*Disclaimer: Cole Sadkin represented the opposing party in my case. I won my case,…read moreself-represented, but I believe people looking for counsel should have as much information as possible.* *Also, due to the nature of the case, I proceeded as Jane Doe. Trial concluded on March 18, 2026.* Attorneys who appeared on this case through Cole Sadkin: Mason Cole, Michael Krzywicki, James Cook, and Judith Kott Cole Sadkin represented the opposing party in my civil case for sexual assault and battery in Cook County Circuit Court. I was a pro se litigant who, despite the tactics and conduct I experienced throughout litigation, ultimately obtained a six-figure jury verdict in my favor. This review is a warning about the professionalism and litigation conduct I personally observed from this firm. Over the course of litigation, multiple attorneys cycled in and out of the case. The handling of the matter often felt disorganized, hostile, and unnecessarily aggressive - far beyond zealous advocacy. One of the most disturbing moments involved attorney Judith Kott's characterization of my deposition testimony. During my deposition, counsel specifically asked whether I was "going in and out of consciousness" because I was falling asleep. I answered: "No. It is because he was strangling me." Despite that clear testimony, Ms. Kott later argued to the Court that I had testified I was going in and out of consciousness because I had been drinking heavily. She used that mischaracterization to argue that my memory was unreliable due to alcohol consumption. That was not my testimony, and the transcript reflects that in black and white. Ms. Kott also repeatedly insinuated that I must have had "secret counsel" assisting me behind the scenes because, apparently, the idea that a pro se litigant could effectively litigate a case against experienced attorneys was not something she was prepared to accept. The reality is that I did my own work, learned the law, prepared my own filings, and tried my own case myself. As litigation became increasingly hostile, attorney James Cook began including my abuser directly on communications with me. I ultimately had to tell him myself that the practice was inappropriate and eventually felt the need to bring the issue to the Court's attention. The firm also objected to nearly every one of my motions in limine that were ultimately granted by the Court, including motions barring attempts to use prior sexual encounters as evidence of consent to the assault at issue, and motions barring a contributory negligence defense, implying that a victim has some duty to proactively prevent another person from physically or sexually assaulting them. At another point, an attorney from the firm sent a lengthy argumentative email directly to the judge attempting to litigate issues outside proper procedure, prompting the Court to remind counsel that the parties were not to litigate through email communications. I was genuinely astounded by the level of unprofessionalism I experienced from this firm. Even setting aside my concerns about litigation conduct, I would not hire this firm based on competence alone. Again, this is not sour grapes from a losing party. I won. This review exists because people deserve to know what kind of conduct they may encounter when dealing with this firm.

Hired Mason to be our closing lawyer and he was happy to take an up front payment for the project…read morebut as time progressed he wanted more and more money to do what was already supposed to have been part of the initial deal (writing, reviewing, and sending a contract). Overall I wouldn't recommend Mason Cole as he will just make ambiguous promises and then will ask for more and more money to honor them.

Peter & his team were extremely quick and efficient to help me. They were extremely prompt & great…read morelisteners - really felt like they understood what I was going thru and were going to do anything to help. Really impressed and would recommend to all. -Ati

Peter was so helpful when I called for some help on understanding an employment contract. He got…read moreback to me very quickly (within a few hours) to set a time to chat in the next business day. When we spoke, he was no-nonsense and quickly gave me so much insight into the parameters of my contract. I felt so confident in knowing what I legally could and could not pursue. He also gave me confidence that if I needed litigation I could come to him. Definitely worth reaching out to!

If anybody ever asked me what was the biggest lesson I learned in 2023, my answer (as of the first…read morenine months) is "Listen to Mike." I am absolutely hard-headed, strong-minded and relentlessly detailed, but the first two get in the way of the last one. I was introduced to him via another attorney who does not handle cases like mine, and he ended up being a legal coach for me. (His legal fees would've drowned out the amount I was suing for, so legal advice instead of representation made far more financial sense.) Without going into detail about my case, he was patient, flexible with time, an OUTSTANDING listener and genuinely cared about the turnout. As a matter of fact, the only other people who could've rivaled him in caring more about my lawsuit (than me) was my mother and two neighbors. And, depending on the day, he rivaled my mom! Our social justice and cultural views match up about as well as a skunk and a dog, but I am pleasantly surprised by how much of a delight he is to talk to regardless of that. He is probably the ONLY person I can calmly discuss a social justice issue with one minute, and cackle and crack a joke with 60 seconds later. I usually stew for hours over these kinds of topics, but we can agree to disagree. (And if/when he reads this review, I already know he's going to want to know which one of us is the skunk.) But the reason I'm giving him this 5-star review is not based on personality nor activism. Technically, he is an activist for the groups he defends, especially debt defense and condo owners. (Read his Substack blog for the former topic.) However, this 5-star review is focused on the fact that he emphasized that I include one very specific document within my case. As strongly as I felt about NOT including it for reasons that were brought up during the case (and two days later, I am still VERY VERY VERY passionate about why I should not have had to include this doc that was always at my fingertips), I could hear his voice while giving my closing argument and listening to the opposition. Even while I talked to the judge, I was thinking, "Mike was right." For potential clients, if he gives you a piece of advice you don't agree with, take it from me. Listen anyway and follow through. Even if you grumble, complain and feel like you are justified in doing the EXACT OPPOSITE, understand that his legal coaching/advice is 100% because he knows the ropes and how to win ... even if you are convinced you have a winning chance without it. Make a list. Make sure his advice is in alignment with your list. And good luck with your case (whether he represents you or coaches you).

