Michael S. Hopkins - Joliet, IL
Attorney at The Wengler Law Firm
Trust and Estate Litigation Lawyers in Joliet, IL
181 N. Hammes Ave. Joliet, IL 60435 - 6675
Joliet Trust and Estate Litigation Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Trust and Estate Litigation
- Decedent’s Estates
- Adoption
- Guardianship for Minors and Disabled Adults
Attorney Information
Overview
Michael is a United States Air Force veteran who has been practicing in Will and surrounding counties since 2009. He is an experienced civil litigator and has represented local governmental entities in various areas of law, from employment and constitutional matters to statutory compliance. He spent several years as a municipal prosecutor, prosecuting local ordinance and traffic offenses, including misdemeanors, and has advised and represented local police departments. His practice has also included eminent domain, school law, liquor control, administrative hearings, Boards of Fire and Police Commissioners, and Freedom of Information Act compliance.
He graduated cum laude from the John Marshall Law School in 2008 and served on The John Marshall Law Review. His comment “Hemlock in the Marketplace” was published in the Summer 2007 edition. Marshall L. Rev. 1365 (2007). He recently presented at the 2019 Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association’s fall conference as a panelist for “Betting on Liquor & Video Gaming: Winners and Losers – Parts I & 2.”
Michael joined the Wengler Law Firm in July 2020 and has represented numerous executors, administrators, trustees, heirs and beneficiaries in contested and uncontested matters since joining the firm.
Education
-
Legal Education
-
The John Marshall Law School,
Chicago,
Illinois, 2008
J.D.
Honors: cum laude
-
The John Marshall Law School,
Chicago,
Illinois, 2008
-
Non Legal Education
-
Governors State University, 2001
B.A.
Honors: With High Honors
Major: M.A. English - 2002
-
Governors State University, 2001
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 2008
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2009
- U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2009
Other Affiliations
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Will County Bar Association
- Estate Planning Council of Will County
Contact
181 N. Hammes Ave.
Joliet, IL 60435 - 6675
Phone: 815-768-3819
Fax: 815-730-6966
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.wenglerlaw.com
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