AVOID THIS FIRM! Especially these two attorneys: Brett Williamson and Christopher Zaruba. Williamson and Zaruba are arrogant bullies with questionable ethics. They bill excessively without much in the way of results. Their reputation is not favorable, and this is shared by other attorneys within DuPage County. Both attorneys frequently engaged in correspondence consisting of condescending attacks directed at opposing counsel. They would relish in 'piling on' to see who could come up with the best insult, all the while continuing to bill their client for this wasted time engaged in these petty games. This is well-documented in emails. In my divorce case, they immediately tried to weaponize our children. They effectively blocked me from seeing my children for three months while they stalled and tied up things in court. Fortunately, DCFS was able to quickly dismiss the false claims of abuse and neglect, and the final outcome (much later) was to split time with my children. Their primary focus is on attacking the other parent without regard to the damage inflicted on the children. Approximately six months into the case, my attorney quickly assessed the facts and made a proposal to expedite a settlement. Williamson came back with a belligerent response saying it was a waste of time and vowed that would never happen. Ironically, after another two years and so much wasted time and money, the final settlement was very close to that first proposal. They attempted to hide attorney fees in excess of $57K by having an unrelated party pay the firm directly. Once the judge uncovered this detail, he awarded proper compensation, and they were also ordered to produce a promissory note within 7 days. After they scrambled to create this document, it was questionable if it was legally binding. Later they brazenly attempted to withdraw funds from a joint account for legal fees that were already paid. We also requested a doctor's evaluation because of their client's documented history of mental illness. They aggressively fought this in court, even when we offered to pay the entire expense. Not only did the judge approve it, but he also made both parties split the expense. Williamson and Zaruba are lazy and dishonest attorneys. They would frequently just forward emails from their client as a response to opposing counsel or supply a brash reply on a cell phone from the courthouse, likely without even consulting their client. Their Pre-Trial Memo was mostly written by their client and then submitted to the court. This document was a narrative listing her grievances around a failed marriage with very little relevance to dissolution in the 'no-fault' state of Illinois. Williamson claimed he was going to change the state law regarding 'no-fault' because of our case. Their client's accounts were often riddled with exaggerations, half-truths, and lies. And these two attorneys would repeat these same stories over and over, in hopes they could turn fiction into fact. Zaruba is a little man with an inflated ego, clearly overcompensating for his own shortcomings. In the early stages, he was relegated away from the lead spot in this case after some blunders with his client. The expression on Zaruba's face typically fluctuates from the smirk that appears in his professional photos, and the confused or bored look he has while on Zoom or in court, which really just shows he is there for the billing and already thinking about his next case. The more disruptive attorney is actually Williamson. He is erratic and desperately needs help with anger management. His temper was a huge barrier to ever getting things done in a reasonable or timely manner. We attended a deposition that Zaruba conducted at their office. While in their building, we could hear him yelling behind his closed door. Williamson is full of bluster with very little substance, and often resorts to idle threats. He liked to threaten opposing counsel with sanctions that were completely ridiculous and never happened. During one of our stints in trial, Williamson notably took a back seat in the courtroom. He just had a run-in with the police after pulling away from a gas station with the pump handle still attached to his car. He was presumably distracted while yelling at someone else on his phone. During that same court appearance, their client was caught lying under oath on the witness stand. We produced video evidence that directly contradicted her fabricated accounts. Their only defense against her perjury was a request to show the timestamp on the video playback, like we were watching an old home video on your grandparents' VCR. It was comical, but mostly highlighted their incompetence. Zaruba also felt inclined to interrupt opposing counsel during her closing statements while she spoke about their relentless attacks and underhanded tactics. Apparently, he was quite concerned about it tarnishing their already damaged reputation.

The 2nd star for this review only comes from our final outcome of the case going our way. Our very first meeting went very well and we were assured this would be an easy case for terminating parental rights and moving forward with adoption. After that initial meeting, things went down hill. Communication seemed very limited with constant emails on our side reaching out about questions and paperwork that would go days/weeks without a response, not to mention every single document we received from the assistant of the attorney had someone's personal information incorrect or misspelled and when informed of this, she would tell us "it doesn't really matter". I would think a law firm would take pride in spelling legal documents correctly especially personal information like names, DOB and contact information. Overall it was an 8 month process from our first meeting to our final court date where we finally gained full custody of our child from an absent/neglectful "parent" however it appeared more nerve-wrecking and hectic due to the lack of professionalism by the attorney and supporting staff.

Avoid this firm!!! No empathy or compassion, along with questionable ethics and marginal representation. Just as one example, they tried hiding over $50K in legal fees by having an unrelated party pay them directly. Opposing counsel eventually flushed out the facts and the Judge ruled for appropriate compensation. The lawyers at Stogsdill are very good at billing as long as you have the money, and they are always willing to file frivolous claims to drag out your case, without much in the way of results. Perhaps you would like to hand over stacks of money to these attorneys that could be saved instead for your children? Otherwise, run away as fast as you can! Christopher Zaruba = little man with a big ego. Chris is basically just lazy and unprofessional. He frequently forwards his client's emails right to opposing counsel instead of taking the time to prepare his own response. He regularly corresponds with condescending insults to try and hide his own shortcomings. Chris is also a bully at depositions and at trial in the courtroom. His focus is on attacking the other parent, with little regard for what is best for the children affected in the divorce case. Brett Williamson = blockhead with a hot head. Brett desperately needs some help with anger management. His conduct in and out of the courtroom is reprehensible. He is accomplished at either prolonging or 'blowing up' matters because of his temper. Brett frequently escalates to screaming, even towards the judge. Lost count of how many times he told opposing counsel they were stupid or what they were doing was stupid.

