Cindy M. Johnson

Cindy M. Johnson

4.7
Rating: 9.1

Licensed for 37 years

Debt collection Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Debt Collection, Bankruptcy & Debt, Litigation, Lawsuits & Disputes

53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1337, Chicago, IL

About Cindy

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 35%

Creditor Representation in Bankruptcy

37 years

35%
Debt Collection 35%

Commercial Collection and Litigation

33 years

35%
Litigation 20%

Commercial litigation

37 years

20%
Lawsuits and Disputes 10%

commercial disputes

37 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 37 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1988

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Johnson Legal Group, LLC

53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1337, Chicago, IL, 60604

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Cindy M. Johnson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

12 Client Reviews

5 star (11)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Quincey williams | November 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Collection

Well I hired Cindy I didn’t know what to expected she working hard and every dime was worth it .I can’t thank her enough bc I had some sleepy nights . But she the best hands down hire her don’t think twice

Posted by Rea | January 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Honest Review

- Hired this lawyer on 9/12/2014 - The lawyer filed our complaint 10/22/2014 - The complaint was served 10/27/2014 - Defendant filed an answer 11/26/2014 - Defendant filed 222 disclosures 6/9/2015 After constant contact and multiple emails about the status of our case with very little to no re...sponse, she finally sent an email on 9/1/2015 indicating that she no longer wanted to represent our firm for unclear reasons. We then proceeded with our case with another attorney. We finally were about to have trial to present our case to the judge on 1/14/2016 but we were blindsided by the defendant’s attorney. The defendant’s attorney indicated that my previous attorney did not timely file the 222 disclosures and that we should dismiss since we would be sanctioned. I had no choice but to dismiss the case without prejudice. After court, I asked Cindy Johnson for the 222 disclosures and she never responded to date. My new attorney indicated that I had one year to refile the case but when I did more research online, it indicated that I could still be liable for sanctions. The article indicated that voluntarily dismissing a lawsuit and later refiling it is not an escape to avoid adverse rulings and sanctions found in Rule 219(e). I believe in her email dated 9/1/2015, she knew that we would be sanctioned since she mentioned it in the email without ever disclosing why there would be sanctions. I was totally clueless about sanctions and had no idea she did not file the proper disclosures at that time. I also believe this email was her trying to convince me to dismiss the case since she knew she didn’t file the proper disclosures timely. In the email she indicated that I would incur a lot of expenses, it would take a couple of years to get the judgment, etc. In summary, I spent $4450 and never was able to plead my case to the judge.

Cindy Johnson

Replied last January 17, 2020

As much as I would wish otherwise, not every relationship between every attorney and client can be smooth sailing. It is unfortunate that our relationship soured and our firm needed to withdraw from representing you. Sometimes the attorney and client simply have very different views of what can occur by way of the representation. Unfortunately, unless I were to violate the attorney-client privilege—which I would not do—in this forum, I cannot respond in a detailed factual way to much of what you have posted. What I can say is that I made very clear to you the reasons our firm planned to withdraw, and they are not what you are suggesting that you “believe.” The 9/1/15 email I sent to you was (as printed) two pages, single spaced, reiterating the substance of our earlier telephone conversation, i.e. that the position you requested we take for your company raised significant ethical and sanctions concerns on our part, and, although another attorney might see matters differently, I did not feel comfortable with our firm continuing to represent your company under the direction given by you. My decision had nothing to do with Rule 222 disclosures. Our firm charged you a $2,000.00 up front non-refundable retainer as against the contingency fee, not the $4,450.00. And, by the time we had to withdraw, we had expended over $10,000.00 worth of time (calculated at what you would have paid had you hired us at our hourly rates) in representing your company, e.g. significantly more than your company paid to our firm.

Posted by Dave | October 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Cindy helped me get my money back.

I contacted Cindy after a borrower defaulted on both interest and principle payments. Although I have been lending for many years, it was the first time where communication and understanding broke down so much with a borrower. Cindy helped check through the contract and correspondence. I proceeded... with her advice and matters progressed. I called on Cindy again one more time in the same matter. Her communications with the borrower set things back on track when my own efforts proved insufficient. The entire principle amount, outstanding interest and fines were all recovered. Cindy Johnson and her team get my highest recommendation.

