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Richard Jerome Coffee II

Child custody Attorney at Belleville, IL

5.0   5 reviews
  • State Years
    Missouri - MO 12 years
    Illinois - IL 44 years
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State MO
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Good Standing, Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 44 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1978
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Richard

Learn Richard’s areas of practice.

With more than 45 years as an attorney, Richard Coffee has extensive family law advocacy experience, including representation on behalf of clients who are current or retired military personnel, clients with matters involving state jurisdictional issues when families relocate, clients with government or private retirement valuation and division issues, and cases involving public education issues. 

Prior to engaging in private practice in the MetroEast since 1997, he served as counsel to the Illinois State Board of Education and legal counsel to Illinois public universities.  Richard Coffee is licensed to practice law in the states of Illinois and Missouri and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Mr. Coffee received his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, holds a degree in broadcasting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association, former President of the Monroe County Bar Association, former chair of the Illinois State Bar Association Education Law Section Counsel, has served as a judge for the National Health Law Moot Court Competition sponsored by Southern Illinois University School of Law.

Contact Richard

Coffee Ward & Bower, LLP
123 W Washington St.
Belleville, IL, 62220
Appt. Only Office
Mark Twain Plaza 1101 W. Vandalia
Suite 305G
Edwardsville, IL, 62025
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  5 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing lawyer
At our free consult, he ran a check on my name and found out my husband had tried to file on me out of state but it was dismissed. He then provided me with papers to file for divorce before I could even pay the retainer. As soon as I got the money together I hired him and I have not regretted it once. With him representing me, I have that peace of mind knowing my kids are protected legally.
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Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional and detailed
Richard helped me in an urgent matter. His style is quick, thorough and very professional - everything an attorney should be. Would recommend to anyone seeking legal help. Thank you Richard!
Posted by Terri | June 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best
Richard Coffee was the best attorney I've ever dealt with. He always answers my calls himself. Always on top of his work. Always answers any questions I had and was very prompt. I would use him anytime I need legal help.
Posted by Steve | March 19, 2015
I found a Great attorney
Finding a good attorney can be difficult, finding a great attorney is even harder. Richard is the latter. I was wallowing for about two years through a painful and bitter divorce. My ex-wife's legal representation was hostile, bullying, and I was getting nowhere. In stepped Richard and my case did a complete 180. He had a calm demeanor yet exuded confidence. I was always informed of what was occurring and what to expect. My divorce was finalized in months. His ability to assess the situation and legal knowledge made dealing with opposing counsel far easier than it had been. I respect Richard and am very thankful for the work he did in concluding my divorce.
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Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2015
No-nonsense attorney
Mr. Coffee did an excellent job representing me in my divorce from my husband of 30 years. Coffee is not chummy, will not give you the "warm fuzzies," but he knows his stuff. He was quick to respond to email inquiries, and I never had trouble scheduling a face-to-face meeting. Coffee was straightforward in the delivery of his experience-based opinions of the world of divorce court, even if those opinions were not necessarily what I wanted to hear. He could have been gentler, less condescending at times, but, in the end, I appreciated his no-nonsense attitude and approach. I came out of the divorce with what I wanted and needed, without bankrupting my ex-husband or treating him unfairly. Coffee was willing to push for more money, for better terms; I could not continue, however, with the emotionally and mentally exhausting confrontation and conflict with the ex. The court hearing was expedited and went smoothly, and Coffee has followed up with me on several occasions to make sure that everything was in order with the divorce terms. He's been an ally, always working in my best interest.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.6 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Coffee Ward & Bower, LLP
  • 2014 - Present
  • Team Leader
  • Cordell & Cordell
  • 2005 - 2014
  • Attorney
  • Rau & Rau Attorneys at Law
  • 1997 - 2005

Education

  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1978
  • Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1975

Associations

  • Illinois State Bar Association, Education Law Section
  • Former Chair
  • N/A
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Monroe County Bar Association
  • Past President
  • N/A
  • St. Clair County Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Madison County Bar Association
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Listed
  • Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America
  • N/A
  • Listed
  • Who's Who in the World
  • N/A
  • Listed
  • Who's Who In American Law
  • N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (0)
Endorse Richard
Family Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Coffee provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."
Family Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Richard on a complicated interstate custody matter, and found him to be knowledgable, approachable, empathetic, and professional. I highly recommend Richard for anyone facing a family law or custody issue before the Court."
Family Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Other
"Based on the thorough, thoughtful answers provided by Mr. Coffee on the Avvo forum, I endorse this attorney."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Belleville Child custody Lawyer Richard Jerome Coffee II
Richard Jerome Coffee II
Child custody Attorney
Belleville, IL
Licensed for 44 years
Free Consultation