team-member

Denise DeBelle

N/A

Licensed for 31 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Employment & Labor

Language

English

About

 After graduating from IIT-Kent Chicago College of Law, Denise was Legislative Liaison for Chicago Alderman Mary Ann Smith.  In 1992, she established a law practice serving a moderate-income clientele in employment, real estate, housing discrimination and administrative appeals, including Social Security Disability appeals.  For the last several years, Denise has concentrated in employment law and condominium association law.  She advises employees and employers on their rights and obligations and litigates on behalf of employees whose rights have been violated. This includes discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, national origin and disability; recovering wages and unpaid overtime for employees,  and retaliatory termination, including on behalf of Whistleblowers. She also advises condominium associations in a variety of governance matters, negotiates to resolve disputes between Board and unit owners, and litigates where necessary to enforce the rules and regulations of the condominium association and/or the rights of unit owners. Denise is active in the Illinois Chapter of National Employment Lawyers Association and the Chicago Bar Association.  In 2013, she founded the Northside Attorneys Group , a networking group for solo practicioners in Chicago.    Denise has long had an interest in civic engagement including involvement in at least five electoral campaigns for local and federal office over the last twenty years.  From 1997 until 2000, she was director of a campaign finance reform project  at the Archdiocese of Chicago.Graduating with a B.A in Urban Planning, Denise was a planner and housing advocate for seven years prior to law school. She continues her involvement in that arena through serving on the Development Partners committee of the Business Partners, the Chamber for Uptown. In her spare time, she takes Italian lessons and Zumba dance classes.

Practices Areas

Real Estate

Employment and labor

Language

English

Contact

Law Office of Denise M. DeBelle4753 N. BroadwaySuite 509Chicago, IL, 60640

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Donna R
December 13, 2018

Give you all of her attention. Goes to bat for you full force. Best advocate for condominium support.

anonymous
November 19, 2018

Denise was a great advocate and actually listened to me when I explained the nuances of my case (unlike other attorneys that I approached). She and her co-counsel were able to defeat the Goliath by believing in me and the merits of my case. I trusted her to be ethical and always felt that she was on my side. I believe due to her diligence and our trust in each other, we came to a satisfactory settlement of my whistleblower and discrimination case.

Linda
September 5, 2016

Attorney DeBelle was very thorough in researching and carrying out my case, sought outside testimony, seemed knowledgeable about wage claims, communicated often with me, and achieved a successful outcome. Since it was a mid-size claim, I felt fortunate to find someone who would take the time to give my case serious consideration.

anonymous
February 5, 2013

I was in need of a lawyer to support the development of an agreement between myself and my former employee. Ms. DeBelle was an excellent listener and gave me a clear idea of what to anticipate in review of all of my options. Her clarity and precise thinking was very critical as I was in need of a guiding professional in circumstances that were uncomfortable for me. Our work together was efficient and well documented. She was careful to check with me every step of the way but did not abuse her time usage - I felt I was very fairly represented and very successfully.

Lin
January 16, 2013

I had been discharged by my employer. It was a wrongful termination. I was an immigrant who did not know anyone to ask for help. I had seen Many lawyers, and law firms and spent more money than I needed to. I need guidance. I was desperate and frustrated. I was looking for an honest representation against my powerful employer. Finally I met Denise DeBelle. She knew what I needed. She knew employment law very well and represented me in negotiations so that I got my Job and prestige back. Years Later I asked her about a friend who needed a divorce, and help for an immigration problem. I knew exactly where to turn. Mrs. DeBelle again helped my friend to obtain a consultation and guided us towards the right direction. Mrs DeBelle is the voice of the common people. She is honest, resourceful, and an expert in her area. I highly recommend her.

Andrea
December 10, 2012

Ms DeBelle's attention to detail, legal knowledge and her ability to quickly analyze facts was key to the successful outcome of my claim. A long and arduous case, Ms DeBelle showed an exceptional ability of keeping familiar with all the details and nuances of the claim. Ms DeBelle kept me informed in a timely manner and answered any questions or concerns I had.

BrianConnolly
January 12, 2016

I hired DeBelle. I gave her a $4,500 retainer for "as an initial matter, draft and file" a document. Approximately a month later she sent me, in her words, a "partial - very partial" draft... and then, withdrew as counsel. Bottom line: she misled me; dropped the ball; and kept my money. I deeply regret having hired her.

anonymous
February 22, 2012

Ms. DeBelle showed up late to court. My hearing was scheduled for 10:30, we agreed to meet at 10:15, she showed up at 10:50. She had not filed the required paperwork for representing me. When she was before the judge, she did not present my defense. She did not tell the judge what I had told her, which was why I had hired her. She sort of stood before the judge and acted defenseless. She charged me $120.00 for appearing in court and apologized; but, she had told me she thought it a weak case.

Donna R
December 13, 2018

Give you all of her attention. Goes to bat for you full force. Best advocate for condominium support.

anonymous
November 19, 2018

Denise was a great advocate and actually listened to me when I explained the nuances of my case (unlike other attorneys that I approached). She and her co-counsel were able to defeat the Goliath by believing in me and the merits of my case. I trusted her to be ethical and always felt that she was on my side. I believe due to her diligence and our trust in each other, we came to a satisfactory settlement of my whistleblower and discrimination case.

