Schlesinger & Strauss, LLC Reviews

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Sharis Pettis

I highly recommend this law firm. They helped me with my child custody case. They helped me get the best outcome for my child. Michael Strauss was my lawyer. He stayed on top of everything and communicated with me effectively. He was always available and willing to answer any questions I had. The firm bills pretty fairly and they are very helpful in working with you to make payments. Thank you Schlesinger & Strauss.

Emily Sylvia

I cannot say enough GREAT things about this entire firm! They worked relentlessly to help me regain full custody of my daughter and in a timely fashion. Gary was amazing, not only professional, but also honest and kind. I HIGHLY recommend Schlesinger & Strauss to anyone in search of a lawyer in this area. Thank you Schlesinger & Strauss for bringing my baby home! I am forever grateful!

Thom Disch

I worked with Michael Strauss and found him to be helpful, informative and supportive. They helped me through a tricky 513 problem with minimal pain. I also found them to be very fair with their billings. i never once felt that they were in it for the money but rather to help me solve my problem. Highly recommend this firm and their services.

Ashley

Michael Strauss helped with getting my order of protection renewed. He was insightful and pulled up a case law that would help establish our stance within minutes of explaining my situation to him. He is a strong, knowledgeable, and empathic lawyer who had my childrens and my best interest in mind.

Paige Fisher

Not only does mike know his stuff, But is also respected in the court room. Mike is very approachable and his willingness to help good people shines as soon as you enter his office. Thank you Mike I couldn't ask for a better lawyer.

Jimmy Santucci

Called to inquire about Michael Strausss position on why fathers do not deserve equal rights of mothers. He wouldnt answer and was extremely rude. Fathers should not give this man a cent to represent them.

Rob Stephen

Michael helped me with my long drawn out divorce. He always gave me amazing advice and always listened to me. My biggest concern was always my kids and that I wanted to see them as much as possible. My ex wife always used the kids against me through out the divorce and Michael would not let that happen and fought for me as a dad who wants too see my kids always. Michael never gave up and I ended up with almost 50% time with my kids. I am so thankful that he never gave up on my kids and I. I highly recommend Michael and the firm.

Rasa Lukosiute

I would like to thank Michael and his staff for helping me in my legal matter. I found Michael to be experienced, responsive, knowledgable and honest.The communication was always prompt and to the point. I felt like Michael truly cared and wanted the matter resolved as much as I did. Thank you once again on doing a great job. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone seeking legal representation that is fair, honest and affordable!

leonard cohen

I can't understand how Lawyers get away with treating people like this? Is there no consequences for un ethical behavior?

marissa sterba

Michael Strauss and his team are exceptional. In the most challenging and emotionally taxing time in my life, they have gone above and beyond to support me. Not only does he do thorough legal work, beyond that he truly cares for the people he represents. I am blown away by his compassion and dedication to his cases. Dont hesitate to give them a call; highly recommended!

Anonymous

Michael was very empathetic to my situation and clear/straightforward with his communications. He always responded promptly and answered all of my questions. He is very detail oriented and ran me through every possible outcome with complete honesty. His rates were very fair. I would highly recommend him.

Gene Lowrey

Well there are few firms who truly perform on a near miracles level like Gary, Mike and their firm. For me they took years of turmoil and 528 days without my children into 50/50 parenting time. I'm a disabled adult with a limited income they still worked with me. Life changing results for me. This firm truly does exemplary work and strives for excellence. If you are in need of true experience and skill backed by iron morality with exceptional law ethics then Schlesinger & Strauss is who you need. I was recommended to them after I exhausted all options in a divorce case by the Lake County Bar Association referral services. With Gary and the expert help of his firm this case in months it's settled. I recommend them to anyone who puts family first, they protect your parental rights as fiercely as they would their own children.

Paralegal Newland and Newland

LLP

Briana Ramirez

Scammers! They will lie to you and give you false hope. Then withdraw from your case and sue you for work they never did. If I could give zero stars I would. Very unprofessional!!!!!

Raul Falcon

Michael has a team of people very profecionals on their field.and tread you like family..thank u for everything.

