Lavelle Law Celebrates 10 Years in Palatine
When any young attorney starts out in the legal profession, working in the heart of the financial district in Chicago and managing their own firm might be two meaningful aspirations.
For attorney Kerry Lavelle, both were achieved fairly early in his career. After spending a brief time with an established firm in the city, Lavelle began his own practice, complete with a LaSalle Street office. In subsequent years, he began assembling a group of exceptional attorneys into the practice, carefully choosing targeted skill sets and developing with them a meticulous blueprint for success. Just as the practice was developing into a small, but respected enterprise in the city, that select group of attorneys did what few others would consider. In June of 2003, they completed a rare corporate reverse commute and moved their practice to suburban Palatine. No one has ever looked back.
Since the move ten years ago, Lavelle Law, Ltd has grown from five attorneys and a small support staff to a collection of 17 highly regarded attorneys, including four partners, and a support staff of fourteen. As the firm has grown, Lavelle Law facilities have kept pace as the firm has twice expanded their presence at 501 W. Colfax, just blocks from the downtown area of Palatine.
“The move from the city to the suburbs was not done on a whim,” said Lavelle. “While it has been our goal to provide exceptional legal services and to build our client base each year, we also made a commitment to be a part of a community and to be active participants in serving that community. The move to Palatine has served us well in many ways.”
No one can question the success of that plan as the firm has received a long list of awards, recognition, and acknowledgments for their many service projects. The firm has received the 2009 Business of the Year Award from the Palatine Chamber of Commerce, a 2012 Award for Business Excellence, and the Al Knox Corporate Ethics Award. Much of their recognition comes from the annual Palatine and Arlington Heights Food Drives, among the largest in the suburbs which serve the Palatine and Wheeling Township Food Pantries. In 2010, firm founder Kerry Lavelle received the prestigious Spirit of Life Award from the Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity for his efforts within the community.
The impact on the business community has not gone unnoticed, either. Mindy Phillips, Director of the Palatine Chamber of Commerce said, “Lavelle Law has been a tremendous supporter of the Chamber and the business community through their sponsorship, participation and commitment to our local businesses and organizations. Most recently Kerry supported our first annual Young Entrepreneur Academy by serving on our investor panel. He pledged funds to help young entrepreneurs achieve their goal of becoming business owners. He invested in a business and future business leader.”
Lavelle has worked directly with a number of politicians at the state and local level and they have observed his success and hope it can be a model for other businesses. Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz spoke highly of Lavelle Law's commitment to Palatine noting, “It's exciting to hear that Lavelle Law is celebrating their 10th anniversary in Palatine. The Palatine community as a whole continues to benefit from the various charitable efforts that Lavelle Law undertakes, especially their annual food drive. Lavelle's relocation from Chicago to Palatine, and continued business growth, is a great example of how businesses can thrive in the suburbs.”
One of the organizations with whom Lavelle Law has been deeply integrated has been the Palatine Park District. Beginning this fall, Lavelle Law will expand the partnership by becoming title sponsor of the annual Turkey Trot Run. Park District Public Information Manager Deb Owen appreciates the ways in which Lavelle has supported park district activities. “Lavelle Law's continued commitment to Palatine Park District programs and special events has helped to enhance overall community awareness and involvement. We appreciate their community wide support.”
While founded primarily as a tax law firm, Lavelle Law today offers a range of Practice Groups including Business Law, Litigation, Family Law, Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, and others. “Much of our growth has been based on referrals,” said Partner Matthew Sheahin. “As we've developed new practice groups, and recruited and hired attorneys skilled in each area, we have been able to better assist our clients with all of their needs. The synergy between our various groups provides great continuity and efficiency for our clients.”
Many of the attorneys and staff members have accepted positions on Boards for a variety of local service agencies. In recent years, they have had representatives on the Board of Directors for the Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, Catholic Charities, Shelter, Inc., the Palatine Senior Citizens Council, the Palatine Township Food Pantry, the Chicago Planning Council, Countryside Association for People with Disabilities, Palatine Zoning Board of Appeals, the Village of Streamwood Plan Commission, and others.
So while the attorneys from Lavelle Law may still find themselves appearing in courtrooms in Chicago or meeting clients across a wide range of city and suburban locations, the firm is now deeply rooted in Palatine. “While I have been practicing for nearly twenty-five years, clearly the last ten in Palatine have been among the most gratifying both personally and professionally. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the business and service community for many years to come.”