Jerald Novak

Jerald Novak

4.9
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 38 years

Family Lawyer at Grayslake, IL
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

352 Center Street, Grayslake, IL

About Jerald

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Administrative Law 10%

Secretary of State Reinstatement Hearings

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 38 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1987

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Texas for 5 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2020

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Novak Jerald Associates Attorney's At Law

352 Center Street, Grayslake, IL, 60030

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Jerald Novak's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

134 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 32 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney

Thank you Jerry!

I contacted Jerry as a last resort due to being scammed and treated poorly by other lawyers previously. I am young and Jerry still respected and treated me with kindness where others tried to walk over me and lie to me. Jerry was always honest and understanding with me and explained things in such a ...positive light. Jerry was always very personable and offered me guidance when I felt I had no hope. Jerry worked on my case in the most timely manner possible. I would recommend Jerry to anyone, and all though the hope is to not need a lawyer again, I would use Jerry in a heartbeat.

Posted by Scott K | July 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

A+ Attorney. He doesn’t just care about your case, but the person that’s involved.

I called Jerry on a Saturday morning after a Thursday night arrest for a DUI. I was stressed and distraught. Upon calling him, he noticed I wasn’t doing well emotionally. The first 30-45 minutes of my free consultation call had nothing to do with my case. Jerry took the time to calm me down, offer br...eathing techniques and ways I could reduce my stress. He didn’t have to do that, but he did because he truly cares about his clients. After his suggestions, I was able to calm myself and convey my case to him. He first and foremost explained everything about my arrest and what he would do as my lawyer. I was so comforted and grateful for his emotional help and after hearing of his success in similar cases I hired him. I dropped off my retainer check the next day. Jerry has been most helpful to me during this stressful situation. He’s fully explained everything to the point that I have no questions. I wholeheartedly recommend Jerry Novak as your attorney.

Posted by Elizabeth | December 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Great Lawyer, exceptional individual.

We knew nothing of Jerry Novak’s excellent reputation and found ourselves in a situation late on a random Monday night needing some solid, sound advice. I reached out to a friend who jams also an attorney in a different area of expertise and she kindly offered to Google lawyers nearby that might be a...ble to help us. Jerry’s number was the first one she sent me and despite the late hour we were amazed he answered his phone. Jerry immediately made us feel like we our situation was of great importance and he asked specific questions to completely understand quickly what was going on. He explained our rights and how to proceed in that moment and what we needed to do next. We felt such a relief and gratitude to have Jerry guide us both that night and throughout the process in the following days. Jerry is very knowledgeable in his field, direct and very good at explaining in terms that are understandable to a lay person who is not used to legal situations. Jerry really does care about his clients and making sure they are given the best outcome in an efficient manner. We cannot say enough about how fortunate we feel to have worked with him in our circumstances and would highly recommend him to anyone else needing his help.

Posted by Brian pogue | July 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Definitely Recommend!!

I own a small trucking company in South Eastern Wisconsin. I hired Mr. Novak to defend me on an overweight ticket. While I didn't call him until 5 days before my court date, he handled my case professionally and with complete professionalism. I can't say enough how clear he was with me as to what to... expect and how expertly he handled my case. The end result was a dismissal of all charges saving me thousands of dollars. Thank you!

Posted by Betsy | June 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Texas

There’s a reason he cannot practice law in Texas anymore. Do your research and hire someone that hasn’t been penalized by the bar. He’ll take your money, leave everything to the last minute and insult you for having certain expectations of hiring a proper attorney. His paralegal is incompetent. (Emai...ling important documents that require signatures, yet not attaching said documents, inquiring why they haven’t been returned yet). Having to explain to both Jerry and Jenny the paperwork was never sent was super fun. The only time Jerry acted appropriately, after being hired, was when he knew my father was listening in on the call. Before that, he was rude and completely unprofessional. Hire someone that doesn’t talk a big game and only acts like they care until they get paid

See All Client Reviews

Jerald Novak's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jerald
Jeremy Wang headshot
Jeremy Wang

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend and endorse Jerald Novak for DUI and criminal defense in Lake County, Illinois. I have written answers alongside Mr. Novak for several years and can vouch for his work ethic, dedication and professionalism. His responses reflect a thoughtful conscientious hard working attorney who vigorously fights for his clients. Any client would be well served by having Jerry Novak represent them."

Darren L. Weiss headshot
Darren Weiss

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is one of those rare guys that’s tough as nails in the courtroom but has a heart of gold outside. He smart, honest and highly experienced. As a DUI attorney of nearly 20 years, I still turn to Jerry for advice on tough cases. I wholeheartedly recommend him."

