Emalfarb Law LLC
Illinois Mechanic Lien Attorneys
Fast help for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with mechanic liens, bond claims, and construction payment disputes throughout Illinois.
Why Illinois Contractors Choose Emalfarb Law
- We focus on Illinois construction payment law, mechanic liens, bond claims, and contractor receivables
- We understand the statutory deadlines and notice requirements 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 participants across the Illinois construction payment chain — general contractors, specialty trades, equipment lessors, and material suppliers.
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 moreSection 24 Notices
Serving and responding to 90-day subcontractor notices required to preserve mechanic lien rights on private projects.
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
Counties We Serve
Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Emalfarb Law LLC represents contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in mechanic lien and construction payment disputes throughout northern Illinois.
Chicago
Mechanic liens, bond claims, and construction payment disputes for Chicago projects
Cook County
Cook County Recorder filings, suburban commercial and public construction disputes
Lake County
Libertyville, Waukegan, Highland Park, and Lake County construction claims
DuPage County
Naperville, Wheaton, and DuPage County construction payment recovery
We also serve Will, McHenry, and Kane Counties. View all areas we serve
Illinois Mechanic Lien FAQs
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