JoAnne Bruzgul

PRO

JoAnne Bruzgul

also known as Joanne Bruzgul, JoAnne Bruzgul

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

Probate Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Probate, Family, Estate Planning ... +3 more

120 S State St Ste 535, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

About JoAnne

Biography

Forward Thinking and Innovative. Call Today.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Probate 30%

Most executors have rarely if ever probated a will and know little about the process. Attorney Bruzgul can guide you through the complex probate process.

34 years

30%
Contracts and Agreements 15%

34 years

15%
Estate Planning 15%

You'd better stop procrastinating today. Planning your estate is much much easier when you're still active and cognizant. The less physically and mentally capable you become with age, the harder this will become to do, but it's no less urgent. Call

34 years

15%
Family 15%

Divorce, paternity, custody/visitation, support. Family law is as intricate and varied as today’s families. If you find yourself in a situation that requires family legal advice, you'll need Attorney Bruzgul on your side. Call today.

35 years

15%
Lawsuits and Disputes 15%

15%
Real Estate 10%

34 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 275-320 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 38 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1987

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Bruzgul & Associates, Ltd.

120 S State St Ste 535, Chicago, IL, 60603-5503

beyondthelaw.net

JoAnne Bruzgul's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 21 reviews

Posted by Sandy Kita | July 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Probate

Excellent probate lawyer!

JoAnne solved a particularly thorny probate problem we had. There is no question of her understanding of the law and its ramifications and, even more, of the people involved in the legal, financial, and business world of Chicago. She was particularly good at explaining different legal strategies and... identifying what would most likely be best for us. Moreover, once we understood what the plan was, we were very impressed by how carefully, thoroughly, and quickly she executed it. The outcome could not have been better for us. We recommend JoAnne Bruzgul In the highest possible terms.

Posted by Jessica | September 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate

Support with property damages

I worked with JoAnne regarding extensive damages to my condo due to negligence from the HOA. She was great to work with, super attentive, detailed and organized. We worked together for more than 2 years in order to settle with the board. In the end, she was able to negotiate a great deal that helped ...me extensively. I would highly recommend her for any real estate consulting or legal work.

Posted by dave | August 03, 2024 | Child Support

very helpful consultation

I was trying to find help for my brother regarding a child support case. He had waited until the last minute and was completely unprepared for his court appearance, which was only a couple days away. I contacted the Chicago Bar and was referred to Joanne Bruzgul. I was a little surprised when ...I actually reached someone on a Friday afternoon, and after explaining my situation to her Associate, I was told that Joanne would review the information, and I would get a call back if she was able to help. Amazingly, I got a call back that same day (after 5pm), and we spent a good half hour going over my brother's case. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my brother to commit to using her services, but I was extremely grateful for the generous amount of time Joanne took to go through his options with me. Overall, I found Joanne to be professional, patient and very helpful.I was trying to find help for my brother regarding a child support case. He had waited until the last minute and was completely unprepared for his court appearance, which was only a couple days away. I contacted the Chicago Bar and was referred to Joanne Bruzgul. I was a little surprised when I actually reached someone on a Friday afternoon, and after explaining my situation to her Associate, I was told that Joanne would review the information, and I would get a call back if she was able to help. Amazingly, I got a call back that same day (after 5pm), and we spent a good half hour going over my brother's case. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my brother to commit to using her services, but I was extremely grateful for the generous amount of time Joanne took to go through his options with me. Overall, I found Joanne to be professional, patient and very helpful.

Posted by Kyle | July 22, 2024 | Employment & Labor

World-Class Legal Advice

I recently consulted with JoAnne regarding a complex employment issue that could impact my career opportunities. The advice provided was insightful and strategic, helping me focus on the big picture while addressing immediate legal concerns. JoAnne demonstrated a deep understanding of employment law... and offered clear guidance on navigating my situation. She also had a personal touch that let me know she heard my concerns. I highly recommend Bruzgul & Associates for anyone facing similar challenges.

Posted by anonymous | February 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent lawyer - VERY satisfied!

I worked with Joanne Bruzgul recently to get my divorce filed, and she was excellent to work with! Thank you Joanne once again! She was very professional, I found her to be really positive & personable, and she was always very responsive throughout the process. Start to finish, the whole process wen...t much quicker than I could have ever imagined. I can highly recommend!

