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- Edward Blake
Edward James Blake Jr.
- Belleville, IL
- Licensed for 41 years
- Free consultation
About Edward
Blake Behme Law Group, P.C. was founded in 1983 and provides a full range of legal services.
EDWARD J. BLAKE, JR. was born in East St. Louis, Illinois in 1952. He has been engaged in the private practice of law for more than 40 years.
Education: St. Louis University (B.S.B.A., 1975); Southern Illinois University (M.B.A., 1977); St. Louis University (J.D., 1978); Washington University (LL.M., in Taxation, 1982).
Member: The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis; St. Clair County, Illinois State (Member: Section on Estate Planning, 1987 – 1988; Federal Taxation, 1988 – 1989; Business Advice & Financial Planning, 1995-1996) and American Bar Association. Madison County Bar Association, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, American Agricultural Law Association, Illinois State Trial Lawyers Association, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and Top 100 Family Lawyers in the State of Illinois. Illinois State Bar Association Section Member: (1) Trusts & Estates; (2) Family Law; (3) Agricultural Law; and (4) Civil Practice & Procedure.
Auto Accident, Bankruptcy, Business, Child Custody, Child Support, Collaborative Divorce, Commercial Real Estate, Consumer Protection, Criminal Defense, DUI and DWI, Debt Settlement, Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Employment, Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Breaches of Fiduciary Duty, Family, Foreclosure, Immigration Law, Landlord/Tenant, Legal Malpractice, Litigation, Civil Lawsuits, Military Divorce, Nursing Home, Personal Injury, Probate, Estate Settlement, Real Estate, Securities, Sex Crimes, DCFS, Sexual Harassment, Tax, Internal Revenue Service, Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Traffic Tickets, Unemployment, White Collar Crime, Workman’s Compensation, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Termination.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Photos and videos
Contact
Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C.
Richland Executive Plaza II
521 West Main Street, Suite 100
Belleville, IL, 62220
Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C.
201 Hillsboro, Suite 206
Edwardsville, IL, 62025
Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C.
1355 North Bluff Road, Suite B
Collinsville, IL, 62234
Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C.
553 9th Street
Carlyle, IL, 62231
Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C
305 West Professional Park Avenue
Effingham, IL, 62401
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1978 | 07/06/2019 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Client Champion Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
| Best Attorneys of America | Best Attorneys of America | 2016 |
| Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2016 |
| Senior Counsel | College of Master Advocates and Barristers | 2015 |
| 100 Family Lawyers in the State of Illinois | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Top One Percent Attorney | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
| Million Dollar Advocate Forum | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2015 |
| AVVO Superb 10 Rating | AVVO | 2015 |
| AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
| AV Preeminent Rated Lawyer | Martindale-Hubble | 2013 |
| Leading Lawyer | Illinois Leading Lawyer Network | 2013 |
| AV Preeminent Rated Lawyer | Martindale-Hubble | 2012 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Partner | Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C. | 2014 - Present |
| Managing Partner | Blake Behme Law Group, P.C. | 2011 - 2014 |
| Managing Partner | Blake & Allen, P.C. | 2004 - 2011 |
| Attorney | Edward J. Blake, Jr. P.C. | 1983 - 2004 |
| Managing Partner | Blake Law Group, P.C. | 1983 - 2014 |
| Assistant States Attorney | St. Clair County Courthouse | 1981 - 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Pope & Driemeyer n/k/a Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. | 1978 - 1981 |
| Law Clerk | Listeman, Bandy & Hamilton | 1977 - 1978 |
| Law Clerk | Kassly Bone Becker & Carlson | 1976 - 1976 |
| Law Clerk | Cadagin, Cain & Tognarelli | 1976 - 1976 |
| Third Round Draft Choice | Baltimore Orioles | 1970 - 1974 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Leukemia and Lymphoma Society | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Brehm Preparatory School | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| John Burroughs School | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Refuse to Lose - Mike Kelley Foundation | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| This Able Veteran (TAV) | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade School` | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Helping Strays of Monroe County | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Fisher House Foundation | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Carlyle Youth Sports | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Boys Football Club of Belleville | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Belleville Area Humane Society | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Southwestern Illinois College | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Granite City High School | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Granite City Park District | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Stray Rescue of St. Louis | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Hospice of Southern Illinois | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Shriners Hospital for Children | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Greater St. Louis Honor Flight | Annual Contribution | 2019 - Present |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Senior Lawyers | 2014 - Present |
| American Agricultural Law Association | Agricultural Attorney | 2014 - Present |
| American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | Family Law Attorney | 2014 - Present |
| National Academy of Family Law Attorneys | Family Law Attorney | 2014 - Present |
| National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys | Elder Law Attorney | 2014 - Present |
| American Society of Legal Advocates | Legal Advocate | 2014 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Real Property, Trusts and Estate Law | 2014 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Family Law | 2014 - Present |
| Madison County Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
