J L Malevitis & Associates

Lawyers Near MeIllinoisCook CountyChicagoWest LoopNorth Jefferson Street

218 N Jefferson St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

2.0

John Malevitis. I paid him an upfront retainer fee of $5,000 which is unusually high for a divorce case. He advised me against going to the hearings and when I would show up, he told me it was best for me to wait outside. Of course I was very young at the time and very unaware of how these things work. I found out 3 years later that his plan was to continue my case until the retainer ran out. At that time, the judge assisted myself and my ex husband finalize our divorce without a lawyer. John malevitis took advantage of myself and my family, made promises he couldn't keep, and owes me $5,000.

Maria Sabbia-Mikula
  • Overview
  • (312) 258-1100

J L Malevitis & Associates Introduce

Choosing a lawyer is a critical decision, as legal matters can significantly impact your life, finances, and emotional well-being. For individuals and families in Illinois seeking legal representation, understanding a firm's reputation and client experiences is paramount. This article aims to provide a factual and informative overview of J L Malevitis & Associates, a law firm located in Chicago, Illinois. We will delve into publicly available information, including client reviews, to help potential clients in Illinois make informed decisions about their legal representation.

J L Malevitis & Associates is a firm that has handled cases in areas such as divorce and probate. When selecting a legal professional, it's essential to consider various aspects, including the firm's location, the types of services they offer, and, crucially, the experiences of past clients. Public feedback can offer valuable insights into a firm's communication practices, billing transparency, and overall client satisfaction. This article will compile this information to provide a comprehensive picture of J L Malevitis & Associates for those in the Illinois region looking for legal assistance.

We understand that navigating legal challenges can be stressful, and finding an attorney who aligns with your expectations for service and results is key. By presenting available public data, this overview intends to assist Illinois residents in their search for suitable legal counsel, enabling them to approach their legal needs with a clearer understanding of potential choices.

Location and Accessibility

J L Malevitis & Associates is located at 218 N Jefferson St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA. This address places the firm in the bustling West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, a central and highly accessible area within the city. North Jefferson Street is a well-known street, making the office relatively straightforward to find for those familiar with downtown Chicago or navigating via GPS.

The West Loop is renowned for its excellent transportation infrastructure, offering various convenient options for clients. It is well-served by public transportation, including multiple CTA 'L' train lines (such as the Green, Pink, and Blue Lines) with stations within walking distance, providing easy access from various parts of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Numerous CTA bus routes also operate in the vicinity. For clients traveling by car, while street parking can be competitive in this downtown area, various paid parking garages and lots are typically available nearby. The suite number, #400, indicates an office within a commercial building, suggesting a professional setting. The strategic location in the heart of Chicago aims to make the firm accessible to a broad range of clients seeking legal assistance across Illinois.

Services Offered

Based on the provided client reviews, J L Malevitis & Associates appears to offer legal services in the following areas:

  • Divorce Cases: The firm has handled divorce proceedings, involving aspects such as retainer fees and court appearances. Clients have sought their assistance for the dissolution of marriage.
  • Probate Cases: The firm has taken on probate matters, which involve the legal process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's assets to their heirs. Clients have engaged them for the settlement of estates.

While the provided information specifically highlights divorce and probate, it is common for law firms to handle related areas of practice. However, based strictly on the given reviews, these are the primary types of cases clients have engaged J L Malevitis & Associates for.

Features / Highlights

Based on the provided customer reviews, the following features and highlights have been experienced by clients of J L Malevitis & Associates:

  • Upfront Retainer Fees: Clients have noted that the firm requires upfront retainer fees, which one client described as "unusually high for a divorce case" ($5,000).
  • Handling of Divorce Cases: The firm has represented clients in divorce proceedings.
  • Handling of Probate Cases: The firm has been engaged to settle probate cases.

It is important to note that the provided reviews express significant concerns regarding communication, case management, and billing practices, as detailed below:

  • Concerns about Client Guidance and Court Appearances: One client stated that the attorney advised against attending hearings and suggested waiting outside, leading to a perception that the case was prolonged until the retainer was depleted.
  • Perceived Lack of Progress and Prolonged Cases: Clients have reported that cases were extended over unusually long periods (e.g., 4 years for a probate case), leading to frustration and a sense of wasted time.
  • Billing Concerns: Clients expressed dissatisfaction with the billing practices, specifically citing that the firm "just kept racking up his bill" and that money was allegedly owed back to the client.
  • Communication Issues: One client explicitly stated that the lawyer was "absolutely horrible at relaying any information for any court date," indicating significant communication breakdowns.
  • Unfulfilled Promises: A client claimed that the attorney "made promises he couldn't keep."

