Buckley Fine Law works with individuals, families, and business owners in Palatine and throughout Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Our attorneys bring the depth of experience typically associated with large Chicago law firms while maintaining the accessibility and personal attention of a suburban practice.

Whether you are planning an estate, navigating a business decision, addressing an employment concern, resolving a dispute, or completing a real estate transaction, our team provides clear legal guidance shaped around your goals. Our office is located in Barrington, making it convenient for Palatine clients to work with attorneys familiar with the local community.

Our Legal Services in Palatine

Buckley Fine offers a comprehensive range of legal services for clients in Palatine, including:

  • Business Law – Advising business owners on entity formation, contracts, governance, compliance obligations, transactions, and succession planning.
  • Estate Planning – Helping individuals and families prepare wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that reflect personal priorities and long-term intentions.
  • Estate and Trust Administration – Assisting executors and trustees with administration responsibilities, required documentation, and compliance matters.
  • Employment Law – Counseling employers and executives on workplace policies, regulatory requirements, and employment-related disputes.
  • Litigation – Representing clients in civil and commercial disputes with a strategic approach focused on efficient resolution.
  • Residential and Commercial Real Estate – Guiding clients through property purchases, sales, leases, and development transactions.

Buckley Fine is honored to be named among Crain’s 2025 Best Places to Work in Chicago and Best Lawyer’ Best Law Firms for 2026. Our attorneys are regularly featured in publications such as IICLE®, Best Lawyers, and Chambers USA for their thought leadership and dedication to client service.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are seeking experienced legal counsel serving Palatine or nearby communities, contact Buckley Fine today to schedule a consultation. Our Barrington office is a short drive from Palatine.

Request a Consultation or call (847) 381-0011 to get started.

