OUR FIRM
The Gil Law Group was established in 1994 by Attorney Eduardo J. Gil, after leaving his position as a successful felony prosecutor in the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. As a lifelong Aurora resident, he recognized a need for quality legal representation among the local Hispanic community and knowing he could help, he sought out to open the very first Hispanic law firm in Aurora. He partnered up with fellow Hispanic Attorney, Manuel Barbosa and together they opened the firm, Barbosa and Gil. After several successful years, Attorney Barbosa left the firm to become a Federal Judge and the firm was renamed Eduardo J. Gil & Associates.
By early 2000 it was evident Aurora really did need that Hispanic law firm Attorney Gil had envisioned. The firm was already working on its second location, in West Chicago and had three full time attorneys on staff. As the firm's momentum continued to build, Attorney Rene Cruz was promoted to Partner later that same year and the firm became known as Gil & Cruz.
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Over the next few years the firm continued to expand, adding on additional attorneys and staff each year, with both locations exceeding expectations. Then in 2009, after 8 years with the firm and her work to build and develop the Gil & Cruz Real Estate Department, Attorney Jeniffer Smutzer was named Partner. As the firm continued to grow, the office space continued to shrink and by 2012 it was evident the firm had completely outgrown their office space at 151 S. Lincoln, in Aurora. After looking at many properties throughout the city, Attorney Gil went to see the building located at 605 N. Broadway in Aurora, which was originally built in 1927 as the headquarters for John Deere. After a long search for his firm's new space, he knew quickly it would be the one. Gil & Cruz went on to purchase the building and spent the next 9 months renovating and restoring the space, finally moving in to their now permanent location at 605 N. Broadway, in March of 2012. A quick walk through the space and all can see the great care and attention to detail the firm took while restoring the building. From reviving the original maple flooring, wooden beams and brick interior to maintaining the same aesthetic for the additional offices that were built on.
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In December, 2012, after 12 years as a Partner at Gil & Cruz, Rene Cruz was appointed the first Latino Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. After Attorney Cruz left, the firm reorganized and became known as The Gil Law Group. Presently, The Gil Law Group has 8 full time Attorneys and over 20 support staff members, remarkably, all of whom are fluent in Spanish.
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The Gil Law Group continues to thrive and grow. The firm now has several offices in Illinois, but maintains the same ideals that drove Attorney Gil to hang out his very first shingle so many years ago, the need to provide superior and affordable legal representation to the local Hispanic Communities. An active member of the community, The Gil Law Group was named the 2005, 2007 and 2008 Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year for its commitment to helping and educating the Hispanic community.
Awards and Settlements
2015-Present National Trial Lawyer's Association Top 100 Attorney
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2015 AVVO Customer Service Award
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2008 Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year
2007 Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year
2005 Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year
$3,000,000.00 Settlement - Medical Malpractice Case
$1,010,000.00 Settlement - Personal Injury Case
$1,000,000.00 Settlement - Medical Malpractice Case
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$800,000.00 Settlement - Personal Injury Case
$750,000.00 Settlement - Auto Accident Case
$350,000.00 Settlement - Worker's Compensation Case
$150,000.00 Settlement - Worker's Compensation Case