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Jim Magee is the founder of Magee Hartman, P.C., formerly known as Magee, Negele & Associates, P.C.  He has been practicing law in Lake County, Illinois for over 35 years.  Jim has extensive experience in bankruptcy, both individual and business/corporate bankruptcy, litigation including federal bankruptcy litigation, appellate practice, asset protection, debtor/creditor rights, debt settlement, real estate, estate planning/wills and trusts, municipal law and almost every other practice area over his distinguished career.  He has an impressive background in municipal law having served as corporate counsel or prosecutor almost continuously over the history of his practice, including his longest service as Village Attorney for the Village of Round Lake for over 20 years and under 3 mayors.  Jim graduated from Loyola University of Chicago and he obtained his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.  He is member of the Illinois State and Lake County Bar Associations, is licensed to practice in Illinois and admitted in State and Federal courts.  He also has been a Lake County Bar Association guest speaker and lecturer on the topics of Municipal Law, Bankruptcy and Asset Protection.  His present primary area of focus is Bankruptcy Law because he finds it so rewarding.  As Jim puts it, "Many clients come in to their initial consultation with stress and fear, overwhelmed by their debt, and they leave with hope.  Each day is a gift and to hear from clients that I've made a difference in their lives is extremely fulfilling."  However, Jim does also continue to take on a variety of cases in other practice areas.

Jim Hartman joined Magee Hartman, P.C. in its establishment, having previously been a partner in Smith, LaLuzerne & Hartman, Ltd.  He concentrates his practice in municipal law, civil litigation, criminal defense and appellate practice.  Jim serves as corporate counsel for the North Chicago Library, Warren Township, Moraine Township, Fremont Township and Benton Township.  He also serves as the municipal prosecutor for the Village of Lake Villa.  In addition to his work on behalf of municipalities, Jim handles a diverse range of civil litigation matters, including real estate litigation and demolition lawsuits.  He has been an advocate on behalf of citizens against governmental bodies.  His criminal defense work includes DUI defense, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) traffic ticket defense, and ordinance violations.  Jim obtained his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from Northwestern University and his J. D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law.  While at the College of Law, he was a member of the University of Illinois Law Review.

Michelle handles the majority of real estate sales and purchases for the firm.  She handles residential sales and purchases as well as short sales and she strives to approach real estate transactions in the manner of her mentor in real estate, attorney Hilary Negele, a partner with the firm who retired in 2012.  Michelle has been Chair of the Lake County Bar Association Real Estate Committee since 2013.  Her other main areas of practice are Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, debt settlement, estate planning, wills and trusts.  Michelle obtained her B.A. in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.  She also speaks Spanish.

Robert Magee's present primary area of focus is foreclosure defense and litigation.  His emphasis in the area of foreclosure defense has made him one of the most experienced attorneys in the field and in recognition of his experience, he was one of a select group of attorneys invited by the Lake County Circuit Judges to serve on the judges' foreclosure mediation panel.  In addition to civil litigation, Bob is experienced in bankruptcy and other debtor/creditor matters.  He obtained his B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and graduated with his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law.  While at the College of Law, Bob was a member of the University of Illinois Elder Law Journal.