podlewski & hanson

For residents and businesses across Illinois, navigating the intricate landscape of environmental regulations, compliance, and related legal matters can be a significant challenge. Historically, finding a legal partner with deep expertise in this specialized field was crucial for ensuring adherence to complex statutes and effectively addressing environmental disputes. For many years, Podlewski & Hanson P.C., located in Western Springs, Illinois, served as a dedicated resource in these vital areas of law.

Podlewski & Hanson P.C. built a reputation for providing focused legal services, particularly in environmental law, for clients throughout Illinois. The firm, comprising Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., and Heidi E. Hanson, brought a combined total of over 90 years of service to the legal profession. This article provides an overview of their former practice, offering insights into their location, the services they provided, and what made them a notable presence in the Illinois legal community. It is important to note, however, that as of January 1, 2024, both Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., and Heidi E. Hanson have retired from the private practice of law, and the law offices of Podlewski & Hanson P.C. are now closed. This information is presented to acknowledge their significant contributions and assist individuals who might be researching their legacy or past engagements.

Podlewski & Hanson P.C. was conveniently located at 4721 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1500, Western Springs, IL 60558. This address placed the firm in a professional office setting within Western Springs, a suburb of Chicago, making it an accessible location for clients throughout the Western Springs area and the broader Chicagoland region. Franklin Avenue is a well-established street in the village, generally easy to navigate for those traveling by car. Being situated in a professional suite typically meant convenient parking options for visitors, enhancing accessibility. While specific public transportation routes directly to the office might vary, Western Springs is served by Metra's BNSF Line, and local bus routes could connect individuals to the vicinity of the office. This strategic location in a community-oriented suburb underscored their role as a local legal resource, providing a convenient point of contact for clients seeking specialized legal assistance in Illinois.

Podlewski & Hanson P.C. specialized in offering a range of legal services with a particular emphasis on environmental law, drawing on the extensive experience of its founding attorneys. Their practice areas included:

• Environmental Law: This was a core area of expertise for the firm, particularly for Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., who practiced in this field for over thirty years. Services included:
  • Contested Environmental Matters: Representing clients in state and federal courts regarding a wide range of environmental disputes and regulatory enforcement actions.
  • Agency Appearances: Appearing before numerous environmental agencies to advocate for clients' interests and ensure compliance.
  • Environmental Advice and Counsel: Providing guidance on environmental issues arising in commercial and real estate transactions, including due diligence, permitting, and liability assessments.
  • Federal Environmental Laws: Extensive experience with key federal statutes such as CERCLA (Superfund), RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), and the Clean Air Act.
  • Illinois Environmental Statutes and Regulations: In-depth knowledge of state-specific environmental laws and regulations, essential for compliance in Illinois.
• Compliance Assistance: The firm offered services to help businesses and individuals understand and comply with complex environmental laws and regulations, reducing their risk of violations and penalties.
• General Practice: While environmental law was a specialization, the firm's profile also indicated involvement in "General Practice" and "Civil Practice." This often means they handled a broader range of legal issues for local clients, which could include:
  • Business Litigation: Handling legal disputes for businesses.
  • Commercial Litigation: Addressing commercial disputes through legal processes.
  • Estate Planning: Assisting individuals with planning for the management and distribution of their assets.
  • Banking Law: Providing legal advice related to banking and financial regulations.

Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr.'s background as an enforcement attorney with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency further strengthened the firm's capabilities in environmental compliance and litigation.

