Jeffery M. Leving

PRO

Jeffery M. Leving

also known as Jeffery Leving

4.1
Rating: 5.7

Licensed for 46 years

Marriage and prenuptials Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Marriage & Prenuptials, Family, Divorce & Separation ... +2 more

225 W Wacker Drive, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024
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Virtual Consultation Available

About Jeffery

Biography

We are a nationally-recognized family law firm dealing in divorce, child custody & visitation rights

Divorce is hard & we are well-equipped to handle the complex legal struggles that our clients face

With over 30 years of experience and dedication to family law, our goal is to safeguard your rights.

We are a nationally-recognized family law firm dealing in divorce, child custody & visitation rights.

We are a nationally-recognized family law firm dealing in divorce, child support & visitation rights.

We are a nationally-recognized family law firm dealing in divorce, child custody & visitation rights.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 20%

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

20%
Family 20%

20%
Marriage and Prenuptials 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 46 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1979

Active And Authorized To Practice Law, With Disciplinary Probation Conditions

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024

Location

Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd.

225 W Wacker Drive, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL, 60606

www.dadsrights.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Jeffery online.

Jeffery M. Leving's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

44 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (44) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Mr. James Hagler is a superb attorney

Regrettably, I have had to endure two divorces in two different counties. Consequently I have personally seen divorce lawyers at work. I can say without reservation that Mr. Hagler and the Leving Firm are extremely knowledgeable, provide excellent representation and truly take a personal interest in ...and care about their clients.

Posted by Alan | May 03, 2010 | Child Custody

Jeffery Leving is qualified and honest!

I normally don't post on these sites but see many of Leving's competitors have decided to use this site to lampoon him so I felt I had to speak up as a former client. I had a lawyer prior to Leving who promised me the moon and could not deliver in court. The lawyer charged me thousands of dollars... and was great in meetings but a complete wuss in court. I finally had enough and called Jeffery Leving. His associate gave me an honest and thourough consultation. I finally knew where I stood and had a strategy to get custody of my daughters. After a few months of preparation and two court dates I had temporary custody. He brought to light the fact that my ex-wife was unfit (which she was with many different men, moving around, and abusing alcohol). He did this through investigation and some really great strategy. My ex-wife was forced to take alcohol classes and urine drops. I now have full custody of my daughters and am looking forward to spending the first Fathers Day with them in years. Thank you Jeffery Leving!!!!!

Posted by anonymous | July 20, 2009 | Child Custody

Did the big job well, but didn't tie up loose ends.

A reversal of traditional custody cases, if you will, one of J. Leving's associates took our case to get emergency custody of my wife's 16 year old daughter due to her gang involvement and other unfavorable activities while living with her father. Our attorney was just GREAT in how he handled the ca...se at this point, getting an order to allow my wife to snatch her daughter right out of school one day by surprise without the ex-husband even knowing! In the final custody hearing, however, he didn't get a final visitation schedule or child support order entered, leaving it to another case to have opened or for another attorney to take. Beware though, VERY expensive rates!!! You'll get charged for everything.

Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

INCOMPETENT and EXPENSIVE

I hired the Leving Law Firm on January 2016 regarding a need for response to a post divorce case petition filed by ex-wife with frivolous accusations. She was Pro Se and filed a complaint for 3 items: Not utilizing Family Wizard, which my account was renewed just prior to petition filed, content of m...y work schedule (agreement states to just provide copy regardless of content) and claim of discussing parenting time with minor child after she desired to change my days which is a violation of the agreement. I paid a $5,000 retainer fee and hired their firm as they boasted about their strengths of Father's Rights. I departed on a 2 week work trip and the response was due to be filed close to my return day. While traveling I had communication from one attorney. The documents were prepared and sat idle from end of January thru February 2016 the first court date. I attended one meeting with attorney assigned to case in early February. On February 2016 two attorneys show up to court. The Pro Se ex-wife indicates the case number on documents prepared was improper, resulting in rescheduling court as ex-wife need more time to prepare response to modification of agreement. In hindsight, the modification could have been dropped. I received my first invoice with excessive charges, to include background checks, multiple attorneys, rental cars and strategic planning etc for $10,859. The case remained virtually idle until April 18, 2016 with invoices continuing monthly for about $5,000. I terminated their services after the April court date, resulting in another court order virtually status quo of agreement terms, attorneys were not prepared to counter ex. I terminated their services immediately and requested the final paying another $2900 ($13,800 sub total). The invoices continued for charges to include Motion to Withdraw etc, requesting an additional $8,000 bringing the total cost to about $21,000. They settled for $3,000 after another court hearing and a scheduled mediation with Chicago Bar Association. Close examination of their fee agreement gives the Leving Law firm the ability to add excessive charges to include multiple attorneys, motion to withdraw, rental cars, parking fees, copies of documents such as receipts or background checks etc...in other words they can say they did the work with having to provide proof unless you pay for it. If anyone from the law firms claims this review is fraudulent, I will be delighted to challenge them on any TV network, radio or with AVVO management

