Emalfarb Law LLC — Practicing Since 1977
Illinois Mechanic Lien Attorneys
We help Illinois contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers preserve, file, and enforce mechanic lien rights — so you get paid for the work you performed.
Who We Help
We represent participants across the Illinois construction payment chain — from general contractors to specialty subcontractors to material suppliers. If you performed work or delivered materials and haven't been paid, we can help.
General Contractors
You built the project and deserve to be paid. We file and enforce mechanic liens to recover what you're owed on private construction projects throughout Illinois.
Mechanic lien servicesSubcontractors
Subcontractors face additional notice requirements under 770 ILCS 60. We ensure Section 24 notices are served on time and your lien rights are fully preserved.
Subcontractor lien rightsMaterial Suppliers
Your lien deadlines are measured from your last delivery date — not the last day of work on the project. We track supplier-specific deadlines to protect your rights.
Supplier lien deadlinesArchitects & Engineers
Design professionals who provide labor, services, or materials for Illinois construction projects have mechanic lien rights. We help architects and engineers preserve and enforce those rights.
Lien rights for design professionalsEquipment Lessors
If you leased equipment for use on an Illinois construction project and haven't been paid, you may have lien rights under the Mechanics Lien Act. We help equipment lessors protect their claims.
Equipment lessor lien deadlinesUCC Lenders
Construction lenders with UCC security interests need to understand how mechanic lien priority affects their collateral. We help lenders navigate lien subordination, waivers, and intercreditor issues.
Lender lien priority issuesPreserving and Enforcing Your Mechanic Lien Rights
Illinois mechanic lien law (770 ILCS 60) gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers powerful tools to recover payment — but only if you act within strict statutory windows. We handle every phase.
Preserve Your Rights
Missing a single statutory deadline can permanently forfeit your lien rights. We identify every notice and recording requirement that applies to your claim and make sure nothing is missed.
Check your deadlinesFile Your Lien
We prepare and record your mechanic lien claim under 770 ILCS 60, ensuring all statutory requirements are met and the lien is properly filed with the county recorder.
Illinois mechanic lien servicesEnforce Through Foreclosure
When the property owner won't pay, we file a foreclosure action to enforce your lien — forcing a judicial sale of the property to satisfy your claim.
Lien enforcement servicesNot sure which step applies to your situation? Contact us for a free deadline check.
Key Resources
Whether you need to check a critical deadline, file a lien in Chicago, or pursue a payment bond claim on a public project — start here.
Illinois Lien Deadlines
Know your notice, recording, and enforcement deadlines before it's too late.
Deadline Calculator
Enter your last date of furnishing and see every deadline that applies to your claim.
Illinois Mechanic Liens
Comprehensive guide to filing, enforcing, and protecting mechanic lien rights under 770 ILCS 60.
Payment Bond Claims
Public projects don't allow mechanic liens. Learn about bond claim remedies under 30 ILCS 550.
Why Choose Emalfarb Law for Your Mechanic Lien
- We focus exclusively on Illinois mechanic lien law — filing, enforcement, and foreclosure under 770 ILCS 60
- We track and preserve every statutory deadline so you never lose lien rights to a missed notice
- We have filed and enforced mechanic liens across Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties since 1977
- We advise proactively — before rights are lost to missed deadlines or defective notices
- We litigate lien foreclosure actions aggressively when negotiation does not produce results
Protecting your mechanic lien rights is our primary focus — from the first notice through final payment recovery.
Authority and Experience
Practicing Since 1977
Our firm has represented Illinois contractors and suppliers in mechanic lien disputes for decades across Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties.
Published Authority
Our founder authored the Illinois Construction Law Manual and Forms, published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE). Learn more
4.7 on Trustpilot
Verified client reviews from contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across Illinois. Read reviews
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.
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 Lien Attorney
File mechanic liens, bond claims, and pursue construction payment recovery on Chicago and Cook County 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