Gal Pissetzky

Gal Pissetzky

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Federal Crime ... +2 more

35 E. Wacker Dr, Suite 1980, Chicago, IL

About Gal

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 20%

I wanted to highlight the actual focus of my practice as a criminal defense lawyer, which is defending people accused in Federal and State court of very serious felonies such as White Collar crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and drug crimes.

26 years

20%
Federal Crime 20%

26 years

20%
Sex Crime 20%

Lawyers whose practices focus on sex crimes understand the unique problems you may face if you are accused of rape, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, or internet luring, among other charges. These cases can be complex and require a specific legal knowledge that will help you understand your rights and the possible outcomes of the charges. A qualified sex crimes lawyer will also be familiar with sex offender registration requirements.

26 years

20%
Violent Crime 20%

26 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 25 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2000

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Pissetzky Law LLC

35 E. Wacker Dr, Suite 1980, Chicago, IL, 60601

Pissetzky Law LLC

601 Skokie Blvd, Suite 504, Northbrook, IL, 60062

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Gal Pissetzky's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

36 Client Reviews

5 star (34)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (2)
1 star (0)

Posted by Taras | September 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Lawyer

I am thrilled to share my experience with the law firm of Gal Pissetzky and his exceptional assistant, Jennifer. Over the past couple of years, they have provided me with invaluable support in navigating my legal matters, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very beginning, Gal and ...Jennifer demonstrated outstanding professionalism and expertise. They are remarkably punctual and responsible, always keeping me informed and updated at every step. Their deep knowledge of the law is evident, and they have a unique ability to break down complex legal concepts into easily understandable terms, which has been incredibly reassuring during challenging times. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to their clients. They deliver on their promises and work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes. Their excellent work ethic and communication skills made me feel supported and confident throughout the process. If you are in need of powerful legal defense, I wholeheartedly recommend Gal Pissetzky and Jennifer without any reservations. They have been a tremendous help to me, and I am certain they will provide the same level of dedication and expertise to anyone who seeks their assistance. Thank you, Gal and Jennifer, for everything you have done!

Posted by anonymous | November 6, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Think twice, do more research and good luck

For those who got the desired outcome from his service, I’m happy for you; however, here’s my experience. Before this incident, I was your typical 9-5 average joe with 100% clean criminal record. Unfortunately, I’ve got myself into some federal charges, allegedly. I had zero knowledge about how le...gal stuff works so I was searching online for a lawyer fit for my need at that moment, that’s how I came across Gal. The initial interaction with Gal was pretty good. He sounded nice and calm, answered all my questions, therefore, that gave me a lot of confidence. I paid $10K to retain him. Later on I was arrested and Gal got me out the same day. He is not cheap, I paid him $100k (in full) for his service. Then, the legal system took its time, after 2 years of waiting (I had my trial date pushed back by the judge once), my trial date was coming up and we were talking strategies. He basically told me that he got this, there’s nothing I need to worry about, his partner and him will do ALL the talking. I was like, that’s great, one less thing for me to worry about. During the meeting, he asked me for additional $20k (I paid that in full shortly after he asked, on top of the $100k I already paid him) for the “investigation on witness”. I wasn’t happy about the last minute extra charge but I was desperate and I don’t want him to worry about my ability to pay the legal fees. I had my very short trial, I lost my case. I get it, even Michael Jordan couldn’t win every single NBA games, but the “HOW u lost the game” part bothers me. Did you give all you got till the last minute? or you lost the game due to the lack of preparation/not enough time and overconfident? A week before my trial, he asked court to push back my trial date for like a week due to his schedule conflict. I saw his iPad calendar from few feet away, and his schedule was PACKED. After I lost the trial, I did several PAID consultation with different attorneys, they all said It looked like not enough time was spend on my case and there were lots of other ways he could make the argument much stronger but he didn’t (i’m sorry, I have to be vague here in order not to reveal too much information) Just to clarify, IMO, he might not be a bad lawyer but he has certain area of the law (like drug or gun charges) he’s good at and certain area he’s not (like “white collar” stuff). This whole experience was like paying the price of a brand new Ferrari and getting a beat up used Prius. Maybe I’m just unlucky that I made the wrong choice to go with him. If i can go back in time, I would chose someone else.

Gal Pissetzky

Replied last December 4, 2023

I am sorry you did not like the outcome after a very hard fought jury trial. You know that we invested many hours preparing for your case, and you even repeatedly thank us and the service we provided to you before and during the trial. If other lawyers believe I did not spend enough time on your case, I am sorry that this is the kind of advice other lawyers give when they have no idea how much time and effort went into your case. I stand firmly behind my work. I fight harder than any lawyer for my clients. I pour my heart and soul into every case, and I never give up. Unfortunately, I cannot make everyone happy - such is life.

Posted by CD | July 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

CASE DISMISSED

I was facing 10 years in federal prison. With all the evidence stacked against me and my former attorney suggesting that I take a plea…it was Gal who told me that the case could be beat and urged me to fight. Gal’s due diligence, preparation and knowledge of the law earned my trust. He did an exce...llent job in communicating the process which put me at ease. His skillful line of questioning caused the DEA agent to blatantly admit in open court that I was racially profiled. Because of this admission, the motion to suppress was granted and the case was dismissed. I am extremely grateful to Gal for his optimism and ability to deliver.

Posted by Andrea | September 2, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Absolutely Wonderful Attorney!!!

Gal is extremely professional and works hard for his clients. I am forever grateful to have had him as my Attorney. Thanks to Gal this extremely scary and stressful situation was worked out without jail time!!! I highly recommend Gal for anyone who has run into trouble with the courts!!!