Mike Davis Law firm help with my debt.very appreciated all of his help. When I start to look how to…read moreget out of debt. I've taken several avenue to get to Mike law firm. I am very happy with his progress with handling my issues. I would & will recommend Mike law firm. It is a scary thing when you don not know which way to turn. Mike Davis put me on the right track. Thank you so much. No relation to Mike Davis I checked out serveral different firms. They seems to be the most experienced and knowledgeable

He took my money then stop answering my phone calls and emails. He robbed me. I had to file a…read morecomplaint with the bar association because a year later he had dont nothing with my case. The then withdrew from my case, telling me bs that he hurt and off work for 6 weeks, its been a year. Stay away from this thieving scammer.

The worst lawyer you could imagine. I was in desperate need for legal advice. From the very first…read morephone call he was extremely rude. Told me to send him pictures related to the case via email and he'll reach out for further steps. Never did that. Called him 3 days in a row to finally receive an email where he stated he had left for medical leave. Seems like a pattern based on all the other reviews I read. And like total BS. Continued to not respond for another 4 days and I called him again. Finally he answered and for 30-40 minutes just kept talking and talking and not let me ask a single question. At one point I had enough of his nasty attitude and thanked him for his time and that I'll figure it out on my own. He tried to scam me and have him pay a 5k retainer and lying that the person I was trying to sue mentioned they will sue me, which they never did. Stay away from this person. He's horrible. Never answers, never gets back to you and is extremely rude and unprofessional.

I was in need of a good attorney to represent me in a legal matter. My case involved a very…read moresensitive personal situation that required delicate handling. I originally had help from a non-profit legal group to find the right representation, and made contact with several litigators through multiple bar associations. When I narrowed it to 3 attorneys, the first two told me where to send the retainer after a 5-10 minute conversation. I spoke to Greg for about 45 minutes, then he asked for a list of documentation to review. He listened to my situation carefully and explained that he would like to think about the case before committing to taking it on. A few days later, he agreed to take my case. I knew at that moment I was in good shape, and the end result was better than expected. Throughout, Greg's professionalism and expertise helped guide me through the process, always remaining focused on my needs and providing support throughout what was a difficult time. He's very efficient and responsive. I never had to ask for copies of documents, as he always ensured I had them right away. When I had questions, he would respond in a timely manner, which kept things moving forward and gave me peace of mind. I'm a very particular person, and with Greg I experienced a high level of attentiveness and reliability that I'm certain other attorneys can't or don't provide. Without a doubt, Greg is a highly skilled attorney who places focus on the client and getting the best possible outcome for them. I can't recommend his services enough.

Greg was outstanding when helping my family with a complex consumer protection dispute. He…read morecommunicated clearly and often, and brought understanding and kindness to the issue at hand with a clear way forward!

Mr. Becker is outstanding! I can't say enough great things about him. He provided references and…read morespent time consulting with me. I would hire him in a heatbeat. He is fair and honest and he picked up the call when I called. This is a true experienced professional to the finest degree.

I was in a car accident and didn't want to go to a huge firm where they don't know who you are &…read moresend you to voice mail. I did some research and chose this office after reading an article (below) about a huge settlement. My "personal injury" case was not near as bad as the one in the article, but Leonard Becker and Shauna Fleming took great care of me. They kept me up to date on my claim's progress. I ended up with a great settlement! Highly recommended! http://www.chicagolawyermagazine.com/Archives/2010/10-(1)/solo-settlements.aspx

Russel Knight is the attorney you refer to a family member, a friend and your top clients. That is…read morehow I see Attorney at Law Russel D. Knight. Honest. Hard-working. Fair. Efficient. I have experienced his expertise directly along with family members in hard times with tough divorce & family cases. I'd recommend him and his team 100%.

Retaining Russell Knight was the worst decision I have made for myself and my child…read more He specializes in conspiring with opposing counsel to add a GAL/Child Rep. This my friends is when You are paying two attorneys at the same time. Roughly $1025 an hour. When You stop being able to pay $1025 an hour he withdraws. You will hear "Good Luck, your Daughter will need You." I haven't seen mine in two years. Will Not meet clients in person. I would characterize and say to his face anywhere - You are a sleazy, lying bum.

A God sent lawyer to us after an unpleasant experience with a very corrupt lawyer…read more Highly recommended for his honesty and integrity.

As a Landlord, I wanted to litigate a case against a commercial tenant who abandoned his lease, and…read morewho also owed back rent and taxes. I had gotten a recommendation from another lawyer, for C. Shawn Jones. Shawn not only negotiated a fair monetary settlement in my favor, but was generous with his time, offering good advice, suggestions and general knowledge during the pre-trial process. My case was handled efficiently, and satisfactorily, by C. Shawn Jones. I would recommend him to advocate for you, in lease agreement disputes. -PL