Buckley Fine, LLC
Excellent
4.9
Based on 46 reviews
See all reviews
review us on
Russ Tilsner
3 weeks ago
My wife and I used Buckley-Fine LLC, to assist with settling her aunt's estate. It was a very complicated process, involving two states and multiple trust accounts and properties. Caroline Hecht was absolutely spectacular and took the time to walk us through every step of the process and made time to answer the many questions that we had throughout. Absolutely top-shelf service, from a team of amazing people. We are so thankful that we selected them to represent us, in this process, and will recommend them to all of our family and friends.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Russ, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re so pleased to hear about your work with Carolyn and truly appreciate your kind words. We’re grateful for the trust you placed in our team and for your recommendation.
Thomas Powers
2 months ago
My wife and I were were referred to Linda Fine for estate planning and family trust expertise. She and Rebecca Beaman were extremely professional, knowledgeable, thorough and, easy to work with. Additionally, we appreciated their patience explaining legalese in simple terms. I would highly recommend Buckley Fine, LLC.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Thomas, for taking the time to share your experience with Buckley Fine Law. We’re glad to hear that Linda and Rebecca made the process clear and seamless for you. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your trust in our team.
Heather Brown
4 months ago
Highly recommend! Professional, courteous, communicative and we had a great experience working with them.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Heather, for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Buckley Fine Law! We truly appreciate your kind words and are so pleased to hear that your experience was a positive one. We’re grateful for the opportunity to assist with your legal needs and for the trust you’ve placed in our team.
Lois Guerin
11 months ago
We had a great experience at Buckley Fine working with Managing Partner, Linda Fine and her team on our estate planning needs. Linda walked us through some complex issues in an understandable way and was very helpful. We would highly recommend Linda Fine and team at Buckley Fine for estate planning needs.
Response from the owner:We are so thankful that you entrusted Buckley Fine with your legal needs and for your wonderful 5-star review of Linda Fine. We are truly grateful for your feedback and delighted to hear about your positive experience.
Jim Gavrilos
1 year ago
I have used Buckley Law for close to 20 years for all my estate planning. Such great advice and so helpful with navigating all the laws. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Dr. Gavrilos - We place a tremendous importance on client satisfaction and are proud to have earned your trust. We appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience with Buckley Fine Law and for the 5-start rating and recommendation.
Natalija X
1 year ago
Exceptional professionalism! Ron is a true expert, easy to work with, and immensely helpful. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with Buckley Fine Law and attorney Ron Kowalczyk. We appreciate your feedback very much!
Jeff Hurckes
2 years ago
Nicole and her team were great. Everything was in order and went smoothly. She answered all our questions so we could understand them. Very helpful. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking time to share your experience with Buckley Fine Law and attorney Nicole Arnold. We couldn't agree more as our team is exceptional at making things seamless for clients.
Jim Vaselopulos
2 years ago
Vas Russis is an incredible trusted advisor of mine. I've worked with him and his colleagues on complex business transactions, real estate deals, tax matters and family estate planning. I value his ability to keep the focus on positive outcomes and I trust his deep knowledge of legal and tax matters to optimize my position. I also appreciate his ability to bring in the right colleagues at the right moment for maximum benefit. Vas is a great guy who has supported many of my greatest accomplishments.
Lisa Sly
2 years ago
The team at Buckley Fine makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable!! Bonnie Weis is wonderful and really helped guide us through some decision making we needed to do.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write a thoughtful and glowing review of Buckley Fine attorney, Bonnie Weis!
We value your favorable comments and thank you for placing your trust in our team to handle your legal needs.
David Schwaegler
2 years ago
Having a thorough estate plan created with the expert help of Caroline Hecht gives me great peace of mind.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with Buckley Fine Law and attorney Caroline Hecht.
We place tremendous importance on client satisfaction and appreciate your very thoughtful review. We couldn’t agree more with you regarding Caroline's professionalism, compassion, and dedication to her clients.
Irene Druce-Hoffman
2 years ago
Needed help with a Land sale overseas .Helmut Gerlach handelt everything professional and with expertise .I was so lucky to have this fine law firm who did a tremendous job.I recommend Helmut Gerlach to everyone who has trouble overseas with estate matters .He was God send to me. Thank you ,Helmut Gerlach and his Assistants your help is so much appreciated.
Jerry Brown
2 years ago
My wife and I had worked with David Buckley in developing an estate plan and family will. The experience from start to finish was outstanding, with care and thought put into the entire effort. This process included not only David, but his associates as well. The whole origination was very professional, making both of us comfortable with our decisions. The thought and care for each detail was over the top. I could not recommend another firm, big or small for anyone looking for excellent legal advise and assistance.
Bob Bell
2 years ago
Our Will was outdated. We felt like creating a Trust was the right thing to do, however didn’t have a clear view of why and all the benefits. Caroline was extremely knowledgeable, a GREAT coach and made the process very simple and easy to understand. Having the Trust finalized brings peace of mind.
Tracy Biederstadt
2 years ago
Our attorney was exceptionally thorough and answered all of our questions.
Amar Patel
3 years ago
Very professional and able to communicate and relate very well to non-lawyers (normal people). The whole process of Estate Planning was executed very efficiently and with the polish and finesse that makes the process that much more understandable and appreciated. Highly Recommend!!!
Georgia-ATW
3 years ago
Great people, very thorough, helpful and informative. You
Steven Herrmann
3 years ago
Updated my estate plan. BF provided simple, understandable, and timely advice and documents. A friendly and professional place to do business!
Ross Frankenberg
3 years ago
The entire experience was first class. Caroline and her team were extremely knowledgeable and thorough throughout the process and would highly recommend their services.
Vincent Stoll
3 years ago
Everything with Buckley Fine was exceptional, efficient, clear and very supportive.
will arnold
3 years ago
Very professional, very helpful, very positive.
Georges Chartrand
3 years ago
Excellent experience and advice in completing an estate plan. The attorney was very helpful in explaining options and responding to questions. Five stars for BW.
Bird Hoggren
3 years ago
Everyone at Buckley Fine was efficient, patient and kind - we had to complete some estate planning documents on a tight schedule, so strong communication was also critical. Michael McElroy and his team excelled in all respects. I recommend them highly.
Alfred Johnson
3 years ago
As the Owner of a small accounting practice, I have worked with Linda Fine of Buckley Fine, LLC on a number of occasions. Linda is an excellent attorney that is easy to work with and extremely helpful. My firm refers clients to her for estate planning, estate administration, and corporate work, and I have worked with Linda for my own personal legal needs. I find it refreshing when an advisor is willing to collaborate with clients and fellow advisors to reach the best outcome for our clients. Linda Fine and everyone at her firm always treat people with respect and, in my opinion, that says a lot about how well that expert can relate to clients I refer over.
Steve Fish
3 years ago
The team at Buckley-Fine is at the top of the class. We have worked with them for estate and investment documents. Their knowledge and professionalism is second to none. Dave and his team have make the complicated legalese easy for us laypeople to understand.
We have also had occasion to reach out for last minute questions or copies of documents and they always come through--even on weekends.
Gary Cierny
4 years ago
Hello
Just wanted to share some thoughts with individuals who are seeking Legal Services with Estate Planning .