| Brehm Preparatory School Board of Trustees | Board Member | 2011 - Present |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Trusts & Estates | 2009 - Present |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Family Law | 2009 - Present |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Agricultural Law | 2009 - Present |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Civil Practice and Procedure | 2009 - Present |
| Gibault Catholic High School | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Collinsville High School | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Edwardsville High School | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Metro East Lutheran High School | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Edwardsville Chamber of Commerce | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| United Way of Greater St. Louis | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Boy Scouts of America | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| YMCA | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Susan G. Komen | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| American Red Cross | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| Althoff Catholic High School | Annual Charitable Contribution | 2008 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present |
| St. Clair County Bar Association | Member | 1978 - Present |
| Belleville Public School District #118 | School Board Member | 1979 - 1980 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Divorcesource.com | Estate Planning, PreMarital, PostMarital Agreements, and Statutory Rights to Inheritance in Divorce | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Avoid a Former Spouse Becoming Legal Guardian of Minor Children After a Divorce: Predeceased Testator Survived by Ex-Spouse | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Estate Considerations In Divorce or Dissolution Proceedings | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Estate Planning During a Divorce Proceeding | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Retirement and Beneficiary Designations in Divorce | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Power of Attorney and Advance Directives in Divorce | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Divorcesource.com | Divorce and Tax Issues | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Should I Change My Will When I Get Divorced? | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Amending Your Last Will and Testament and Trust After Divorce | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Estate Considerations In Divorce or Dissolution Proceedings | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Unintended Estate Planning Consequences in a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage Proceeding | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Real Estate and the Sale of the Marital Residence in Divorce | 2019 |
| Divorcesource.com | Change of Name After Divorce | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Complexities of Any Estate and/or Trust Administration During the Pendency of a Dissolution of Marriage Proceeding | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Dividing Ongoing Business Operations In Dissolution of Marriage Proceedings | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Dividing the Wedding Gifts in a Dissolution of Marriage | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Divorce and Bankruptcy | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Estate Planning While a Divorce Case is Pending | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | How to Find the Best Attorney to Provide Representation in a Divorce Proceeding | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | How to Handle Internal Revenue Service Audits, Income Tax Adjustments After a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | How to Handle Stock Options in the Context of Divorce Proceedings | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | How to Handle Undisclosed Assets After a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage has Already Been Entered? | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | How to Handle Unpaid Child Support When the Responsible Person Dies | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Marital Versus Non-Marital Property in St. Clair and Madison County Illinois Divorce Cases | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Multiple Marriages and Divorces Between the Same Parties | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Orders of Protection and Divorce | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Orders of Protection in Family Law Cases | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Potential Issues in Regard to Marriage, Followed by Adoption, and Then Divorce | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Should Parties Make Wills or Change Their Wills or Other Estate Planning Documents During the Pendency of a Divorce Proceeding? | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Stock Options Considered Additional Income for Redetermination of Child Support After Dissolution of Marriage | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Substitution of a Judge in Divorce Proceedings | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Tips in Regard to Having Valid Prenuptial Agreements, and Subsequent Modifications of Prenuptial Agreements | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Title Reports and Title Insurance in Divorce Cases | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Transferring Non-Marital Home to Both Parties as Joint Tenants or Should Estate Planning Documents be Utilized | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Ways to Challenge Prenuptial Agreements in Divorce Cases | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | What Happens if Death Occurs with Respect to Either Party During the Course of a Dissolution of Marriage Proceeding? | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | What is Discovery in a Divorce Case? | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | What Should You do if the Premarital Agreement is Unenforceable or Invalid Prior to Dissolution of Marriage? | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | When is the Divorce Final? | 2018 |