William P. Wolf headshot
William Wolf

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have found Jerry to give great, common sense advice that's stripped of legalese so it's straightforward and easy to understand. One of the reasons to get a lawyer is to get good advice. You'll get that from Mr. Novak."

Evan Elliott Randall headshot
Evan Randall

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Novak consistently provides an insightful analysis of legal issues. His breadth of knowledge is impressive and he is able to impart information in a understandable manner."

Joshua Sachs headshot
Joshua Sachs

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am consistently impressed by Mr. Novak's thorough knowledge and understanding of Illinois Vehicle Code, traffic and DUI issues."

Daniel Loring Hodgkinson headshot
Daniel Hodgkinson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jerry for a long time and he does a wonderful job advocating and defending his clients."

Omar Farooq Khan headshot
Omar Khan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jerald is very knowledgeable about DUI(s) and Criminal Matters."

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron headshot
Anthony Cameron

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Novak does what I do. He is a true professional at it. The Lawyer who is good at both DUI defense and Administrative License Reinstatement is rare but that's exactly what and who this fine lawyer is. He is also very supportive and encouraging to recovering people, the very folks we see every day. He is not just a technocrat he is both skilled advocate and humanistic advocate. I'd be proud to have him represent anyone close to me..and he practices in a tough neighborhood. Court in Lake County is no joke. You won't go wrong with this fine lawyer."

Alan E. Jones headshot
Alan Jones

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known him many years. He's very knowledgeable and gives each client a vigorous defense."

Judith Harriet Young headshot
Judith Young

Unknown lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Down to earth and a knowledgeable attorney."

Judy A. Goldstein headshot
Judy Goldstein

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Although I do not know Mr. Novak personally, I have been very impressed with the knowledge and skills he demonstrates when answering questions on Avvo. It is clear that he has a strong command of his areas of law and is a compassionate and zealous advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to refer clients to him."

Bruce Douglas Schottland headshot
Bruce Schottland

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is a great lawyer who I can easily endorse. He is very knowledgeable in his practice areas and does a very nice job for his clients. Furthermore, he is well known and respected in the legal community."

Alan Karl Lenczycki headshot
Alan Lenczycki

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is a leader in his community. He is trustworthy and very knowledgeable. I endorse him."

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've know Jerry since my earliest days as an attorney. He is hard-working, knowledgable in the law, skilled in the arts of the courtroom, and a zealous advocate for his clients. I am happy to know him, proud to call him a colleague, and pleased to endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Novak is an exemplary attorney. I would refer anyone and everyone to him on a regular basis. Despite the fact that I have been a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for over 24 years, I continue to learn from him daily from his Avvo posts. I would recommend that you hire him in an instant."

John Lawrence Buckley headshot
John Buckley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry Novak is a leader in the DUI defense industry and an amazing advocate for his clients. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a recent DUI conference and learned a great deal from his input."

View All Endorsements
Darren L. Weiss headshot
Darren Weiss

DUI and DWI lawyer

Evan Elliott Randall headshot
Evan Randall

Criminal defense lawyer

William P. Wolf headshot
William Wolf

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Loring Hodgkinson headshot
Daniel Hodgkinson

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron headshot
Anthony Cameron

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert James Kritzmire headshot
Robert Kritzmire

Divorce and separation lawyer

Alan E. Jones headshot
Alan Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Judith Harriet Young headshot
Judith Young

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

Criminal defense lawyer

Alan Karl Lenczycki headshot
Alan Lenczycki

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremiah Steven Harter headshot
Jeremiah Harter

Criminal defense lawyer

Bruce Douglas Schottland headshot
Bruce Schottland

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Client's Choice, Avvo

2019

Top Contributor, Avvo

2017

Top Lawyer, Avvo

2017

Top Attorney, National Association For DUI Defense

2014

Top 100 DUI Attorney's in IL, National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2012

Top Leading DUI Attorneys in IL, Newsweek Magazine

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Attorney, Jerald Novak & Associates

1987 - 1987

Assistant State's Attorney, Kane County State's Attorney's Office

Associations

2016 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

2010 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

1987 - Present

Illinois Bar Association

Lake County Bar Association

Cook County Bar Association

DuPage County Bar Association

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

1987

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Illinois

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

Illinois State Bar Association

DUI Conference

2017

NRA

Legal Responsibilty When Lawfully Carrying a Firearm

Publications

2015

IL Cops Magazine The Best Witness Isn't

2015

IL Cops Magazine Open Range

2015

IL Cops Magazine Its Not a Perfect System but this time it Worked

2014

IL Cops Magazine A Sunday Drive

2014

IL Cops magazine Laying Down the Law for IL Cops

2013

Concealed Carry Magazine Are You Ready?

2013

Illinois Shooter Are YOU Ready to Carry?

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution