Skip to main content

Kevin Gilbert Drendel

Open for Business
Virtual Consultation
  Save
Avvo Rating10
View more
Kevin Gilbert Drendel
Kevin Gilbert Drendel
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Kevin

Helping people, families and organizations plan their futures since 1991 in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, business, nonprofit, real estate and general legal needs.

Kevin Gilbert Drendel is the managing shareholder in Drendel & Jansons Law Group. Kevin graduated cum laude from Cornell College in 1982 and from Northern Illinois University Law School magna cum laude in 1991, graduating second in his class.  While at Northern Illinois University, he was a member of the Law Review, was published in the University’s scholarly journal, and received the West Publishing Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement.  Kevin Drendel is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and is a past President of the Kane County Bar Association. Kevin Drendel’s practice emphasizes estate planning and administration, lending law, corporate law, commercial and business law, employment law, commercial and residential real estate, civil litigation, municipal law and school law.

Practice areas

OtherBusinessProbateReal estateEstate planning
  1. Estate planning: 40%

    I have a steady stream of estate planning matters that I am working on at all times. I draft Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and related documents. I incorporate estate tax planning for the people who need it. I have done special needs trusts and other custom estate planning.

    30 years

  2. Real estate: 15%

    I have always done real estate purchases and sales, residential and commercial. I have done land use, development and zoning work. I have done easements, leases, licenses and just about anything related to real estate. Much of the work I have done for municipalities, banks and corporations would fall into the category of real estate.

    30 years

  3. Probate: 15%

    I do not do a lot of probate law, but I almost always have probate matters pending at any given time. It is a natural extension of the estate planning practice.

    26 years

  4. Business: 15%

    I represent many businesses and business owners on an ongoing and ad hoc basis.Tthe Firm has an innovative Business Call-In Program that allows business clients unlimited phone calls for routine advice for a low monthly fee of $50 or a yearly fee of $500. I have handled many asset and stock sales and purchases. I handle just about anything that comes up in the course of business and have a good network of strong attorneys and other professionals who I refer matters that I do not handle.

    30 years

  1. General practice: 15%

    Although I have some focuses for my practice, much of What I do stretches across the lines of those practice areas and is a combination of those practice areas.

    30 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1100908 1296830804

1100908 1297201798

1100908 1402000884

1100908 1474384140

1100908 1474384167

1100908 1474384187

1100908 1474384220

Contact

111 Flinn Street
address map

111 Flinn Street
Batavia, IL, 60510-2471

Website
https://batavialaw.com/

2000 W. Galena Blvd
Aurora, IL, 60506

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law199112/06/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers40
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2016
Chicago's Top Rated LayersThe National Law Journal2014
Client Distinction AwardMartindale-Hubbell2013
AV Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2013
Commitment to Community AwardNorth Aurora Mother's club2012
Award for Outstanding Scholastic AchievementWest Publishing Company1991
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
ShareholderDrendel & Jansons Law Group2009 - Present
ShareholderDrendel & Drendel PC2005 - 2009
PartnerDrendel, Tatnall & McCracken1997 - 2004
AssociateDrendel Tatnall Hoffman & McCracken1994 - 1997
AssociateDrendel, Schanlaber, Horwitz, Tatnall & McCracken1991 - 1993
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Telecommunication Officials & AdvisorsSecretary2010 - Present
Kane County Bar AssociationPresident2003 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember1991 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember1991 - Present
Kane County Bar AssociationMember1991 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Northern Illinois University Law ReviewWhen Self Abuse becomes Child Abuse: the Need for Coercive Governmental Action in Response to the Cocaine Baby Problem1990
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Northern Illinois University College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1991
Cornell CollegeBachelor of Special Studies1982
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
NIU Foundation Estate Planning SeminarEstate Planning2012
The Sandwich GenerationLegal, Financial & Long Term Care Options for Elderly Parents2011
What You Need to Know about Public Records & Open Meetings in IllinoisThe Freedom of Information Act; Court Records; Changes to the Open Meetings Act; Record Retention2010
Real Estate Development from Beginning to End in IllinoisDevelopment Agreements; Redevelopment Agreements – Tax Increment Financing2007
A Primer on Open Records Law in IllinoisFreedom of Information Act; Court Records; Changes to the Open Meetings Act; Record Retention2006
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Rivers Edge HOA v. City of Naperville, 353 Ill.App.3d 874, (2d D 2004)The trial court ruled for the City; but the Appellate Court vacated and reversed the ruling.
IRMO of Collingbourne, 332 Ill.App.3d 665 (2d D 2002)Trial court ruled for mother; Appellate Court reversed; Supreme Court reversed the Appellate Court in favor of the mother.
White Gates Skeet Club, Inc. v. Lightfine et al, 276 Ill.App.3d 537 (2d D 1995)The trial court ruled in the club's favor on the main issues; the appellate court upheld the trial court ruling on the main issues and reversed in favor of the club on tangental issues.
In re R.M.F., 275 Ill.App.3d 43 (2d D 1995)The trial court and appellate court held that the IMDMA applies but ruled in favor of the mother to remove the child; the Appellate reversed the the determination that the IMDMA applies to paternity cases and ruled completely in favor of the mother.

Reviews

(20)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Kevin Drendel

Professional Legal Services

Posted by

I used Kevin for legal services relating to a complicated real estate transaction, and for the development of a last will and testament. In both instances, Kevin was very knowledgeable, willing to listen to ideas, offer advice, and provide timely and efficient service. Once a course of action was decided upon, Kevin and his team of legal professionals saw the implementation of the necessary actions through to completion.

Compassionate, kind and expert handling of our Estate Planning

Posted by

Thank you for your kind and compassionate assistance in completing our Living Trust, Will, and Power of Attorney. Often times these arrangements are uncomfortable to discuss and plan. Kevin Drendel made it very easy, through his warm, personable style. He was able to complete our paperwork in a very timely manner, even with the difficult Pandemic limitations. Thank you!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

TOP NOTCH IN EVERY WAY

Posted by

Kevin and his associates put together our estate plan a number of years ago. Advised us what should be done to protect what we had and make sure it was properly handled when the time came to best benefit our family. Recently we had to update it to include a property that had been left outside the trust. More importantly, the change at this point in time was due to the very unexpected passing of our oldest son. We were so devastated by the loss but knew this had to be done. The caring and compassionate, yet very professional, way everyone handled what we needed to do is unsurpassed. We highly recommend the firm and everyone who is a part of the team.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Estate Planning

Posted by

Kevin has been very helpful for setting up and guiding us in our estate planning process. Very professional and always available. He made the process go smooth and with complete satisfaction.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great lawyer

Posted by

We contacted Kevin Drendel for our estate planning. From first phone call Kevin was professional and explained the process clearly and the best process and most effective method to write our Will's. We were happy with Kevin throughout the process. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent and consistent service

Posted by

I have used Kevin Drendel for doing our estate planning and creating all our estate documents for several years now. Kevin has been the best lawyer I have worked with on these endeavors. I am 68 years old and my husband Richard and I have some interesting estate issues and Kevin navigated all of them with great care. He is an excellent listener, asks very pertinent questions, is very detail oriented and makes sure we understand everything before making any decisions, speaks truthfully. Is is a true advocate for the client. He is trustworthy and timely in his work as well. He has never failed us in the many years we have worked with him. He has written and revised many different documents from trusts, to wills to power of attorney and other documents accurately and efficiently. We would highly recommend him to anyone interested in estate planning legal assistance!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Experience in Estate Planning

Posted by

I retained Kevin Drendel services to revise a 20 year old trust and to draw up a will for my handicapped brother. He was patient answering our questions thoroughly, I highly recommend Kevin for all your trust/will needs and would use him again.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent service!

Posted by

Atty. Kevin Drendel was wonderful. He asked me questions I had never considered; questions which have me feeling clear around every aspect of my estate plan. It's a great feeling knowing that I've got things in order, thanks to the excellent service I received.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Gave us peace of mind

Posted by

We met with Kevin for new Wills and estate planning. We are so happy and at ease about our affairs being in order and Kevin was such a pleasure to work with! Kevin explained everything in plain language, helped us devise a clear plan, and answered a million questions for us. We feel very fortunate to have connected with Kevin and his staff for such an important matter. Stellar service and customer care.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great guidance and smooth process

Posted by

Kevin and his team helped us put together a complete estate plan that fulfills all our objectives. We got great advice and guidance and his team communicated extremely well. Everything went extremely well and smoothly. We highly recommend Drendel Law.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(8)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Edward Petkevis, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 4, 2015
Relationship: Friend

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Drendel since 1978. During the entire time that I have known him, he has exhibited exceptional ethics, intelligence and diligence. I have also found his writings regarding Estate Practice to be spot on, understandable and informative. I could not recommend him more highly.

Nancy Joerg, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Oct 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Kevin is universally admired and respected by other lawyers for his integrity, professionalism and skill. He is an outstanding person. I am proud to endorse him.

Peter Storm, Business Attorney on Feb 8, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Kevin Drendel is one of the most experienced, understanding, and competent business attorneys in our community. We have been both opponents and co-counsel on a number of matters. His ethics and courtesy meet the highest standards of our profession. I respect both his integrity and insight. His calm and objective approach to problems and issues is something that anyone searching for a good business and transactional attorney should find invaluable. I highly recommend Kevin and his firm. Peter M. Storm

Richard Larsen, General practice Attorney on Feb 8, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Vincent Mancini, Government Attorney on Feb 7, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse this lawyer. Kevin's knowledge of the law combined with his ability to listen and understand the issues/problems set him apart from other lawyers specializing in municipal law.

Vincent Tessitore, General practice Attorney on Feb 4, 2011
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

As a former colleage of Kevin, I can attest that he is an honest and competent attorney who serves his clients well.

John Early, Government Attorney on Feb 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known both he and his father for many years. Kevin is a lawyer of integrity as well as excellent legal skills. I beleive that he is an excellent lawyer and a credit to our profession!

Robert Dawidiuk, Banking Attorney on Feb 4, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer, as possessing the highest character, ethics and ability.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$200-$350/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card