Linda
September 5, 2016

Attorney DeBelle was very thorough in researching and carrying out my case, sought outside testimony, seemed knowledgeable about wage claims, communicated often with me, and achieved a successful outcome. Since it was a mid-size claim, I felt fortunate to find someone who would take the time to give my case serious consideration.

anonymous
February 5, 2013

I was in need of a lawyer to support the development of an agreement between myself and my former employee. Ms. DeBelle was an excellent listener and gave me a clear idea of what to anticipate in review of all of my options. Her clarity and precise thinking was very critical as I was in need of a guiding professional in circumstances that were uncomfortable for me. Our work together was efficient and well documented. She was careful to check with me every step of the way but did not abuse her time usage - I felt I was very fairly represented and very successfully.

Lin
January 16, 2013

I had been discharged by my employer. It was a wrongful termination. I was an immigrant who did not know anyone to ask for help. I had seen Many lawyers, and law firms and spent more money than I needed to. I need guidance. I was desperate and frustrated. I was looking for an honest representation against my powerful employer. Finally I met Denise DeBelle. She knew what I needed. She knew employment law very well and represented me in negotiations so that I got my Job and prestige back. Years Later I asked her about a friend who needed a divorce, and help for an immigration problem. I knew exactly where to turn. Mrs. DeBelle again helped my friend to obtain a consultation and guided us towards the right direction. Mrs DeBelle is the voice of the common people. She is honest, resourceful, and an expert in her area. I highly recommend her.

Andrea
December 10, 2012

Ms DeBelle's attention to detail, legal knowledge and her ability to quickly analyze facts was key to the successful outcome of my claim. A long and arduous case, Ms DeBelle showed an exceptional ability of keeping familiar with all the details and nuances of the claim. Ms DeBelle kept me informed in a timely manner and answered any questions or concerns I had.

BrianConnolly
January 12, 2016

I hired DeBelle. I gave her a $4,500 retainer for "as an initial matter, draft and file" a document. Approximately a month later she sent me, in her words, a "partial - very partial" draft... and then, withdrew as counsel. Bottom line: she misled me; dropped the ball; and kept my money. I deeply regret having hired her.

anonymous
February 22, 2012

Ms. DeBelle showed up late to court. My hearing was scheduled for 10:30, we agreed to meet at 10:15, she showed up at 10:50. She had not filed the required paperwork for representing me. When she was before the judge, she did not present my defense. She did not tell the judge what I had told her, which was why I had hired her. She sort of stood before the judge and acted defenseless. She charged me $120.00 for appearing in court and apologized; but, she had told me she thought it a weak case.

Donna R
December 13, 2018

Give you all of her attention. Goes to bat for you full force. Best advocate for condominium support.

anonymous
November 19, 2018

Denise was a great advocate and actually listened to me when I explained the nuances of my case (unlike other attorneys that I approached). She and her co-counsel were able to defeat the Goliath by believing in me and the merits of my case. I trusted her to be ethical and always felt that she was on my side. I believe due to her diligence and our trust in each other, we came to a satisfactory settlement of my whistleblower and discrimination case.

Linda
September 5, 2016

Attorney DeBelle was very thorough in researching and carrying out my case, sought outside testimony, seemed knowledgeable about wage claims, communicated often with me, and achieved a successful outcome. Since it was a mid-size claim, I felt fortunate to find someone who would take the time to give my case serious consideration.

anonymous
February 5, 2013

I was in need of a lawyer to support the development of an agreement between myself and my former employee. Ms. DeBelle was an excellent listener and gave me a clear idea of what to anticipate in review of all of my options. Her clarity and precise thinking was very critical as I was in need of a guiding professional in circumstances that were uncomfortable for me. Our work together was efficient and well documented. She was careful to check with me every step of the way but did not abuse her time usage - I felt I was very fairly represented and very successfully.

Lin
January 16, 2013

I had been discharged by my employer. It was a wrongful termination. I was an immigrant who did not know anyone to ask for help. I had seen Many lawyers, and law firms and spent more money than I needed to. I need guidance. I was desperate and frustrated. I was looking for an honest representation against my powerful employer. Finally I met Denise DeBelle. She knew what I needed. She knew employment law very well and represented me in negotiations so that I got my Job and prestige back. Years Later I asked her about a friend who needed a divorce, and help for an immigration problem. I knew exactly where to turn. Mrs. DeBelle again helped my friend to obtain a consultation and guided us towards the right direction. Mrs DeBelle is the voice of the common people. She is honest, resourceful, and an expert in her area. I highly recommend her.

Andrea
December 10, 2012

Ms DeBelle's attention to detail, legal knowledge and her ability to quickly analyze facts was key to the successful outcome of my claim. A long and arduous case, Ms DeBelle showed an exceptional ability of keeping familiar with all the details and nuances of the claim. Ms DeBelle kept me informed in a timely manner and answered any questions or concerns I had.

BrianConnolly
January 12, 2016

I hired DeBelle. I gave her a $4,500 retainer for "as an initial matter, draft and file" a document. Approximately a month later she sent me, in her words, a "partial - very partial" draft... and then, withdrew as counsel. Bottom line: she misled me; dropped the ball; and kept my money. I deeply regret having hired her.

anonymous
February 22, 2012

Ms. DeBelle showed up late to court. My hearing was scheduled for 10:30, we agreed to meet at 10:15, she showed up at 10:50. She had not filed the required paperwork for representing me. When she was before the judge, she did not present my defense. She did not tell the judge what I had told her, which was why I had hired her. She sort of stood before the judge and acted defenseless. She charged me $120.00 for appearing in court and apologized; but, she had told me she thought it a weak case.