Posted by Alejandro Martinez-Medina | February 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

I will recommend him to anyone who really needs the best attorney!

“I extend these words of admiration to the lawyer who, with his skill and abilities, managed to defend me in a case that seemed lost. I will never get tired of thanking life for having found you on my way, without you, I would be doomed. I owe you my freedom. ” I trusted you and I wasn't wrong, thank... you very much Gal!

See All Client Reviews

Gal Pissetzky's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gal
Michael John Young headshot
Michael Young

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Attorney Pissetzky on several matters and find him to be very knowledgable and aggressive. An excellent attorney."

Justino Louis Mirabelli headshot
Justino Mirabelli

Federal crime lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nora Salgado headshot
Nora Salgado

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jonathan Drake Steele headshot
Jonathan Steele

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Highly recommend this fine lawyer."

Justyna Kruk headshot
Justyna Kruk

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Gal is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorneys in Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois. A gifted and tenacious litigator, Gal has successfully defended cases at both the state and federal level. His dedication to his clients is unrivaled--you can be sure he will fight for your "Not guilty.""

Bart E Beals headshot
Bart Beals

Federal crime lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew John Hubbs headshot
Andrew Hubbs

Unknown lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Robert James Kerr headshot
Robert Kerr

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gal Pissetzky is an excellent trial attorney. Without hesitation, I endorse Mr. Pissetzky as one of the toughest defense attorneys based in Chicago, Illinois."

Anthony Richard Tuorto headshot
Anthony Tuorto

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Gal. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Donna B. Makowski headshot
Donna Makowski

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexander M. Ivakhnenko headshot
Alexander Ivakhnenko

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Gal Pissetsky who consistently exhibits a genuine dedication to comprehensive criminal defense based on attention to the case details, legal knowledge and keen intelligence to select the most optimal venues to defend client's interests."

Alexis Anton Johnson headshot
Alexis Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gal is an highly intelligent, dedicated, and skilled attorney who gets results for his client's. As a fellow defense attorney, I have witnessed how Gal presents his client's cases with aggressiveness and precision. Gal's reputation as an outstanding trial attorney is well deserved."

Richard Joseph Albanese headshot
Richard Albanese

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gal was a colleague on the states attorneys office and I have seen him often in court since then. Gal is a tenacious litigator who will fight for the best disposition for a client. Gal is not intimidated and will fight for his clients in court with motions and trials. Gal is also well known for his federal court practice."

Roger William Stelk headshot
Roger Stelk

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gal deserves his reputation as one of the most effective criminal lawyers in the city of Chicago. He is shrewd, tenacious and an expert strategist. I endorse this lawyer."

Juan Carlos Garcia Jr headshot
Juan Garcia

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney."

Kush Arora headshot
Kush Arora

Federal crime lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gal is a superb lawyer who has helped countless clients in the Chicago area. His dedication towards each case is a quality that every legal professional should possess."

Jason M Kalafat headshot
Jason Kalafat

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Outstanding criminal defense attorney. If you or someone you know requires a strong legal defense, contact Gal."

Ann Marie Thayer headshot
Ann Thayer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gal has a passion for fighting the battle for his clients facing criminal charges. He does not give up and is not afraid to go to trial and confront the evidence against you. If you want an attorney who will fight for you till the very end then Gal is your attorney."

Howard Jay Wise headshot
Howard Wise

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I worked with Gal in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and am very impressed with his skills. Mr. Pissetzky is very aggresive and fights hard for all his clients and is a top notch advocate to have on your side in court and during trials. He is a great Federal attorney and I often refer my Federal cases to him. Hiring Mr. Pissetzky would be a great decision."

View All Endorsements
Shannon P. O'Malley headshot
Shannon O'Malley

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael John Young headshot
Michael Young

Unknown lawyer

Justyna Kruk headshot
Justyna Kruk

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert James Kerr headshot
Robert Kerr

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth Mitchell Alpert headshot
Kenneth Alpert

Criminal defense lawyer

Alexis Anton Johnson headshot
Alexis Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Joseph Albanese headshot
Richard Albanese

Criminal defense lawyer

Howard Jay Wise headshot
Howard Wise

Criminal defense lawyer

Rafi R. Arbel headshot
Rafi Arbel

Business lawyer

Paul P. Wolf headshot
Paul Wolf

Personal injury lawyer

Ann Marie Thayer headshot
Ann Thayer

Criminal defense lawyer

Kush Arora headshot
Kush Arora

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason M Kalafat headshot
Jason Kalafat

Criminal defense lawyer

Cary Jay Wintroub headshot
Cary Wintroub

Personal injury lawyer

Howard Hamilton Ankin headshot
Howard Ankin

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Featured Attorney, Lawyers of Distinction

2016

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyer

2010

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Association of Trial Lawyers of America

2009

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Association of Trial Lawyers of America

2007

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association

2000

Cum Laude, John Marshall Law School

1997

Honors, University of Illinois, Chicago

N/A

"10 Best Client Satisfaction" Attorneys, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

N/A

Top 100 Trial Lawyers: Illinois, The American Trial Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Partner, Pissetzky & Berliner, LLC

2002 - 2006

Partner, Meczyk & Associates

2000 - 2002

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

Associations

2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime Member

2000 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

www.pbzlawfirm.com

View my case reviews on my website

Documentary of the Sinaloa Carter

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

University of Illinois, Chicago

BA

Speaking Engagements

2018

Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain on WGN Plus Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain on WGN Plus - Podcast

2016

Illinois Gun Laws Illinois Gun Laws

2016

Illinois Gun Laws Gun Dealers Licensing

Publications

2020

Gal Pissetzky Federal Sentencing

Languages

Spanish

Hebrew

Polish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • 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