Attorneys
Eric G. Matlin - Owner Partner
Eric Matlin is a graduate of DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School. He was admitted to practice law in 1978 and has written estate plans for thousands of families, ranging from people with a negative net worth to people worth over $10 million. Eric is a member of the Chicago Bar Association. Eric's book, Procrastinator's Guide was published in 2004, by the New American Library division of Penguin Group USA and is now available as a free E-book. Also see Eric's blog for his current estate planning articles. Eric also participates as a charitable Board Member of The Josselyn Center, Northfield, Illinois [Providing Excellence in Community Mental Health] and is co-Chair of the Tikkun Olam (literally “repairing the world”) committee at Am Yisrael Congregation. Eric gives estate planning seminars to interested groups and is available for public speaking engagements. Contact Eric Matlin
Julie A. Kolodziej - Sr. Associate
Julie A. Kolodziej is a 1996 graduate of DePaul University College of Law. Julie concentrates her practice in the area of probate law, estate administration, adult disabled guardianships, decedent's estates, estate planning, estate tax planning, and preparation of estate tax returns. She takes great pride in helping clients to protect their families in the event of death or disability and in aiding families who have recently lost a loved one to death or disability by providing legal guidance during emotional and confusing times. Julie is an active member of the Lake County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. Contact Julie Kolodziej
Johannah K. Hebl - Sr. Associate
Johannah Hebl is a 1998 graduate of Hamline University School of Law. Formerly of the Zelmar Law Group. She worked as an associate attorney for Michael Zelmar. Johannah is licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin. She concentrates her practice in family law, probate, trust administration and litigation, and estate planning. Johannah is a member of the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce. Contact Johannah Hebl.
Mary E. Vanek - Sr. Associate
Mary graduated from Valparaiso University in 1984, and DePaul University College of Law in 1988. Mary is licensed to practice in Illinois, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Court of Appeals – 7th Circuit. Her practice is focused on estate planning, estate administration, guardianships, contested estates and other contested matters, as well as business law. Mary is a member of the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council. The Chicago Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association. Contact Mary E. Vanek
Staff
Kathryn Gooss - Office Manager/Paralegal
Kathryn graduated from the Carthage College Paralegal Program. She's had a long career as a technical writer, web-based training developer, and database administrator. Kathryn provides office operations support and various technical and fiancial administration support
Lee Schneider - Legal Assistant
Lee graduated from Madison Area Technical School with an associate’s degree in Administrative Assistant. She worked for several businesses in this capacity in Madison, Wisconsin before obtaining a position at a Madison law firm. She relocated to the Chicago area where she worked for the managing partner of a nationwide law firm in downtown Chicago for 17 years. Lee provides legal support to our attorneys.PRACTICE Areas:
- Special Needs Trust Planning
- Payback or Obra (d)(4)(A) Trust