Jeffery Leving

Replied last March 21, 2017

I am sorry that you feel badly as the pursuit of justice is my life’s work. I take your matter seriously, which is why we previously addressed your issue in Court where we resolved the matter, which the Judge approved. You agreed to the order entered by the Court. However, I am more than happy to schedule a meeting to talk to you at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2011 | Family

I would not recommend this firm

I was a client of Jeffrey M Levings firm. They didn't do what they said they were going to do: a task simple enough to do but it had to be done by the lawyers. I believe because of their actions they have hurt my case and caused it to drag on. Their actions and behavior infuriated a judge who in ...turn ruled against me on issues directly related to the actions of the attorneys. They used up my retainer for office work and not legal work i.e. ex. @$4000 to organize Discovery Documents that were delivered already organized. It looked as if someone had dropped them and mixed them up. After 6 months of busy work and nothing really done, they left and left the legal issues to be decided later. They showed up in Court to ask for leave but not to argue the motion they had continued for 6 months until that date and THEY CHARGED ME FOR THEIR TIME THAT DAY. I repeatedly called Jeffery Leving to get this matter resoplved and he never returned my calls. He had his manager(s) call me but then they would never call back to say what they had found out or had decided. I had to file a motion to get my court file from them which also caused delays in my case. I was very dissappointed because after all the Fathers rights propaganda they did nothing to back it up. I have worked with many attorney's over the years in my business dealings but I would never work with this firm again.

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Jeffery M. Leving's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jeffery
Anthony Sylvio D'Agostino headshot
Anthony D'Agostino

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"It's been an honor working side-by-side with Jeffery Leving for 15 years fighting for fathers and reuniting children with their dads.. Decades ago, Jeffery's passion in helping reunite Elian Gonzalez with his father in Cuba has now grown exponentially into his daily fight and firm mission to allow all fathers the ability make a difference in the lives of their own children. There is no better attorney than Jeffery Leving!"

Jeffrey Lee Paustian headshot
Jeffrey Paustian

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I commend the philanthropic efforts of Jeffery M. Leving supporting WGN's Toy Drive last Friday, December 14th. I know it was important to him giving toys to fatherless children, who, tragically, won't receive toys from their dads, but who hopefully will be reunited with their dads some day soon! https://t.co/9YipN3EpfH"

James Mitchell Hagler headshot
James Hagler

Family lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Jeffery Leving for almost 3 decades. His commitment to his clients and their legal causes is outstanding, and everyone at his firm believes in helping fathers maintain strong relationships with their children. Jeffery and his attorneys will protect your legal interests and work with you to achieve your goals. He is a brilliant lawyer and will fight so that your children, and your relationship with them, will not be put at risk."

Andrea N. Giammicchio-Heckman headshot
Andrea Giammicchio-Heckman

Family lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer because he not only fights with integrity for children, but because he is highly educated and always contemplates issues from all angles. It is an honor to work for Jeff."

Arthur Sherman Kallow headshot
Arthur Kallow

Family lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I very strongly endorse this lawyer. Jeffery Leving is the hardest working lawyer I’ve ever known. He insists that the clients of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. receive the highest quality representation and works tirelessly to have his firm provide such quality representation. I have practiced law for 45 years and have dealt with thousands of attorneys across the country and I can honestly say that Jeff Leving possesses the highest legal skills as well as being by far the best legal strategist that I’ve met. He also is the most concerned attorney I know when it comes to the well-being of the firm’s clients and their children. I am proud to be associated with Jeff and to be part of his firm since 2004."

Maureen Ann Gorman headshot
Maureen Gorman

Family lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have worked for Jeffery M. Leving for 9 years. Nationally known and respected as one of the foremost family law attorneys in the country, Mr. Leving is a passionate and compelling advocate who has devoted his 30+ year career to reuniting fathers and children nationally and internationally, strengthening families, and achieving social change. Named one of "America's Best Lawyers" by Forbes Radio™, Mr. Leving has won victories in many high profile cases. He has also achieved countless successes for loving, hard-working fathers all over the country. Mr. Leving takes on many cases in which the father is struggling for the best interests of his children, regardless of how difficult or complex the case may appear. He brings his incredible skill, intense passion, and finely honed strategies to every case, to protect these fathers' rights and to preserve their relationships with their children."

