Engelman & Smith

As part of the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category, Engelman & Smith is a law firm situated in Evanston, Illinois, aimed at serving the legal needs of local users. The firm's address is 1603 Orrington Ave # 800, Evanston, IL 60201, USA, and they can be reached at (847) 328-1900 or via mobile at +1 847-328-1900. This introduction aims to provide an objective overview of the firm based on publicly available information, including its environment, services, and features, alongside some promotional details as derived from general public perception and available reviews.

Engelman & Smith was established in 1976 by Steve Engelman and Mark Smith with a mission to provide quality legal services at reasonable and affordable rates, particularly for the middle class who might struggle to find quality legal counsel. Initially operating out of an Evanston storefront, the firm expanded over time, moving to an office building while maintaining its commitment to accessible legal assistance. The current location at 1603 Orrington Avenue suggests an office setting typical of professional legal practices in an urban or suburban environment. This type of address typically provides a structured and professional atmosphere for consultations and legal work, designed to handle client meetings and administrative functions efficiently. The building's location in Evanston would imply accessibility for local residents and businesses, making it a convenient option for those in need of legal services within the community.

Regarding the services offered by Engelman & Smith, the firm has historically provided a broad range of civil law practices. Steve Engelman, prior to his retirement in 2018, concentrated his practice in areas such as residential and commercial real estate, which includes acquisition, leasing, financing, zoning, development, litigation, and sale. He also handled estate planning, guardianship, probate administration, and litigation, as well as small business and entrepreneurial formation and management. Mark Smith, who has practiced law for over 40 years, brings extensive civil practice experience to the firm, having managed numerous jury and bench trials in both state and federal courts. His experience includes securing significant jury verdicts. For the past two decades, Mark Smith has primarily focused his practice on Family Law and accepts new cases by referral. This indicates that the firm, through Mark Smith, continues to offer services in family law, which can encompass divorce, child custody, support matters, and other related domestic legal issues.

The firm's historical commitment extends beyond client services to community involvement. Engelman & Smith played a role in the creation and passage of the Evanston Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, which became a national model. They have also successfully represented individuals in civil rights cases, including the first woman hired as a street officer on the Evanston police force, and have won important jury verdicts in civil rights and other claims. This demonstrates a historical dedication to impactful legal work within the community and a commitment to broader societal issues, which suggests a firm with a strong sense of civic responsibility.

When examining the features of Engelman & Smith, as with any long-standing legal practice, the firm's history and experience are notable. Having been in operation for several decades, the firm has likely built a substantial base of legal knowledge and procedural expertise. Their stated goal is to establish enduring relationships with clients, providing thorough investigations, legal research, and a collaborative approach to understanding client needs and formulating goals. They aim to keep clients informed of developments, offer candid assessments of case strengths and weaknesses, and explore alternative paths to ensure clients are prepared for any turn of events and can make educated decisions. This suggests a practice that values client involvement and transparent communication.

However, it is important to address public feedback and promotional information objectively. While the firm's history points to a commitment to quality and affordable legal services, recent online reviews present a different perspective. One review explicitly describes Mark Smith as an "unethical lawyer who skirts the edges of the law," and mentions preparing to report him for "extortion in a civil case." This review also references other negative reviews and expresses strong caution about using the attorney for representation. Another review describes the service as "worst service and rude staff!" These reviews, while representing individual client experiences, are significant as they directly contradict the firm's stated values of quality service and client satisfaction. For potential clients utilizing a "Nearby Lawyers" platform, such direct and critical feedback is crucial to consider, as it relates directly to the perceived professionalism, ethical conduct, and client experience with the firm. It is important for individuals seeking legal counsel to thoroughly research and weigh all available information, including both historical achievements and current client sentiments, to make an informed decision about legal representation.

In conclusion, Engelman & Smith, located in Evanston, IL, has a long history of providing legal services in real estate and civil matters, with a more recent focus on family law through Mark Smith. The firm's foundational mission emphasized accessible and affordable legal assistance for the middle class and a commitment to community involvement. While the firm's historical narrative and stated operational approach suggest a client-centric practice, recent public reviews highlight significant concerns regarding ethical conduct and service quality. Prospective clients on a "Nearby Lawyers" platform should consider both the firm's established history and the critical feedback when evaluating Engelman & Smith for their legal needs, ensuring they gather comprehensive information before engaging their services.