Mike McElroy has been our Family lawyer for almost 10 years. His knowledge, communication and professional expertise are second to none.

If you are seeking Legal Expertise....Mr. McElroy should absolutely be the Choice above all others !!!
Bert Tucker
4 years ago
Representatives at Buckley Fine, LLC were very professional
john rennels
4 years ago
I have used Buckley Fine for estate planning. My attorney, Caroline and her staff have been most professional and cordial throughout the process. All commitments and timeframes were met.
Jeffrey Copeland
4 years ago
This is my second time working with Linda Fine. Her office is in downtown Barrington above the Harris bank. They have a big parking lot and an easily accessible elevator to get to their floor. The office is new and clean. They all were wearing masks and had hand sanitizer and you could feel they follow all the precautions. We worked with Linda and Jackie today. They were very knowledgeable, responsive, and fun to work with. This was for my fathers estate, but my estate planning went just as smoothly. They charge a fair price for their services and I felt they had all the answers to the questions we had, as well as many ideas that require their expertise. I highly recommend their firm and especially Linda Fine. She is fantastic.
Mike Nelsen
4 years ago
A pleasure to engage and work with this firm and specifically Caroline Hecht. Our Estate Planning options were explained thoroughly and in an understandable way. Costs and timelines were outlined and we stayed on track. The professionalism is evident from the first meeting until the delivery of the work product. Highly recommended.
Jack McKee
5 years ago
My wife and I have used David Buckley for over 25 years to handle our wills and their updates, the real estate transactions when we down-sized to a new home and other personal needs. He was always knowledgeable, professional, prompt and efficient. He and his staff are top quality.
Jack and Jean McKee
Jenny Wickman
5 years ago
Buckley, Fine has been very responsive, when we needed to complete a transaction within a week! They were on top of all the details, communication was really great! They even caught a couple issues with the contract that we would have missed. We had used Dave Buckley before for our trust and estate planning. Trustworthy, highly intelligent, thorough and fair. I am going to use them for all my needs, no question!
The Scent for You by Ann
5 years ago
My experience with Buckley Fine was positive from day one! They care, are very responsive and completed my needs in a professional , timely manner. Don’t think twice about it! You will be in good hands! Thank you Buckley Fine!
Steve Kopplin
5 years ago
I highly recommend the legal services of Buckley Fine. They do a great job and are truly expert in this complex space.
Donald Starkey
5 years ago
I have been a client of Helmut Gerlach's for many years (pre-dating Buckley-Fine). Helmut is the most responsive lawyer of the many I've ever worked with.
Joanne Elizabeth
5 years ago
Linda Fine handled the trust for my Mother and then a few years later, my trust when I married. She made the process very easy both times. I asked a lot of questions and she was patient and thorough with her answers which made me very comfortable. I am glad that I entrusted her with handling my legal needs. I feel confident that there are no loose ends that will give me problems later.  I highly recommend her for handling estates and trusts.
James McKenzie
5 years ago
It is my pleasure to highly endorse Buckley & Fine Law. Our company, located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, finances, develops and builds residential real estate. We have worked closely with attorneys Helmut Gerlach, Mark Goldstein, and corporate paralegal Suzy Veley. Helmut, Mark and Suzy have guided us competently, professionally, and diligently through routine business entity formation to complex legal issues. They have met and exceeded our expectations and we are confident to recommend them in every aspect of their representation.