See All Client Reviews

JoAnne Bruzgul's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse JoAnne
Kevin P. Hanbury headshot
Kevin Hanbury

Probate lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jo Anne is stellar attorney, smart, resourceful and able always to suggest creative, practical solutions to client problems. She is hard-working, highly professional and has genuine empathy for clients. I recommend Jo Anne highly on probate and family law matters, and always enjoy working with her."

Caroline Kaplan headshot
Caroline Kaplan

Family lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I picked Joanne to personally represent me as a lawyer in a complicated family law case involving college contributions and a special needs child. She is brilliant , tough and a smart negotiator in addition to her wisdom and experience in multiple practice areas. I further work with her on complex real estate litigation and probate matters. Her reputation with judges and colleagues is impeccable."

Michael P Rhoades headshot
Michael Rhoades

Family lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jo Anne Bruzgul. She is an excellent family lawyer who advocates for her clients in a professional manner. Jo Anne has a wonderful approach of balancing preparation with results and does not "over-lawyer" a case. She is very hard working and practical."

Timothy Allen Rocap headshot
Timothy Rocap

Estate planning lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"We have referred various types of cases to Jo Anne over the years, and I have found her to be a very competent and passionate attorney. She has good litigation skills and takes a practical approach to her cases. I have been pleased with the work she has performed."

William B. Levy headshot
William Levy

Family lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jo Anne Bruzgul for several years and find her to be a very competent, resourceful, creative attorney. She has good communication skills and also has the ability to negotiate AND litigate. In particular, she does an excellent job in family law practice including divorce, paternity, custody/visitation and support. I endorse her without reservation."

Bradley H. Foreman headshot
Bradley Foreman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jo Anne professionally for more than 20 years. She is a diligent and caring attorney, who will work hard for her clients."

Steven Bruce Isaacson headshot
Steven Isaacson

Litigation lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jo Anne for many years and she is an excellent, hard working attorney. I highly recommend her."

Susan E Moore headshot
Susan Moore

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"Jo Anne is a skilled divorce attorney and fierce advocate for her clients. She is compassionate and has a worldly understanding of the day-to-day and long-term challenges of families experiencing the dissolution of a marriage. She is an experienced litigator and adroitly handles the various legal issues that may arise in divorce, such as parenting responsibilities, child support, finances, real estate, family businesses, and tax considerations."

Barbara L. Allyn headshot
Barbara Allyn

Family lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse attorney Jo Anne B. Bruzgul. She is an excellent attorney who fights hard for her clients and is always attentive to their needs. She is a seasoned attorney with a pragmatic approach to the many aspects of representing family law clients."

View All Endorsements
Michael A. Perez headshot
Michael Perez

Real estate lawyer

Kevin P. Hanbury headshot
Kevin Hanbury

Guardianship lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Pro Bono Advocacy Award, Federal Circuit Bar Association

2017

Excellence in Pro Bono Service, Federal Bar Association

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Owner, Bruzgul & Associates Ltd.

1992 - 1995

Nation Wide Claims Specialist, coregis f/n/a Crum & Forster Managers Group

1990 - 1992

Associate, Willians & Montgomery Ltd.

1987 - 1990

Associate, Conklin & Adler

1985 - 1987

Clerk, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

Associations

2016 - Present

Chicago Bar Association, Lawyers Referral Service Committee

Executive Committee Member

1997 - Present

Supreme Court of the United States of America

Admitted to Practice

1989 - Present

Chicago Bar Asssociation

Member

1987 - Present

Illinois Bar Association

Member

1987 - Present

Illinois Supreme Court

Admitted to Practice

1987 - Present

Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Dixon vs. GAI Movement

See More Legal Cases

Education

1987

Syracuse University College of Law

J.D.

1979

State University of New York, College at New Paltz

Master's Degree

1976

Bard College

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2023

LRS CLE: How to Attract and Retain Clients

Building a Legal Practice

2011

Center for Conflict Resolution

Lawyer Training

2009

Young Lawyers Association

Real Estate Closings

Publications

2007

Chicago News Tribune Dozens of Breaks in Bones of Infant

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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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