New Article Profiles Sandra Emerson

While some lawyers join large, established firms, Sandra Emerson decided to start her own law firm, and that decision has allowed her to develop close relationships with many of her clients. In fact, Emerson still works with some of the clients she first met after starting her small practice in Oak Park in 2000, according to a new article in Leading Lawyers. The article profiles Emerson and the ways in which her practice has grown to help individuals and families in the near west suburbs over the last nearly two decades with real estate closings, foreclosure defense, and other consumer protection concerns.


Growing a Real Estate Practice to Help Consumers with Debt Collection and Bankruptcy


When Emerson started the Emerson Law Firm in 2000, she focused largely on real estate issues. However, as the article discusses, Emerson’s practice shifted in some ways around 2008. At the beginning of the real estate market crash, Emerson started helping clients who were facing foreclosure. Although she did not have “much experience in that field,” as the article explains, “she attended one of Max Gardner’s Foreclosure Boot Camps to brush up on topics like mortgage fraud, securitization, and bankruptcy.” Emerson committed more than 120 hours to bankruptcy law and consumer protection training, and over the last 10 years, she has “learned enough to be regarded as one of the top foreclosure attorneys in the near western suburbs.”


Given the range of real estate and consumer protection cases that the Emerson Law Firm handles, Sandra Emerson often works with the same clients on different legal issues. As she told Leading Lawyers, “We have many clients who come back to us on multiple matters, where it’s a house closing or financial troubles.” Emerson has earned the respect of her clients, and as she highlighted, “a lot of people tell me we’re the only attorneys they trust, and they are our clients for life.”

Creating a Law Firm with a “Neighborhood Feel”

Although some lawyers who are just opening their own practices might choose a location in downtown Chicago, Emerson selected Oak Park because of what she described as its “neighborhood feel.” Her work allows her to be part of the Oak Park community and to provide her clients with that same sense of community when they come to her for legal advice.


When the Emerson Law Firm first opened, Sandra Emerson was a solo practitioner. Over the years, she has hired a small team, including several attorneys who work on full-time and part-time bases. They work together as a team, which her clients appreciate given that they “get the benefit of having multiple legal minds on each issue.” The firm prides itself on its “family-friendly atmosphere” that attracts clients from the community. Indeed, many of Emerson’s clients live within 10 miles of the Emerson Law Firm.

As she continues to work with clients and to build relationships in the community, Emerson is also working to change the stigma attached to consumer bankruptcy and foreclosure. Unfortunately, many people erroneously believe that individuals and families file for bankruptcy or end up in foreclosure because they “are irresponsible or don’t pay their bills.” Emerson wants to change that perception and to demonstrate how consumers often are harmed by fraudulent and negligent mortgage servicing practices. In addition to serving clients through the Emerson Law Firm, Sandra Emerson also does pro bono work through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. While her practices remains centered around real estate law, she continues to assist clients with a wide variety of related legal matters, including foreclosure defense, consumer bankruptcy, and mortgage servicing issues.

Contact a Consumer Protection Lawyer at the Emerson Law Firm


Do you need assistance with a real estate or consumer protection matter? You should speak with an Oak Park consumer protection lawyer. Do not hesitate to contact the Emerson Law Firm to learn more about obtaining the relief you need.

See Related Blog Posts:


Why are Consumer Bankruptcy Filings on the Decline?

Recent Bankruptcy Case Questions Constructive Fraudulent Transfers

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