Mark A. Petrolis headshot
Mark Petrolis

Family lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"It is a privilege for me to work with Jeffery Leving and the best family law firm in the nation. Mr. Leving is indefatigable when it comes to protecting his clients. He works non-stop to make sure none of his clients become a target looking for an arrow. He has your back. His legal acumen is second to none, by winning cases that are intensely complex or viewed as a hopeless cause to others. His track record over the last 30 years is evidence of this, particularly, the Elian Gonzalez case he won. There, everybody thought it was an impossible case to win. Mr. Leving continues to win the “unwinnable” cases. As a result, Mr. Leving has saved countless children from dangerous situations. He has reunited families across the world. If you think your case cannot be won, speak to Mr. Leving. Not only does he provide the legal expertise that he only can, he provides the path to people who feel their family law matter is hopeless. Mr. Leving is the sword and the shield that every client needs."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Joseph Henry Sparacino headshot
Joseph Sparacino

Family lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. In the 7 years I have been a member of the Leving Firm I have worked with the most dedicated advocate of Father's Rights and protector of children I have seen in 23 years as an attorney. Under his leadership I have achieved results for the firm's clients I would have not thought possible before. His thoroughness, skillfull use of all resources available, and dedication to the simple goal of keeping fathers in children's lives and keeping them safe is inspiring. Jeffery M. Leving never sees a situation as hopless, seeing a way to move the mountain that the Courts can be to achieve the goals of his clients."

James John Knibbs headshot
James Knibbs

Child custody lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jenet Gonzalez Pequeno headshot
Jenet Pequeno

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jeffery M. Leving is a tireless and fearless advocate on behalf of father's everywhere. He never gives up and never gives an inch. I have seen him work miracles for father's who were desperate and were losing hope. He and I fought for a military father to have the right to have his boy baptized in the Catholic faith. Not only did our client obtain the right to baptize his little boy in the Catholic faith, he also received the right to raise him in the Catholic faith! Even if the situation seems desperate, Jeffery Leving will fight to find a way!"

Andrey Bohdan Filipowicz headshot
Andrey Filipowicz

Family lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have worked with Jeffery Leving for ten years. During this time I have witnessed Mr. Leving leading by example, and the resulting professional growth of the talented attorneys at his firm. Mr. Leving has contributed to my own personal growth in the arena of family law, as I evolved from a solo general practitioner to a member of the finest team of matrimonial attorneys I have ever been privileged to work with. In addition to providing strategic guidance, I have seen Mr. Leving taking charge of individual cases when necessary, and caring deeply and passionately about his work and the individuals his work touches. While his firm may have had thousands of clients, I have seen Mr. Leving go out of his way and devote his personal time to see to it that individual children are not victimized, and to see to it that a sometimes indifferent and callous system is held accountable. Due to his zealous hard work and "thinking out of the box" he has earned victories for clients who had lost hope."

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Joseph Henry Sparacino headshot
Joseph Sparacino

Divorce and separation lawyer

Arthur Sherman Kallow headshot
Arthur Kallow

Family lawyer

Jenet Gonzalez Pequeno headshot
Jenet Pequeno

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  5.7 (Average)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.

Partial Stayed Suspension and Probation issued in IL, 2024

updated on 10/22/2024

This type of suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time, and must meet State ordered requirements. While on probation, the State monitors the lawyer's activities in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Honors

2024

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

House Resolution 0995 Honors - Jeffery Leving, Illinois House of Representatives

2012

National Lifetime Call to Service Award, President Obama

2005

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

N/A

America's Best Lawyers, Forbes Radio

N/A

Award for Meritorious Service to the Public and Legal Community, Illinois State Bar Association

N/A

Protection of the Family, Illinois State Crime Commission

Work Experience

1986 - Present

Attorney/President, Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd.

Associations

2004 - Present

Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood

Chair

1979 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

1979 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Federal Bar Association

Member

Education

1979

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

1974

Southern Illinois University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

The 3rd Annual Caribbean Healthy Fathers & Families Conference - San Juan - Puerto Rico

The Impacts of Divorce on Children

2015

16TH Annual Fathers and Families Conference in Los Angeles, California

Parental Alienation: A Growing Epidemic Destroying Children’s Self-Esteem and Families

2014

Fathers & Families Coalition of America National Conference

A Father's Role in Preventing Family Violence

2012

West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association

Child Custody and Visitation

2012

13th Annual Fathers & Families Conference in Los Angeles, CA

Responsible Fatherhood

2011

Women’s Law Symposium

Equality

2011

Strengthening Fathers to Strengthen Families Forum

Fatherhood Empowerment

2011

Fatherhood Involvement Forum

Rights of Non-Custodial Parents

2011

Father Factors Forum

Co-Authorship of Illinois Laws

2011

7th Annual Southwestern Fatherhood Institute Training Conference

Importance of Co-Parenting and Healthy Relationships for Children

2010

Fathers Who Care: Expo for Today’s Man

Parenting Rights and Responsibilities

2009

Men Making a Difference in the Lives of Children

Father Involvement in Chicago Public Schools

2008

Southwestern Fatherhood Institute Training

Dads Make A Difference

Publications

2020

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Bill would lower interest on unpaid child support

2020

2015

Chicago Tribune - Beacon News Abused Boy Reunited With Loving Father

2015

Chicago Tribune - Des Plaines Single Mom Wronged – Parenting Rights Restored

2012

Jossey-Bass, a Wiley imprint How to Be A Good Divorced Dad

2012

1998

Basic Books Fathers' Rights

Languages

English

Spanish

Polish

Portuguese

Russian

German

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024
    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