recovery and related legal issues, which commonly include:

• Debt Collections: This is the core service, involving the legal pursuit of unpaid debts on behalf of creditors. This can encompass consumer debt (e.g., credit card debt, medical bills) and commercial debt (debts owed by businesses).
• Creditor Bankruptcy Representation: Representing the interests of creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive appropriate consideration within the bankruptcy framework.
• Replevin/Detinue: Legal actions to recover property that is wrongfully withheld from a creditor.
• Commercial Litigation: Handling legal disputes arising from commercial transactions and business relationships, often related to debt.
• FDCPA Defense: Defending creditors and collectors against claims brought under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which regulates the conduct of third-party debt collectors.
• Judgment Domestication and Enforcement: Assisting creditors in making judgments from one jurisdiction enforceable in another, and then taking legal steps to collect on those judgments (e.g., wage garnishments, bank levies).

The firm aims to provide effective legal services to its clients (creditors) in these areas. Their official communications emphasize their commitment to ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing debt collection and the legal profession, and they state their adherence to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. They are actively involved in local, state, and national legislation concerning legal collections and creditor rights.

Blitt and Gaines, P.C. highlights several aspects of their practice:

• Experience and Industry Recognition: The firm has been in business for over 30 years and describes itself as nationally recognized. Jan Gaines has been a partner since 1995 and has affiliations with several prominent creditors' rights organizations.
• Compliance and Ethics (as stated by firm): The firm states that it is "dedicated to treating its customers with dignity and respect and is committed to ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing debt collection and the legal profession." They also state their adherence to the FDCPA.
• Large-Scale Operations: With numerous attorneys and offices across multiple states, the firm has the capacity to handle a high volume of cases and provide services across a wide geographical area.

For local users in Wheeling, IL, and the surrounding areas, Blitt and Gaines, P.C., with Jan Gaines as a key partner, operates within the "Lawyers Near Me" category specifically for debt collection and creditor representation. Their official stance emphasizes professionalism and compliance.

However, it is crucial to present a balanced view, especially given the nature of debt collection and the directly provided customer reviews. The reviews included in the context highlight significant concerns from individuals who have interacted with the firm regarding debt collection practices. These concerns include:

• Allegations of payments not being reported, leading to continued collection efforts.
• Issues with payment plans, including claims of insufficient funds being reported when funds were available, and questions about whether this was an attempt to increase debt.
• Concerns about documentation and record-keeping, with claims of "no record of anything."
• Assertions of being "scammers" who "harvest their victims from collection lists" and "sell off everything they gather to the highest bidder."
• Reports of being served legal notices years after a debt was allegedly paid, and even after proving payment in court.
• Accusations of harassment, unhelpful or abusive treatment, and lack of transparency.
• Claims of bank accounts being frozen and cleared out, leaving individuals without funds for necessities, even after Head of Household Exemptions were filed.
• Concerns that the firm cancels automatic payments before a debt is fully paid, potentially leading to default.

These reviews reflect a highly negative public perception from individuals who are debtors, contrasting with the firm's stated commitment to compliance and respectful treatment. While the firm's website states its dedication to ethical conduct and adherence to regulations like the FDCPA, the provided testimonials directly challenge these claims.

Therefore, for a local user considering or interacting with "Jan Gaines" or "Blitt and Gaines, P.C." in the "Lawyers Near Me" category, it is important to be aware that while the firm presents itself as a professional and compliant legal entity serving creditors, there are public accounts from debtors expressing serious concerns about their collection practices, communication, and adherence to payment arrangements.

Individuals who are being contacted by Blitt and Gaines, P.C. for debt collection, or who believe their rights as debtors may have been violated, should be diligent in documenting all communications, keeping records of payments, and understanding their rights under federal and state consumer protection laws. If concerns arise regarding their practices, it is advisable for individuals to seek independent legal counsel specializing in consumer rights or debt defense. The phone numbers provided for the firm are (312) 920-0620 and +1 312-920-0620.