Vicki

Michael Strauss did not represent me well at all. He never talked to preparing me prior to meetings or court. When I started to ask questions on how he (really his assistant attorney) arrived at certain formulas and agreements, he filed a motion to withdrawal from my case. He not only left me stranded but seriously in debt with his bill. He knew that I had absolutely no control over any funds since my soon-to-be ex had complete control over all money. Now I cannot get representation from an attorney because I do not have any means for a retainer. Just to give one example on his misrepresentation: we had a four-way meeting with opposing counsel, my husband, Michael, and myself where Michael was not prepared with any formulas to arrive to an agreement, which was the whole purpose of the meeting. He went off of the opposing counsels numbers, which were way off base and expected me to agree. I was so overwhelmed and felt blindsided that I had to leave the meeting. It was a waste of billing hours and time. I was to be the Petitioner, but with his legal guidance, I was turned into the Respondent. I truly believe he did not care about helping me, he just wanted to push me through the legalities and collect his money.

Robert DeYoung

Using this amazing law firm was the best choice I ever could of made for my divorce. The three attorneys are very professional and extremely knowledgeable of all the laws. They work together on cases if need be, but they are all up to date on all the cases. Every time I called or emailed they responded right away. They fought for me in my nasty divorce and got me my girls more then I thought was possible. My ex made our divorce so bad with all the lies and accusations it was hard on me. They always gave me hope and they never stopped fighting for me. I am a dad and I love my girls more then anything. The firm knew that and never lost sight of that. I am an extremely happy dad now and I have my girls 50% of the time. My divorce is finally over and I couldnt be happier how they helped me finalize my divorce. They are a great firm and I highly recommend them.

Narcissist Problems

Gary is hands down one of the best attorneys I've seen in action along with his girl Friday Miss Rachel Bernal. They are currently helping a friend of mine on a very high conflict case riddled with manipulation, distortion of facts, and exaggerations which are being used to twist the reality of all involved. This guy is cool as a cucumber when most people would immediately react to the nonsense. If you are going head to head with a high conflict individual, dealing with a teller of tall tales, smith of (large yet obviously misunderstood) words, or a run of the mill con artist then this is the guy you want on your side. Hands down five stars. If I could give 50 more stars I totally would. As long as you are doing your part to document the roller coaster ride on the crazy train then you will be alright if these two are in your corner!

Daphne Paras

We hired Michael Strauss to help us with documents for an amicable divorce. Complications arose and he represented me solely. I trusted him with the thorough legal advice he offered. I never get that he would unnecessarily escalate my situation, which was a huge concern based on stories I have heard. He walkways encouraged me to be fair and balanced while also informing me of what I was legally entitled too. He was very prompt with communication around any questions or concerns I had with my case. He went above and beyond dealing with a tight deadline. He also helped to secure a fantastic mediator to help our process. I have recommended him to several friends and they have also had great experiences with him.

Polina Stoycheva

They are the best! Thank you for being here for me when I most needed it. The whole team is great.

Steven Westerfield

Horrible, dishonest attorneys. Michael is a bold face liar that lies to lawmakers faces as well as the general public. This form puts their own self interests above the interests of your family. They drag cases out and maximize litigation creating more billable hours so they can send their children to private school with the money you could be using to send your own children to college. If I could have gave a zero star review I would have.

Anne Levinstein

Michael and Gary were my divorce attorneys a couple years ago. I decided to retain them almost immediately during the initial consultation with Michael. They came highly recommended from an attorney I knew through work. Within about thirty seconds of talking to Michael, I felt he had a razor sharp insight into how to handle my particular case. That gave me a lot of confidence, and that confidence only grew as the process went on. Gary and Michael priced me fairly and responded to phone calls and emails the same day. Ditto for their tough paralegal, Lori. I wouldn't want to mess with her! They gave me straightforward answers, told me the probability of certain outcomes, and were supportive and clear when I expressed my fears. I really felt 'advocated' for. Due to their keen intuition and, of course, practical knowledge, my case was resolved quickly and with a final outcome that was fair and solid. They've also been there for me post-decree as new issues arise from time to time. I should mention that my divorce was sticky - not an easy open and shut case but they made it look and feel easy and I'm so much happier now!

Dina Grieco

Amazing firm and I highly recommend it!!! Thank you Michael Strauss and you are the best!!!

Heidi Cardenas

Gary Schlesinger is professional, experienced, and efficient in consultations and in court. He shut my husband's ex-wife's lawyer down in 5 minutes when they were demanding continued child support past age 18. He countered with all parties must provide financial records, which their side apparently didn't take into account. His ex-wife declined to provide those records and it was game over. We were so happy with the professionalism and the results, which equaled time and money saved, and a lot of it.We recommend Gary to anyone who needs a family lawyer.

Leo Podgorski

I have known Gary a long time. I have hired him on multiple occasions and would do so again. His reputation says it all. Read about him from professional references. NGary does what is best for you when you know not what that is. Do you really want to be billed for responses to emotionally charged emails that serve no purpose? He does not work that way. Some Lawyers take every opportunity to rack up your bill. Not Gary. He knows what to say and when to say it. Retain him, leave him alone, let him do his job. He is not your pen pal, I have spoken to Gary a handful of times yet have complete faith in his work because I have been to his local lectures and know his background. It is a discipline to realize this in personal legal matters however he need not be advised by you or I. He has been doing this a long time and HE IS VERY GOOD AT WHAT HE DOES.

Lady t

Yes, Gary can be hard to get a hold of at times but I have full respect for the man. I went to Gary when I was quite desperate. I'd been divorced several years. My ex and I had prepared our divorce decree. I'd not sought legal council to advise me during the divorce. Huge mistake! Nothing had turned out as I'd expected. I presented to Gary the mess that my divorce had become. He said 'Do you know how you bring down a huge elephant? One bite at a time'. About a dozen petitions and several court appearances and almost a year later, almost all was cleared up. We worked together along with his staff Laurie and Yari and at times Michael and they've never been less than respectful, helpful and friendly.I found his fee to be reasonable and still go to him for advice and help as things come up with my ex.

Erich Pflum

In the beginning when I hired the firm, the lawyer from the firm ended up leaving (Lindsey) and only let me know in our last court date, at the time Gary's partner Michael was very kind , and agreed to keep me as a client. Then I was turned over primarily to Gary. Let's just say he should retire, because he obviously has 'checked out' and is only concerned about money. It was literally IMPOSSIBLE to get a hold of him. Gary would only call you back at some random time at night and if you missed the random call by one minute and called back..he wouldn't answer. I truly felt like a cash register to Gary as I would rarely here from him unless it was about money. I realize I'm not a 'big client' . but when you email someone on a Monday and tell them they have to come up with 4K in two days or he will recluse himself from your case, that's beyond difficult for someone like me. Every time Gary felt he needed money, he would give me an email with a mandate to pay no less than 2K or he would withdraw, and used that tactic to extort money from me. I have had Gary on my case almost a year and while 15K may not be a lot of money to him, its a very big amount to me. The final straw was I was in Florida taking care of my mom who broke her hip, and Gary , for whatever reason , asked me not to pay him via credit card, I explained to him Im in Florida and thats all I can do. I tried to call for over 3 weeks to discuss the last court date we were to have on Feb 1. A day before the court date he emails he is withdrawing from my case. I tried to explain that I would bring him the 400.00 to court, but it was too late. I spent over 15K and I still don't have rights with my son. I'm sure Gary will try to 'spin' this in a way to make himself look favorable (that's what lawyers do) but I have no reason to be untruthful. I looked at the billing statement and a phone call for 5 minutes to me was 300.00 an email was 150.00 . I also highly doubt he did even 20% of the over all work as most was done by paralegal or admin, yet he always billed everything at his rate. I guess you cant expect lawyers to have ethics, but at least try to fake it. Bottom line is 15K got me nothing but a criminal , and yes I call anyone that lies and cheats a criminal because you are stealing from me. I would highly advise anyone to run from this firm, however, Michael is not that bad, but Gary is apparently only concerned with fattening his retirement account, nothing for the clients. It is so sad how he is allowed to take such an large amount of money, yet not deliver. Again, I don't like writing these types of reviews, but as a recruiter i help people that cant benefit me at all for free, just because I feel good helping people, Yet Gary took 15K and wouldn't even follow up, return calls, or discuss strategy, just nothing but 'shut up and pay me'. We are so defenseless here, but please Gary provide your :incredible spin' response below. Truth is always exposed in light

julie denesha

I switched to this firm after I was with a lawyer who was not getting anything done. I wish I would have switched sooner or started with this firm. They have been in constant communication with me every step of the way! They are there for their clients and work hard for you! It is refreshing to have someone in your corner and this firm goes out of their way to do what they need to for their clients.I would highly recommend them!

Leo Podgorski

Gary and his staff do an excellent job when it comes to getting accurate interstate orders for current child support, arrears, extra-curricular activities, employer withholdings as well as instrumental in advising clients on how to manage expectations from a child support perspective. Gary is an expert on any and all other legal intricacies involved with child support given the new and former laws. His timing is impeccable and I appreciate him to no end.

Carmen Tackett

Do not hire Gary he is a crook all he cares about is money once he gets it he will play the role until your next payment is due...he did nothing for me and my child useless you can motion yourself in court with out him. I didnt want to even give him a star but it won't let me post with out giving his sorry ass a star...they are unprofessional the whole office works together against you.

