The origin of our law practice dates back to 1986, when Tom Doherty began a private general civil practice, with a focus on real estate transactions, in DeKalb, Illinois, where he has lived since 1953. The practice expanded in 2004 when Mark Doherty moved from a law firm in Naperville, Illinois, where he practiced primarily in the areas of condominium and homeowner association representation and civil litigation, to work with his father in DeKalb, where Mark was born and raised. The law firm later expanded its geographical service areas with office availability in St. Charles and Wheaton. In 2010, Tom Doherty was elected as a Circuit Judge for DeKalb County, where he served for twelve years. After Tom’s election to the bench, Mark formed The Doherty Law Firm, LLC, and serves as its Managing Member. A few years later, Mark’s longtime friend and fellow attorney, Rolf Anderson, who was also born and raised in DeKalb, became “of counsel” to the Firm and provides counsel and expertise to our clients with a focus on the areas of land use and development and real estate entitlements. Upon retiring from the bench in 2022, Tom became “of counsel” to the Firm, with a focus on residential and commercial real estate transactions. In 2007, Kara Near joined the Firm as an administrative assistant and within a few years earned her promotion to her current position as Office Manager and Real Estate Supervisor. In 2022, Laura Podgorski joined the firm as a Legal Assistant, providing assistance and support with real estate transactions as well as the Firm’s estate planning and civil practice areas.

With over one hundred years of combined experience among its attorneys and staff, and with office availability in DeKalb, St. Charles, and Wheaton, Illinois, The Doherty Law Firm, LLC continues its tradition of providing honest, efficient, productive, and reasonably priced legal services, with a focus on residential and commercial real estate transactions, land use and development, and entitlements; estate planning, asset protection, and probate; business formation and representation; landlord leasing matters and enforcement; and condominium and homeowners association representation. We understand that we work in a competitive environment and appreciate that our clients place their trust and confidence in us and our ability to focus on their legal needs, while developing and carrying out effective plans to achieve their best possible results. To do so, we utilize seasoned attorneys, a highly trained and experienced staff, secure and detailed file management systems, and a relentless pursuit of open and regular communication. While we regularly take advantage of the efficiency and documentary value of email communications, all of us are readily available by phone or in person to review and discuss all aspects of your legal matters with you.