Paul Thomas Whitcombe

Paul Thomas Whitcombe

3.4
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Family Lawyer at Dixon, IL
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, General Practice

223 West First Street, Dixon, IL

About Paul

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 50%

divorce, child support, adoption, custody, removal, visitation

34 years

50%
Criminal Defense 35%

DUI defense, drug cases, sex crime defense, expungements, traffic, misdemeanor, felony defense. Tried nearly 80 criminal jury trials.

34 years

35%
General Practice 15%

Wills, deeds, contracts, small claims, civil litigation

34 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-250 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 33 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1992

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Paul Whitcombe, Chartered

223 West First Street, Dixon, IL, 61021-1009

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Paul Thomas Whitcombe's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.4 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Wade | June 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Worst lawyer ever.

I hired Paul for my divorce. He basically represented my x wife. He buried evidence and laughed at me in court. He said all I need is a car and a girlfriend. He thought that was funny. He is a total liar and fraud. I'm sure he made a good DA.

Posted by anonymous | October 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Worst lawyer ever

I hired Paul to represent me in a divorce. As an x DA I thought he could work the system on my behalf. But I soon realized he is a part of the system that doesnt care. He failed to present evidence during the trial that cost me everything. he even had the audasity to tell me I was getting screwed. he... failed to represent me in every way. But he had no problem taking my money.

Posted by Monica jensen | October 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Previous client

I hired Paul as my attorney to represent my daughter and I in a family case. Mostly to make sure she was protected and the best possible outcome was reached for her. Paul sold himself well as a very caring individual, wanting what was best for my daughter. This was in March of this year. At first he ...would address my worries communication seemed ok. In May he hired an assistant attorney who began to represent me in court, I had no knowledge of this. When I called to speak with Stacy Rhody to make sure she understood my fears and worries pertaining to the case she was rude to me. When I mentioned looking for a new attorney she said she would gladly be fired and give my paper work to another attorney. I hired them in March, and by September they still had made no progress in my case. Communication was horrible, there was a parenting class they failed to inform me I needed to take before my next court date. Overall, this firm has poor communication with clients and continues court cases to run clients dry if retainer so they can get the most money out of the. Definitely do not recommend!!!

Posted by Olyvia | May 19, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Professional, Attentive, and Experienced.

Paul is a very professional, knowledgeable and experienced attorney. Paul’s confidence and knowledge of the local justice system made me feel I had the best lawyer for my case. Paul is assertive, trustworthy and reliable. He is prompt in returning my calls and responding to emails. Paul established t...rust and confidence immediately. He did a great job of explaining the legal process, as well as providing sound advice and legal counsel. Paul is very knowledgeable in every area that he practices in. I believe that comes from his varied background. He has worked previously as a State’s Attorney which I believe gives him more of an insight to help his clients. Even though I know how busy he was he always made me feel as if my case was top priority. He managed to get me the outcome I desired in a timely manner as well. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone in need of a lawyer. He is simply put the best.

Posted by Angela | May 15, 2015 | Child Custody

Awesome Attorney

I came to Mr. Whitcombe about custody and child support for my son. We were in a domestic abuse situation with my sons father. My first meeting with Mr. Whitcombe, I told him this is about my son and his safety. Please treat this as my son is like your own child. His response I will never forget. He ...replied, I always do. Mr. Whitcombe has done just that. He has went above and beyond my expectations for an attorney. Even when I've felt things were not going the way I wanted, he reassured me it will work out. It has! He is extremely knowledgeable and keeps me very informed, as I keep him informed as well. You can tell Mr. Whitcombe is very passionate about what he does and he truly cares. I would highly recommend his services. I'm glad to know I have someone like him in my corner for as long as he is an attorney. He is one of the great ones!

See All Client Reviews

Paul Thomas Whitcombe's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Paul
John Stephen Kenefick headshot
John Kenefick

General practice lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Paul professionally for more than 20 years. He is a fine person and an excellent lawyer. He has the knowledge, skills and intellect that should make any client comfortable with his representation. I highly recommend him."

Clayton Lynn Lindsey headshot
Clayton Lindsey

Family lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Paul handles cases efficiently and with the utmost integrity. I enjoy having Paul on the other side of a case because not only is he personable, but he is an attorney that you can count on to follow the rules and present his case fairly."

Lindsey Joy Gorsline headshot
Lindsey Gorsline

Family lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had several cases with Paul. Paul is able to at the same time advocate tirelessly for his client while maintaining good relationships with other attorneys. This skill set goes a long way in the ability to receive the best possible outcome for a client. I I have always found Paul to be extremely professional."

Timothy Sean Mahoney headshot
Timothy Mahoney

Litigation lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Paul his entire carrier as an attorney both professionally and personally. As an attorney he has one of the greatest legal minds I have ever run across. His work ethic and ability in the courtroom is second to none, and he treats his clients like family. As a person he is of the up most character in every way. I could not give him a higher recommendation."

Robert J Thompson headshot
Robert Thompson

Family lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Whitcombe is highly regarded by his peers in family law, criminal law and estate matters."

View All Endorsements
Lindsey Joy Gorsline headshot
Lindsey Gorsline

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Alumnus of the Year, Northern Illinois College of Law Alumni Council

Work Experience

2004 - 2008

State's Attorney, Lee County State's Attorney

1996 - 2004

Partner, Thompson & Whitcombe, P.C.

1994 - 1996

Associate, Jenner & Block

1992 - 1994

Judicial Law Clerk, United States District Court Judge Paul E. Plunkett

Associations

1995 - Present

Lee County Bar Association

1992 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Education

1992

Northern Illinois University College of Law

Juris Doctor, Summa Cum Laude

Speaking Engagements

2014

Spring 2014

Ethics in Criminal Law

Publications

1994

The John Marshall Law Review Defamation by Will: Theories and Liabilities

1991

Northern Illinois University Law Review Mandatory AIDS Testing and the Fourth Amendment

Languages

English

Activity

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