Posted by Earin Land | January 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

WOW

I contacted Cindy's firm for a collections case. She was extremely helpful and kept me updated every step of the way. I am completely satisfied with how the case unfolded. She used all of her resources for an outcome that was timely and agreeable. She explored options I hadn't even thought of. S...uper job, extremely satisfied, definitely recommended.

Posted by Elinor | September 30, 2014

Cindy Johnson - a great attorney

I highly recommend Cindy Johnson. My husband and I retained her in the sale of our business. She is exceptionally knowledgeable and efficient. She kept us informed throughout the entire year long process, and we had a smooth, successful outcome.

See All Client Reviews

Cindy M. Johnson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Cindy
Cameron H. Goodman headshot
Cameron Goodman

Litigation lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cindy is a sharp and talented litigator and negotiator with and extensive background in a number of areas. She has a versatile skill set and a very down to earth mentality. I highly recommend Cindy Johnson."

Ira Neil Helfgot headshot
Ira Helfgot

Debt collection lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kenneth Mark Bloom headshot
Kenneth Bloom

Litigation lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Cindy. I've known her since law school. She's an excellent attorney and I refer my clients to her with confidence. She knows how to get the job done right."

William Hilton Ridings Jr headshot
William Ridings

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Donald James Kindwald headshot
Donald Kindwald

Debt collection lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Cindy was opposing counsel on case. Unfortunately for me, she had the better side of the case and a thorough knowledge of the law. Because of these two factors, we settled early, which was a good result for both clients. Since that time, Cindy is my go to person for all creditors rights and bankruptcy questions."

Ahmad Tayseer Sulaiman headshot
Ahmad Sulaiman

Debt collection lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the pleasure to work with Mrs. Johnson now for nearly two years. My Attorneys and I find her to be an excellent reflection of what it means to be Creditor's Counsel. She is fair and even handed. She is honest and will give you her opinion in a respectful manner even as she zealously protects her Client's interests. I look forward to continuing my work with Mrs. Johnson in the future. I definitely endorse the work of this fine Attorney."

Frank John Kokoszka headshot
Frank Kokoszka

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the honor of knowing Cindy as co-counsel, opposing counsel and mediator. In each instance I have left with great respect for his legal acumen. Whenever I have a creditor/collection issue, Cindy is the first person I turn to for advice."

Douglas C. Giese headshot
Douglas Giese

Litigation lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I first worked with her as opposing counsel on a matter, and found her to be pragmatic and efficient. She stated her case briefly and concisely, and without hyperbole or overstating her position. Since then, I have relied on her as a sounding board for legal theories, and as a mentor in cases where I am a "fish-out-of-water". She is razor sharp, both in her legal analysis and knowledge of the procedures, and a pleasure to work with."

Gini S. Marziani headshot
Gini Marziani

Commercial real estate lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Cindy Johnson is not only bright and articulate, she is very practical in her approach to problems and issues."

Penelope Noami Bach headshot
Penelope Bach

Unknown lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Cindy Johnson is an incredibly knowledgeable attorney in every area she practices in. She is great in the Courtroom as well as behind the scenes."

Robert Thomas Kuehl headshot
Robert Kuehl

Unknown lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Cindy for years. She is an intelligent, conscientious, and knowledgeable attorney, and a superb communicator."

Daniel J. Winter headshot
Daniel Winter

Commercial real estate lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. I've known Ms. Johnson for over 20 years. In that time, I've learned many important things from her. She is a well-informed lawyer who always has her clients' interests at heart. She is well respected within the legal community."

View All Endorsements
Ira Neil Helfgot headshot
Ira Helfgot

Litigation lawyer

Ahmad Tayseer Sulaiman headshot
Ahmad Sulaiman

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Douglas C. Giese headshot
Douglas Giese

Commercial real estate lawyer

Penelope Noami Bach headshot
Penelope Bach

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Paul Mathew Bach headshot
Paul Bach

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

Daniel J. Winter headshot
Daniel Winter

Unknown lawyer

Robert Thomas Kuehl headshot
Robert Kuehl

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.1 (Superb)

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Managing Member, Johnson Legal Group, LLC

Associations

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

American Bankruptcy Institute

Member

2003 - 2005

Illinois Creditors Bar Association

President

Education

1988

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

University of Chicago

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

N/A

For a Number of Different Seminars Numerous Speaking Engagements

Publications

N/A

A Number of Different Publications Several Articles
Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • 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