David has 27 years of legal experience. He is a skilled mediator and also understands litigation and family law from all perspectives. At Franks Gerkin McKenna, David is a powerful advocate for his clients. He comes from a union leadership background; it was his position as a labor representative that initially drew him to the legal profession. He was drawn towards the ability to fight for individuals and make positive change in peoples’ lives. This is how he performs on every case at Franks Gerkin McKenna.
David’s favorite part of being an attorney is the privilege to help and guide people during their time of crisis. He knows how much trust his clients put in him, and it is an honor to be their advocate.
His unwavering advocacy doesn’t just stop in the courtroom either. David is on the Board of Directors for Turning Point of McHenry County, an organization with the mission to stop domestic violence and help women and children throughout McHenry County, Illinois. He is a diligent advocate against domestic violence in the community.
He brings his strength, sensitivity, and compassion to family practice, providing insightful guidance to those going through divorce. He also helps injured workers successfully persevere through workers’ compensation claims.
David is a graduate of Columbia College and John Marshall Law School, but those aren’t the only teams he’ll root for; he is a devoted, longtime Blackhawks fan!
Practice areas
Custody, Support, Alimony, and Domestic Violence can all be connected to Divorce. I handle many types of Divorce situations, because no two are alike; I don't need to be a bully or overly-aggressive to effectively represent clients, because I know what needs to be done and I get it done! And the Judges respect and trust me, because I'm knowledgeable, always truthful, quick and effective. I guide clients thru the process and always return calls. I have my own family, so I know what it's about!
26 years
I have 30yrs exp handling injured workers and insurance defense, so I understand both sides, and this makes me a more effective attorney for injured workers. I'm diplomatic, but I'll be very aggressive when needed, especially if benefits are not being paid by the insurance company. I always return calls, if not immediately then before the end of day.
33 years
I'm very skilled with many years Domestic Violence Training. Not only do I review many O.Ps for advocates and provide advice, but I handle and litigate O.Ps. My most important role is finding effective solutions to help victims and their families reach the best result for a peaceful future.
26 years
In relation to Divorce, I handle custody and Parenting Responsibility issues, negotiating for my client; and then I'll go to trial if the other parent is not cooperating or being reasonable about parenting or custody issues.
26 years
Trained: Northwestern University. I handle mediation through McHenry County Courts, through private hire, and pro bono
16 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1988 | 06/13/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Advocate's Recognition | Turning Point | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Senior Associated Attorney | Franks Gerkin & McKenna, PC | 2004 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
McHenry County Bar Association | Member | 2005 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 1988 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association | Member | 1988 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Illinois Bar Journal | The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission | 2005 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
John Marshall Law School, Chicago | JD - Juris Doctor | 1988 |
Roosevelt University | Associates | 1984 |
Columbia College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1983 |
Dale Carnegie Institute | Achievement Certificate | 1982 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Domestic Violence Conference | Domestic Violence | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Plaintiff Order of Protection | Father got parenting skill-teaching |
Weekly Benefits (TTD) Fight! | Back Benefits paid and employer began complying with restrictions |
Worker's Surgery Dispute | Decision of treating doctor outweighs non-treating doctor |
Divorce Plaintiff | Sole custody awarded Mom |
Defendant-Father | Dad got Joint custody |
Herbert Franks, Workers compensation Attorney on Mar 2, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Peggy Gerkin, Workers compensation Attorney on Jun 27, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. He has been on both sides of worker's compensation representing the insurance company and now protecting the worker. He really understands how to develop a case.
Terrence McKenna, Workers compensation Attorney on Jul 22, 2013
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
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