First of all,  lost an adoption case with this upper lawyer from this law firm.  This lawyer made promises, instead jostle me for every dime I had. Nevertheless, i ask this lawyer, what were the chances of winning this case and he answered I don't know!.  My next question,  how many cases have you done like mine? . This lawyer said, millions. I should have known that this CLOWN was lying to me and setting me up for failure.  In the end, I lost the case and was overcharged with an outstanding bill!.  Don't get this LAW FIRM, because they are the version of Jefferey Leving but Suburbs !!!!.

First of all,  lost an adoption case with this upper lawyer from this law firm.  This lawyer made promises, instead jostle me for every dime I had. Nevertheless, i ask this lawyer, what were the chances of winning this case and he answered I don't know!.  My next question,  how many cases have you done like mine? . This lawyer said, millions. I should have known that this CLOWN was lying to me and setting me up for failure.  In the end, I lost the case and was overcharged with an outstanding bill!.  Don't get this LAW FIRM, because they are the version of Jefferey Leving but Suburbs !!!!.

Chris Zaruba broke attorney -client privilege, by disclosing our private conversations to Anthony Cuzzone and Richard Schroeder from York Township.

Some issues with communication, but otherwise good service.

Chris Zaruba has been the single most effective and supportive member of the support system I've relied on during separation from my ex-partner. If it wasn't for him, the manipulation and abuse I was enduring would have resulted in the loss of my parental rights. He has been my guardian angel. Cannot possibly recommend this firm highly enough!!!

Great and knowledgeable attorneys

Scammers. Saul Goodman law firm in real life.

I  used Stogsdill Law to terminate maintenance payments to my ex wife. Tony Sammarco is an awesome lawyer! Very informative about the laws and explains everything in detail. Not only did he win the case for me, he did it in a very reasonable time and expense. I would highly recommend Tony without a doubt!

I was referred to Will and could not be happier. I've dealt with lawyers for 40 years in business, but this was my first family law situation and Will was outstanding. Will is an amazingly good legal mind but also a great person. Our family law case was not a common situation, but Will handled everything extremely well. HIs legal competency is unquestionable, and his understanding of people and the related dynamics is exemplary. Will does not hesitate to tell you the truth, but his work is 100% aimed at getting you the results you are seeking. One of the other characteristics I respect about Will is that he actually thought about both sides in the case so we could get to a practical result. Our case had many ups and downs but Will took them in stride, kept us informed and calm, and then did fantastic legal work. Will was 100% on our side but he was extremely practical in how we achieved that goal. Will is easy to talk to, easy to work with, and very thorough. I could not recommend Will more strongly and if there were 10 stars I would rate him that high. I ;highly recommend Will and the Stogsdill Law Firm.

I was recommended to work with Justin on my "highly contested" divorce with a raging narcissist. It had been 8 months and the needle hadn't moved an inch. Justin came in and he accomplished what my last attorney couldn't. It was 3 months in the working of getting my home back while my ex moved out and the house was vacant. Two days into hiring Justin, opposing counsel answered his emails after not receiving any response for 3 months regarding the issue. Just merely hiring Justin provided an upper hand in my case. When I met with him he had great ideas that I hadn't previously heard of. Justin and his law firm are well known. His law firm is definitely known as my realtor mentioned it when she heard his name. Regardless, I am a week into having Justin as my lawyer and I already feel more confident with him on my side. He's achieved as much if not more in that time frame than the last attorney, and he seems sincere and legit. I should've hired Justin from the start.

The Stogsdill Law Firm, specifically attorney Christopher Zaruba, provides excellent legal services. Chris was professional from start to finish in addition to masterfully representing me as his client. I highly recommend Chris Zaruba.

My husband and I hired Bill Stogsdill to get custody of my stepson and did he deliver!  There are not enough words to describe how happy we are that we hired Bill and his team.  I say team because there were so many people who were a part of our (sole!!) custody victory!  They kept us focused, updated and informed every step of the way. We felt like we were actually a part of their team.  The secretary staff always made it a point to say hello, even staff members who didn't work on our case.   The only way I can describe it is personal.  Personal attention, personal service.  Bill gave us his cell and told us to call anytime, and he really meant it!  There was always someone available who knew our case and could answer questions.  I cannot recommend this firm enough!   Bill, his son Will, Justin Smit, Bob Boyd, and Tony Sammarco all helped. Each of them brought something different to the table, and I truly believe that is what makes them stand out from every other firm.  My stepson is doing so much better now that he is out of the toxic situation with his mother. Every person at this firm fought to save this kid from terrible emotional and physical abuse.  Bill was always realistic, even if its not what we wanted to hear. He never promised something he couldn't deliver. Bill told us to listen to him, trust him and let him be the lawyer and we be the clients, and we are so glad we did!  Thank you all for your hard work and for really caring about our little family!  You will forever be a part of our lives!

Anthony Sammarco left me alone with the opposing counsel during settlement discussions so that he could attend a court hearing for another client. I had questioned the firm regarding some of their behavior, and received a nasty letter from Stogsdill himself.

Tony Sammarco and his team were wonderful to work with. He always had my best interests in mind and made me feel at ease about the whole divorce process. I'm so grateful to have had him in my corner!

I chose Stogsdill Law Firm based on a strong reputation and all of my expectations were exceeded. Brett Williamson is my divorce attorney and I am completely satisfied. He is a skilled litigator, to the point, and gives level headed advice that never wasted my time or my money. He saw me through a contentious divorce that went to trial, was appealed, and in both circumstances we won. He guided me through a difficult custody issue to my satisfaction and crafted a strategy he knows is in the best interest of my family and one that will win. I went into this divorce thinking it would be smooth and that I wouldn't need such a skilled firm. I am so thankful I went with the best when things turned for the worst.