On a personal note, David Buckley takes care our family’s estate planning needs. Dave is truly a great lawyer. He is smart, trustworthy, easy to talk to and understand. I highly recommend Dave and his team.
Jamie Herrmann
5 years ago
I would highly recommend Helmut Gerlach for your business! He is an invaluable resource when it comes to your legal corporate needs. His quick response time and professionalism have been a huge asset to our company.
J. Herrmann
Company Director
Todd Rieke
5 years ago
I worked with Dave Buckley and Helmut Gerlach on the successful sale of two business's over the last 3 years. They did an excellent job and were a pleasure to work with. We also use Buckley Fine Law for all of our personal and investment needs. I would highly recommend them for both business and personal needs.
Todd Rieke
Robert Perri
5 years ago
Buckley and Fine did a fantastic job guiding my management team through our business sale. Helmut, our lead counsel on the transaction, was very professional, thorough, fast, and a pleasure to work with.
Ashley Tjardes
5 years ago
Helmut Gerlach was referred to my husband and I by a trusted friend to handle a business matter. Overall, it was great working with Helmut and the team at Buckley Fine. Helmut is knowledgeable and straightforward which made my husband and I feel at ease . We highly recommend Helmut to our friends, colleagues and relatives!

Why Clients Choose Buckley Fine Law

Clients choose Buckley Fine Law because they want practical legal advice delivered with consistency, clarity, and care.

  • Collaborative Legal Approach
    Our attorneys work across practice areas to provide guidance that reflects both legal requirements and real-world considerations.
  • Clear and Responsive Communication
    Clients receive timely updates and straightforward explanations so decisions can be made with confidence.
  • Northwest Suburban Experience
    With offices in Barrington and strong ties to the surrounding communities, our attorneys understand the legal and business environment affecting Palatine residents and business owners.
  • Recognized Professional Reputation
    Buckley Fine has earned recognition from Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Leading Lawyers for its work and leadership.
  • Planning With the Future in Mind
    Legal strategies are developed to address current needs while accounting for long-term goals and potential changes.
Buckley Fine, LLC Law Firm in Barrington

Frequently Asked Questions

Buckley Fine provides estate planning, estate and trust administration, business law, litigation, employment law, and residential and commercial real estate services for individuals and businesses in Palatine and nearby communities.

Many clients meet with us in person at our Barrington office, while others prefer a virtual consultation. We work with Palatine clients in the format that best fits their needs.

Choose an attorney with experience in Illinois estate law who takes time to understand your family, assets, and long-term goals. Buckley Fine attorneys help Palatine clients develop estate plans that can adapt as circumstances change.

Our attorneys serve clients throughout Chicago’s Northwest suburbs, including Palatine, Arlington Heights, Inverness, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, and surrounding communities. We also work with clients across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry Counties.

Yes. Our attorneys assist Palatine clients with business transactions, contracts, succession planning, and residential and commercial real estate matters, including purchases, sales, and leasing.

Crains' 2025 Beset Places to Work

Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2026

Best Law Firms 2026

Lawyers of Distinction

The National Top 100

Super Lawyers 2022

Rising Stars 2022

2025 IICLE Author Badge

Best Law Firms

Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Buckley Fine attorneys are licensed in
Illinois | Arizona | District of Columbia | Florida | Maryland | Washington | Wisconsin