| Divorcesource.com | Will and Trust Contest Cases Within Divorce Proceedings | 2018 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Maryville Homeowners Sue After Finding Significant Termite Damage | 2014 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Care 2 Day Medical Clinic Closed Without Co-Owner's Approval | 2012 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Cahokia Property Owner Sued of Fatal Fire | 2012 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Regions Bank Sues Over Undelivered RV | 2010 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Elderly Man Sues Daughter for Converting his Funds | 2009 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Elderly Woman Claims Daughter Converted Funds to Pay Lawyer and Converted Deed to House | 2009 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | 78 Year Old Claims he was Duped by Internet Start Up | 2008 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Regions Bank as Guardian Sues St. Louis RV Dealer | 2008 |
| Madison-St. Clair Record | Mortuary Partner Claims Majority Holder Embezzled | 2008 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 1982 |
| Saint Louis University School of Law | J.D. - Juris Doctor | 1978 |
| Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville | M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration | 1977 |
| Saint Louis University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1975 |
| Saint Louis University | BSBA - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 1975 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| ISBA ICLE Program | Taxation in Divorce Cases | 1989 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| IN RE MARRIAGE OF DALL | |
| Settlement in Excess of $500,000.00 | Resulted in a generous settlement with our client but preserved the assets of the husband and his successful businesses. |
| Elderly Blind Widow Almost Loses Farm Worth More Than $100,000.00 Because of a Non-Payment of a $38.00 Real Estate Tax Bill | We were able to reach a favorable resolution |
| Over $100,000 saved with the Internal Revenue Service | We were able to reach a resolution within a short period of time, that saved the taxpayer in excess of $100,000. |
| $5,000,000.00 Missing from Estate | Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court. |
| $75,000 Unpaid Child Support Recovery | We recovered in excess of $75,000 for our client. |
|---|---|
| $585,000.00 Recovered in Divorce Case | Our client received in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the marital estate. |
| Over $375,000.00 saved - Resolution Reached with the Internal Revenue Service | We worked out a resolution, saved our client hundreds of thousands of dollars and kept our client in business |
| Over $425,000.00 Recovered from Phony Heir and Disqualified Administrator | With the tax-free recoveries received by our clients, they were able to pay off debts, take care of education expenses for their children and had savings for their retirement. |
| Dispute Involving $480,000.00 of Farmland | |
| Father’s Rights | Criminal charges were not pursued and child custody and child support issues were resolved to the satisfaction of our client. |
| $580,000.00 Traffic Accident Settlement | Without a trial, we were able to negotiate a settlement for over $580,000.00 . |
| $100,000.00 Recovery for Out-of-State Beneficiaries | |
| Over $200,000.00 Recovered for Sisters | |
| Representation of Pharmacists | |
| Criminal Tax Fraud Case | |
| $1,000,000.00 Recovery for Colorado Resident | |
| Fabulous Victory Representing Client in DCFS Case | |
| Trust Contest/Estate Dispute | |
| Lender Failed to Pay Real Estate Tax Bill | |
| Rights of Tenant Farmer - Over $12,000.00 in Fertilizer Almost Lost | |
| Action Against Certified Public Accountant - Damages in Excess of $50,000.00 | |
| Gruesome Estate Administrator | |
| Partnership Lawsuit | |
| Multimillion Dollar Divorce Case in Edwardsville | |
| Child Custody Dispute | |
| Internal Revenue Service - “Responsible Person” Who Donated Time to Church Organization | |
| Physician’s Affidavit Did Not Pass the “Smell Test” | |
| Representation of Regions Bank as Trustee | |
| Contested Will and Trust | |
| Real Estate Tax Complaints | |
| $3,000,000.00 Saved in Mediated Settlement | |
| Accountant Did Not File Eighty-Five (85) Personal and Business Tax Returns | |
| Divorce Case, $1,000,000.00 in Assets | |
| $150,000.00 Family Farm Saved | |
| Representation of Client Involved in Phony Bond Scam | |
| Criminal Tax | |
| $8,000,000.00 Estate Administration Case | |
| $300,000.00 Recovered for Beneficiary to Trust | |
| $6,000,000.00 Divorce Settlement | |
| $200,000.00 Saved from Filing an Appeal to U.S. Tax Court | |
| $6,000.00 Recovery Regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Violations | |
| $350,000.00 Dispute Involving Improper Cattle Feed | |
| $160,000.00 Insurance Check Received By Convict | |
| $80,000.00 Transfer Set Aside, Breach of Fiduciary Duties, Contested Guardianship Proceedings | |
| $8,000,000.00 Missing, Representation of Executor Charged with Fraud | |
| $500,000.00 Estate Dispute, Person Claiming to be Heir was Denied Recovery | |
| $9,000,000.00 Estate Administration Settlement | After contested proceedings involving numerous parties and law firms in Illinois and Missouri the surviving spouse ended up with an estate in excess of $9,000,000.00 |
| Wife Receives in excess of $3,000,000.00 in Divorce Case | By proceeding with the matter through trial, the wife ended up with a substantially better result that had been offered by the husband |
| PEOPLE v. BAXTROM | |
| FIRST STATE BANK OF RED BUD v. KEITH A. TELLOR and LORI E. TELLOR |
Outstanding lawyer with a reputable firm, very please
Posted by anonymous
Fri Jun 07 2013
Attorney endorsements
(10)Jeanna Storment, Family Attorney on Dec 8, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Silvermintz, Litigation Attorney on Jan 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Nathan Links, Family Attorney on Dec 11, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Megan Gilbreth, General practice Attorney on Dec 3, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Heather Siddle, Arbitration Attorney on Aug 15, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Joshua Schaufelberger, Arbitration Attorney on Aug 15, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Jennifer Behme, Family Attorney on Aug 15, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Lauren Gearhart, Child custody Attorney on Aug 15, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Kelly Walsh, Real estate Attorney on Aug 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Paul Durr, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 24, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Ed for years and worked with him on many cases, he is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer.
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