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Emalfarb Law LLC
File Your Mechanic Lien Today
Fast help for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with mechanic liens, bond claims, and construction payment disputes throughout Illinois.
File an Illinois Mechanic Lien
We'll confirm your lien deadlines and recommend next steps
Speak to an Illinois Construction Law Attorney
Get expert legal guidance on your construction payment dispute
Why Illinois Contractors Choose Emalfarb Law
- We focus exclusively on construction payment law and real estate
- We understand every statutory deadline and notice requirement under 770 ILCS 60
- We litigate lien and bond claims aggressively when negotiation fails
- We advise proactively before rights are lost to missed deadlines
- We communicate clearly with business decision makers — not just other lawyers
Our goal: secure your receivables, enforce your claims, and enhance your recoveries.
Who We Represent
We represent every participant in the Illinois construction payment chain. From general contractors managing multi-million dollar projects to specialty trades and material suppliers delivering to a single job site, we understand the distinct legal rights and obligations each role carries under Illinois law.
Securing Your Construction Receivables
Emalfarb Law LLC assists contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment lessors in converting outstanding invoices into secured assets. Whether your project is private, public, or federal, we implement the necessary legal frameworks to ensure you are first in line for payment.
Mechanic Liens
Filing and enforcement of mechanic liens under 770 ILCS 60 for private construction projects across Illinois.
Learn moreLien Filing Deadlines
Critical 90-day notice, 4-month recording, and 2-year enforcement deadlines that govern your lien rights.
Learn morePayment Bond Claims
Bond claims under 30 ILCS 550 for subcontractors and suppliers on public construction projects.
Learn moreLien on Public Funds
Trapping unpaid contract funds on government projects under 770 ILCS 60/23.
Learn moreSection 34 Demands
Responding to or initiating demand letters that compress lien enforcement to 30 days.
Learn moreResidential Closings
Multi-Board contract review, attorney review, title work, and closing representation for Illinois home buyers and sellers.
Learn moreNot sure which remedy applies? Start with our comprehensive guide to Illinois mechanic lien law or compare public vs. private project remedies.
Our Approach to Construction Payment Disputes
Every construction payment dispute starts with a deadline. We work backwards from the statutory clock to ensure no right is forfeited and every available remedy is pursued.
Evaluate Your Rights
We assess your role, project type, and timeline to determine which Illinois construction payment remedy applies — mechanic lien, lien on funds, or bond claim.
Preserve Your Deadlines
Illinois lien deadlines can be as short as 90 days. We identify every applicable notice and filing requirement before rights are lost.
Pursue Recovery
Whether through negotiation, lien recording, or litigation, we work to secure the payment you earned on every project.
Learn about the step-by-step lien filing process or review the lien filing deadlines that apply to your claim.
What Clients Say About Emalfarb Law
Our clients across Chicago, Cook County, and throughout Illinois rely on Emalfarb Law LLC to protect their mechanic lien rights and recover payments on construction projects. See what verified clients say about working with our construction law attorneys.
TrustScore 4.7 out of 5
Based on 26 reviews
Not your typical law firm
I am the principal of a small Commercial Subcontracting firm in business 25 years. I have had attorneys come and go, with lots of disappointments. By contrast, these guys are the real deal. Talented, knowledgeable and efficient. Don't waste your time elsewhere, get them on your team now.
January 2025
Trust Emalfarb for resolution
This was our first time engaging legal council for a dispute. Thomas listened to our legal challenge, provided his expertise throughout the process and took the time to explain the process. He is efficient with his time and proactive with outreach and follow up. Our issue had been going on over a year and after engaging Thomas; matter was resolved expediently and to our satisfaction.
November 2024
Absolute awesome job
Absolute awesome job. Helped collect 100% of what was owed to me. I didn't think it was possible, but I was wrong.
February 2026
Highly Professional and Reliable
Thomas was extremely helpful and responsive throughout the process. He guided me clearly with every step of the bond and lien request, making everything much easier and stress-free. I truly appreciate his professionalism and kindness. Highly recommend!
October 2025
Serving Contractors Across Northern Illinois
Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Emalfarb Law LLC represents clients throughout Chicago, Cook County including Arlington Heights, Cicero, Evanston, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Schaumburg, Skokie, and Tinley Park.
We also serve DuPage County including Aurora, Naperville, and Wheaton; Lake County including Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Mundelein, and Waukegan; and Will and McHenry Counties with nationwide reach for lien and bond matters across all 50 states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with Emalfarb Law LLC on Illinois construction payment disputes.
Recent Articles on Illinois Construction Law
Practical guidance on mechanic liens, bond claims, and construction payment disputes from Emalfarb Law LLC.
January 17, 2026
Illinois Amending Mechanic Liens: What Contractors Need to Know
Learn whether you can amend a mechanic lien under Illinois law. Understand Section 7 of the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act, protections for subsequent purchasers, and critical rules for contractors in Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County.
Read More
May 1, 2025
Illinois Mechanic's Liens & Bond Claims on IDOT Highway Projects
Guide to filing mechanic's liens on public funds and payment bond claims on IDOT highway projects in Illinois. Learn key deadlines and requirements under the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act and Public Construction Bond Act.
Read More
April 23, 2025
Are You a Telecommunications Contractor Waiting to Get Paid?
Specialized mechanic lien legal services for telecommunications contractors. Filing liens for fiber optic splicing, underground utility burial, and telecom infrastructure installation. Nationwide lien and bond claim services.
Read More