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Bret Patrick Coale
About Bret
Biography
Bret Coale joined Hughes Tenney Postlewait Coale, LLC, as an associate attorney in 2013, and he became a partner in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, Bret worked for a firm in Decatur, Illinois, representing lenders in mortgage foreclosures and mediations. Mr. Coale currently focuses his practice in the defense of medical malpractice actions and all aspects of medical care. In addition, he represents clients in commercial litigation and general litigation matters.
Mr. Coale was admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois in 2008. He has also been admitted to practice law in the Northern District of Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Decatur Bar Association.
Mr. Coale received his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law – Camden in 2008, and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Illinois in 2002.
Prior to entering law practice, Mr. Coale worked in the title insurance industry and has experience conducting closings, managing escrow accounts, conducting title searches and drafting title policies.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 17 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Hughes Tenney Postlewait Coale, LLC
101 S. Main Street, Suite 300, Decatur, IL, 62523
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Bret Patrick Coale's Reviews
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Bret Patrick Coale's Lawyer Endorsements
"Bret has a wide-reaching understanding of the law, particularly with respect to the defense of medical malpractice claims, and he a truly talented trial lawyer. He combines his skill with the highest level of professionalism and civility."
"Bret and I worked together for almost 5 years. Over this period he distinguished himself as a premier litigation attorney. Bret's ability to aggressively and fairly advocate for his clients has allowed for his continued success."
"Bret and I worked were opposing counsel on a serious case that involved sensitive subject matter and complex legal issues. Bret was a strong advocate for his client while at the same time courteous and professional. Bret is an excellent attorney and does a great job for his clients."
Ryan Bradley
Medical malpractice lawyer
Josh Steiman
Unknown lawyer
Adam Evans
Litigation lawyer
Brian Lewis
Medical malpractice lawyer
Michael Teich
Medical malpractice lawyer
Mario Palermo
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2018
Plaque of Recognition to the President, Decatur Bar Association
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Partner, Hughes, Tenney, Postlewait, Coale, LLC
2008 - 2013
Associate Attorney, Heavner, Scott, Beyers, & Mihlar, LLC
Associations
2025 - Present
Appellate Lawyers AssociationMember
2024 - Present
Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel - Medical Malpractice CommitteeMember
2020 - Present
Illinois Lawyer Assistance ProgramDownstate Representative
2016 - Present
Resolution Systems InstituteCertified Foreclosure Mediator
2014 - Present
Illinois Association of Healthcare AttorneysMember
2013 - Present
Defense Research InstituteMember
2013 - Present
Illinois Association of Defense Trial CounselMember
2013 - Present
Defense Research Institute, Professional Liability CommitteeMember
2008 - Present
Decatur Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2018 - 2019
Decatur Bar AssociationPast President
2017 - 2018
Decatur Bar AssociationPresident
2016 - 2017
Decatur Bar AssociationPresident-Elect
2015 - 2019
Decatur Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2013 - 2019
Defense Research Institute, Young Lawyers CommitteeMember
2010 - 2013
DuPage County Bar AssociationMember
Education
2008
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law - Camden
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2002
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
Advanced Trial Strategies
Handling Trial Surprises and Setbacks With Finesse
2025
Advanced Trial Strategies
Electronic Evidence: Solutions to Authentication and Hearsay Hurdles
2024
Jury Diversity Strategies & Insights for Legal Practitioners
Jury Diversity Strategies & Insights for Legal Practitioners
2022
Litigating Civil Cases in Illinois From Start to Finish
Building Your Civil Trial Skills
2022
Litigating Civil Cases in Illinois From Start to Finish
Motion Practice and Pleadings: Getting What You Want
2013
Navigating the Residential Foreclosure Maze
Mediation
Publications
2022
National Business Institute Seminar
Building Your Civil Trial Skills Written Materials
2022
National Business Institute Seminar
Motion Practice and Pleadings: Getting What You Want Written Materials
2018
Illinois Causes of Action: Tort Actions
Assault and Battery
2018
Illinois Causes of Action: Tort Actions
Negligence: Professional - Accountant Malpractice
2017
National Business Institute Seminar
The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Tool Kit - Ethical Considerations (co-author of written materials)
2014
Illinois Causes of Action: Tort Actions
Negligence: Professional - Accountant Malpractice
2013
Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
Navigating the Residential Foreclosure Maze - Mediation - Written Materials
Languages
English