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Joseph Phillip Selbka
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About Joseph
Biography
Mr. Selbka has practiced law in both the government and the private sector since his graduation from the University of Minnesota Law School, cum laude, in 1996. His career encompasses a wide range of impressive litigation experience. Mr. Selbka began his career serving as litigation counsel for the Illinois Department of Employment Security where he defended hundreds of administrative review actions in administrative and employment law. After representing units of local government, individuals, and corporations for more than five years, he opened his own law firm on January 1, 2006, representing individuals, local governments, and corporations in numerous civil matters. Mr. Selbka also acted as a Hearing Officer for the Illinois State Board of Education (2008-2014) District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (2011-2013) where he adjudicated disputes between school districts and parents regarding the provision of special education services.
Mr. Selbka has extensive experience in Illinois and Federal courts, including the Illinois Appellate Court. He has represented clients in commercial tort litigation, declaratory judgment actions, shareholder/member disputes, partnership and joint venture issues, probate issues, collection issues, contract issues, business tort and fraud issues, landlord-tenant issues, employment issues, construction litigation, mechanics lien litigation, surety bond litigation, real estate issues and various issues related to municipalities and school administration.
Mr. Selbka also received his master’s degree in public administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs in 2001. He now serves as an adjunct lecturer, teaching a master’s level course at the College for public administration graduate students designed to teach the legal context of public management and to give government managers a working knowledge of how to understand and manage legal problems which arise in a government workplace. Also involved in his local community, Mr. Selbka is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, the Northwest Suburban Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and serves on the Arlington Heights Board of Zoning Appeals.
CHICAGO ATTORNEYS SERVING THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS The Clear Legal Choice for Individuals, Businesses, Churches & Non-Profits
In carrying out their calling to educate, schools face a myriad of challenging legal issues. These issues range in scope from constitutional matters to land use and construction concerns. Contact our experienced education lawyer today.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Education
25%
26 years | 150 cases
Business
20%
27 years | 20 cases
Litigation
20%
30 years | 1,200 cases
Employment and Labor
15%
30 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 29 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 13 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Pluymert, MacDonald, Hargrove & Lee, Ltd.
2300 Barrington Road, #220, Hoffman Estates, IL, 60169
lawpmh.com/attorney-profiles/joseph-selbka/Online Presence
Other places you can find Joseph online.
Joseph Phillip Selbka's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Shelly | October 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank you!
Apologize for the late review. I had an emergency case that needs an attorney's help. Joseph took my case immediately. During the whole process, he kept very clear and prompt communication with me. I am very happy with the outcome and highly recommend him. Thank you Joseph.
Posted by Hao | February 15, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Professional and Reliable Education Attorney
Strongly recommended. Mr. Selbka helped me to handle an issue of academic integrity violation. I consulted him a lot about the issues of formal response writing, and Mr. Selbka gave me some very important advice from his professional viewpoint. The result was satisfying, the professor decided to with...
Posted by Larry Pahl | December 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trustworthy
Joe handled my case professionally, and kept me abreast of proceedings. He is smart, and a good communicator.
Posted by Tina | May 9, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fantastic Special Education Attorney !
I cannot emphasize enough how satisfied I am with Joe Selbka’s work on behalf of my children. My husband and I have three young children with medical and educational challenges. We have had difficulty with our school district regarding the kids’ physical safety and their access to their education...
Posted by David | January 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
business litigation
Mr. Selbka worked tirelessly for 3 1/2 years to get me a settlement against a former business partner who refused to pay royalties owed. He fought in both federal and state courts, against the TEAM of lawyers hired by the opposition. It was truly an asymmetric battle, but Joe Selbka persevered and ...
Joseph Phillip Selbka's Lawyer Endorsements
"I met up with Joe at our 20th reunion. Meeting with up with him again reminded me just how sharp and passionate Joe is about his interests. Joe spoke with focus and commitment about his practice areas. Above all, Joe's a great guy and would serve his clients very well."
"I endorse Joe because I believe he is an honest, diligent, and intelligent attorney with nearly 20 years of experience, and he is a genuine, thoughtful person. In addition to his busy private practice, I understand Joe has recently authored a book, Special Education Due Process Litigation, and has presided over 29 due process hearings as an administrative law judge for special education legal matters. If any of my clients has an education or special education legal matter, or a contested trust/estate or commercial litigation matter, I would gladly recommend they contact Joe."
"I endorse this lawyer. My practice is focused exclusively on residential real estate transactions. I have had the opportunity, many times, to refer clients to Joe when a litigation matter has arisen. Joe has handled these matters with expertise and professionalism."
"Joseph and I worked together on a highly contested trust matter. He was extremely knowledgeable, prepared, and steady in court. I would welcome a chance to work with Joseph again and definitely would recommend him to others."
"Mr. Selbka is a highly skilled attorney with numerous years of experience. I have worked with him on a number of matters and have found his analytical and legal skills to be invaluable asset."
"A versatile lawyer, Joe is one of the top advocates in the area of special education, ADA, and Section 504, as well as contested trusts and estates, estate planning, guardianships and real estate matters. As an administrative law judge, he presided over dozens due process hearings and hundreds of due process requests. In addition to that, he wrote the IICLE handbook, "Special Education Due Process Litigation." As a litigant, he has regularly been able to obtain private school placements for his clients' children, which is the gold standard in special ed law. I strongly recommend Joe."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent trial lawyer with a great knowledge of ghe law."
"I've known Joseph for many years and find him to be an excellent attorney. He is very considerate, with excellent analytical skills and an eye for detail."
"I endorse Joe Selbka as an attorney because he is honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate. If he believes that it may not be in the best interests of his client to proceed with a case, Joe will honestly provide such counsel. Joe makes it a priority to know the most recent case laws, and his ability to analyze the law and facts of a client’s case always impress me. Finally, he also cares about his clients and works diligently to represent them. Joe is a noteworthy attorney!"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Designation of AV-Preeminent attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Best Real Estate Litigator- Illinois, BUILD
1999
Pi Alpha Alpha Honors Fraternity, University of Illinois at Chicago
1996
Cum Laude Graduate, University of Minnesota
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Partner, Pluymert, MacDonald, Hargrove & Lee, Ltd.
2006 - Present
Solo Practitioner, Joseph P. Selbka
2011 - 2013
Impartial Hearing Officer, District of Columbia, Office of the State Superintendent of Education
2008 - 2014
Impartial Due Process Hearing Officer, Illinois State Board of Education
2003 - 2016
Professor, College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs
2000 - 2005
Associate, Canna and Canna, Ltd.
1997 - 2000
Special Assistant Attorney General, State Of Illinois Attorney General's Office
Associations
2014 - Present
Northwest Suburban Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2006 - 2016
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
Education
2001
University of Illinois
M.P.A.
1996
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of Illinois
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Employment Law Subcommittee
Police and Firefighter disability Pension Proceedings
2017
Business Law Subcommittee
Patent Ownership Issues in Closely Held Businesses
2014
Estate Planning Council
Contested Trusts and Estates
2014
CLE Podcast
Administrative Evidence
Publications
2016
Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
Special Education Due Process Litigation
Languages
English