Podlewski & Hanson P.C. distinguished itself through several key features and highlights that reflected its dedication to specialized legal service and client advocacy. While the firm is now retired, these points reflect their past operational strengths:

• Deep Environmental Law Expertise: Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., brought over three decades of experience specifically in environmental law, including a background as an enforcement attorney with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). This insider perspective provided invaluable insight into regulatory practices and enforcement strategies.
• Extensive Combined Experience: Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., and Heidi E. Hanson together contributed over 90 years of service to the legal profession. This vast collective experience underscored their profound understanding of the law and dedication to their practice areas.
• Specialization in Complex Regulations: The firm was adept at navigating federal environmental laws like CERCLA, RCRA, and the Clean Air Act, as well as Illinois-specific environmental statutes and regulations. This specialization was crucial for clients dealing with intricate environmental compliance and litigation.
• Proven Litigation Experience: Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr.'s background included representing clients in a wide range of contested environmental matters in both state and federal courts, indicating a readiness and capability for courtroom advocacy.
• Thought Leadership and Publications: Mr. Podlewski was a recognized author and speaker on environmental topics, contributing to legal handbooks and publications. This highlighted his active engagement with and thought leadership in the field, benefiting both the legal community and his clients.
• Professional Recognition: Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., was selected as an Illinois "Super Lawyer" in 2007, a testament to peer recognition for his professional achievements and high degree of legal competence.
• Peer-Reviewed Excellence: Podlewski & Hanson P.C. received a 5.0/5.0 peer review rating on platforms like Martindale.com, indicating high regard from their legal peers for their professional competence and ethical standards.
• Strategic Advice on Transactions: The firm provided crucial advice on environmental issues arising in commercial and real estate transactions, helping clients avoid potential liabilities and ensure due diligence.

These features demonstrate the firm's commitment to specialized, high-quality legal service within its areas of focus.

Specific promotions or special offers from Podlewski & Hanson P.C. are not publicly detailed in the provided information. Legal firms, particularly those specializing in niche areas like environmental law or offering services in general practice, typically structure their fees based on the complexity and scope of the legal work involved. This could involve hourly rates for consultation and ongoing representation, or potentially flat fees for specific, well-defined tasks (e.g., drafting certain environmental compliance documents or handling particular aspects of real estate transactions). While direct discounts or promotional packages are not mentioned, the value offered by a specialized legal firm often comes in the form of deep expertise, efficient problem-solving, and effective risk mitigation, which can save clients significant time, stress, and potential future costs. For prospective clients, understanding a firm's fee structure is crucial. However, as noted, Podlewski & Hanson P.C. officially closed their offices as of January 1, 2024, due to the retirement of both Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr. and Heidi E. Hanson. Therefore, inquiries about new client engagements or promotions are no longer applicable to this specific firm.

As noted, the law offices of Podlewski & Hanson P.C. are now closed due to the retirement of Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr., and Heidi E. Hanson, effective January 1, 2024. Therefore, they are no longer accepting new clients. However, for those who may have been past clients or require information regarding the disposition of closed files, they have provided a contact number:

Former Address: 4721 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1500, Western Springs, IL 60558, USA

Phone for inquiries regarding closed files: (708) 784-0624

Mobile Phone (presumably for past client communication): +1 708-784-0624

It is important for individuals seeking legal services in Illinois to note that this firm is no longer actively practicing. For current legal needs, new clients will need to seek alternative representation.

For many years, Podlewski & Hanson P.C. served as a valuable legal resource for locals throughout Illinois, particularly for those in Western Springs and the wider Chicagoland area. Their particular suitability stemmed from their deep and extensive specialization in environmental law, a complex field requiring highly specific knowledge and experience. Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr.'s over 30 years of practice in this area, including his background with the Illinois EPA, offered a unique and highly beneficial perspective for clients navigating environmental compliance, transactions, and litigation. The firm's collective experience, totaling over 90 years of service between Mr. Podlewski and Heidi E. Hanson, underscored their commitment to the legal profession and their ability to handle intricate cases effectively. For Illinois residents and businesses with environmental concerns, from regulatory compliance to real estate transactions involving environmental due diligence, Podlewski & Hanson P.C. provided highly respected and specialized legal counsel. While the firm has now retired, its legacy as a dedicated and knowledgeable local legal presence in environmental law for the Illinois community remains noteworthy.