These points reflect direct client experiences and feedback regarding the firm's operational approach and client interactions.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided public data, there is no information available regarding any promotions or special offers from J L Malevitis & Associates. Legal firms, especially those handling complex areas like divorce and probate, typically do not advertise discount promotions in the same way retail businesses do. Legal fees are generally determined based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the expertise required. Clients often engage legal counsel based on reputation, experience, and the perceived value of the legal services provided.

The provided reviews mention upfront retainer fees. Prospective clients are typically encouraged to discuss fee structures and billing practices thoroughly during an initial consultation with any law firm to ensure full transparency and understanding before engaging their services. Since no promotional information was provided, it can be assumed that services are rendered at standard legal fees, with specific arrangements discussed directly between the firm and the client.

Contact Information

For individuals in Illinois seeking legal assistance, J L Malevitis & Associates can be contacted at the following details:

Address: 218 N Jefferson St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Phone: (312) 258-1100

Mobile Phone: +1 312-258-1100

Prospective clients are advised to use these contact details to make inquiries, schedule consultations, and discuss their specific legal needs. It is always recommended to prepare questions regarding fee structures, communication protocols, and case management expectations before an initial meeting with any legal professional.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

When considering legal representation for significant matters like divorce or probate in Illinois, local residents have various options. J L Malevitis & Associates, located in Chicago, serves the Illinois region and has experience in these areas. The firm’s central location in Chicago's West Loop offers considerable accessibility via public transport and major roads, which can be convenient for clients across the metropolitan area and beyond. This accessibility ensures that the firm is physically within reach for many individuals needing legal assistance in divorce and probate matters.

However, based on the provided public reviews, potential clients should carefully consider all available information when deciding if J L Malevitis & Associates is suitable for their specific needs. Client feedback highlights experiences regarding high upfront retainers, concerns about case duration, perceived lack of communication regarding court dates, and allegations of unfulfilled promises and prolonged billing. While the firm has handled specific types of cases such as divorce and probate, the suitability for local users will depend heavily on their individual expectations regarding communication, transparency in billing, and proactive case management. It is always recommended for Illinois residents to conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing various sources of feedback and having detailed discussions about case strategy and financial agreements, to ensure they choose legal counsel that aligns with their needs and expectations for a successful and transparent legal process.

J L Malevitis & Associates Location

218 N Jefferson St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Reviews

John Malevitis. I paid him an upfront retainer fee of $5,000 which is unusually high for a divorce case. He advised me against going to the hearings and when I would show up, he told me it was best for me to wait outside. Of course I was very young at the time and very unaware of how these things work. I found out 3 years later that his plan was to continue my case until the retainer ran out. At that time, the judge assisted myself and my ex husband finalize our divorce without a lawyer. John malevitis took advantage of myself and my family, made promises he couldn't keep, and owes me $5,000.

Apr 20, 2018 · Maria Sabbia-Mikula

Please please please do not use this lawyer. We hired him to settle a probate case in 2018. 4 YEARS LATER IT IS FINALLY SETTLED. He wasted so much of our time and just kept racking up his bill. He was absolutely horrible at relaying any information for any court date. I beg you please find someone else.

Oct 28, 2022 · Erin Perez

John has helped me on multiple occasions and he is a legal pro. Can’t thank you enough!

Feb 09, 2023 · Jen McCarty

Jan 14, 2020 · Greg Letellier

Aug 04, 2017 · Peter Buhelos

Lawyers Near Me

Sam j Haddad Law LLC

Sam j Haddad Law LLC

218 N Jefferson St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Michael D. Mannis, Ltd.

Michael D. Mannis, Ltd.

641 W Lake St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

The Law Offices of James H. Miller, Jr.

The Law Offices of James H. Miller, Jr.

641 W Lake St # 400, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Chicago Trusted Attorneys

Chicago Trusted Attorneys

444 W Lake St STE 1700, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Alien Attorney

Alien Attorney

220 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

TORKLAW

TORKLAW

150 N Wacker Dr #1450, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

McAndrews

McAndrews

500 W Madison St #34, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Jeffry Mandell Attorney at Law

Jeffry Mandell Attorney at Law

333 W Wacker Dr STE 450, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Brian K. Jones - Harrison & Held, LLP

Brian K. Jones - Harrison & Held, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr Ste 1700, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Davies & Associates LLC

Davies & Associates LLC

155 N Wacker Dr #4250, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Bielski Chapman, Ltd.

Bielski Chapman, Ltd.

123 N Wacker Dr #2300, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

D. Kaufman Law

D. Kaufman Law

185 N Franklin St Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60606, USA