Krista Winkelman

Making the final decision to divorce my husband was difficult and I consulted with Michael Strauss for many years before actually having him served. It was the best decision I have made and Michael guided me throughout the entire process. I would recommend Michael and his firm.

Meagan Miller

Michael Strauss is professional, aggressive, honest, and determined. Michael is everything you could want in a attorney. I highly recommend him!!

Laniya Allen

Micheal is a true professional. He always kept me in the loop on what was going on with my case. He is honest and will tell you upfront what you are dealing with and I appreciated that. His staff ensured I had copies of everything I needed and were also very knowlegable. Unfortunatly I have had my fair share of attorney's in the past but my experience with Mike by far was the best!!

Jacob Michael

Did literally nothing for me. Completely impotent in my case. My opponent was self representing and I still got taken for the max. As a client, when I had questions, I was pushed off, dodged or ignored completely. You could either burn 100$ bills in a dumpster or with these folks. It would make no difference.

ashley brice

I hired Schlesinger & Strauss for my visitation/ child support case. Mostly Michael worked on my case. I was very pleased and amazed during the process and the outcome. Michael was very imformative of the process. He never gave me false hope on situations. He always warned me of the different paths it could go. I had 20 thousand questions about every fine line of my case because I was clueless and had never dealt with something like this before. I usually apologized for being a pesky rambling client but he would reassure me that, that is what he was for and he understands I dont know because Im not a lawyer. He gave me routes and options to go and all I had to do was give the OK. He once told me that, 'me as the client, I am the gun and him as my representation, are my bullets'. And he truly stuck to that term. I saw reviews that state it is hard to get ahold of him. If you read the agreement papers upon hiring this firm, it says to wait until your court date for questions. It saves an unessecary charge for a phone call. I never had a problem getting a hold of him or having an immediate call back if it was an emergent situation. I have nothing but positive recommendations for Michael. The billing was very fair, some items I thought were slightly overbilled. The only negative I could think of was there was times during communications either in person or over the phone I felt he was very rushed or I was a bothersome to them and felt as if I could not fully get my questions or concerns out. And when you pay the amount you do for an attorney you want to feel like you're the only client and feel reassured. But he managed to go above and beyond things I never thought of, which made up for it.

Brook

Gary is an elite Attorney and super Lawyer representing me in a complex interstate visitation case whom has been in the upper echelon of his profession for quite some time. He has and continues to represent me in a manner that regularly leaves me assured that my opposition is outmatched. His staff is friendly, punctual with forwarding documents and responding to calls and emails, and always more than fair with their billing practices. I would choose no other Attorney than Gary Schlesinger for any family law matters .

Tracy D'Acquisto

Worst experience with an attorney I've ever had. Horrible communication. Would never recommend this firm.

jennifer finnerty

RUN!- They don't show up to represent you.

Brian King

DONT GO TO THIS LAWYER. READ THIS FIRST. this one is so undescribable I don't even know where to begin. I retained this guy 3 weeks ago. I checked in once a week and got told the same story every time. it turns out every time was a lie. I have wasted almost a month without seeing my daughter and the pain is undescribable. finally they gave me my money back after telling me that he is just slow...one of the important people was on vacation blah blah blah blah blah. I am in tears. my daughter is probably looking out the window wondering what is taking her father so long. I can go on and on about why not to go to this lawyer but I just simply don't want to waste another minute. if you are smart at all you will listen to me and the many other reviews that say how much this is a waste of your time and money and go to a different lawyer, as I now have to....Please. DON'T retain this guy. You'll be sorry.

Michael Rios

I truly wouldn't recommend these people these people are only good for taking your money but they never resulted anything in court they're bunch of crooks and thieves

Maritza Pozo

Worst experience ever. Not only was he impossible to get a hold of, but he made a complete mockery of me before the judge - showed up late for my hearing, then left me threw me under the bus before the judge, completely misstating facts and my concerns regarding the safety of my children. And he actually has the gaul to charge me for the complete lack of representation... Be forewarned.

Nika Z

Made us wait for 20 min and then we were told that he is in court. Won't be available. Can't trust these kind of LIERS.

A. K. Lang

If I could give Gary a negative star rating I would. He was awful. Impossible to get a hold of and made promises and then disappeared. Do not use his representation if you want to get anything done.

Ashley Jacoel

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Schlesinger & Strauss, LLC

1512 Artaius Pkwy #300, Libertyville IL, 60048

Call now: (847) 680-4970

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