Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Vandalia, Illinois
Founded in 1997, Lawinger & Jacob is a full-service law firm dedicated to protecting client rights across Illinois. Our practice spans family law, adoptions, juvenile law, personal injury, criminal defense, and civil litigation. With decades of combined experience, we provide personalized, confidential representation tailored to each client's unique needs. Our attorneys, including sole owner Keith C.Jacob and associate Madison Gray, are recognized for their expertise in navigating complex legal matters. We prioritize immediate responsiveness, clear communication, and achieving favorable outcomes through litigation or negotiation. Serving clients near the Fayette County Courthouse, we combine local knowledge with a proven track record in both courtroom and settlement proceedings.
Services
Family Law
Adoptions
Juvenile Law
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Traffic Violations
Civil Litigation
Collections
Estate Planning
Guardianships
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 13 years of experience in Southern Illinois legal matters
- Our attorneys are recognized experts in family and criminal law
- We provide immediate response to client needs
- We offer personalized, confidential service for sensitive matters
- We have a proven track record in personal injury and criminal defense cases
Associations and certifications
- Lawyers of Distinction
What people say
Amazing attorney
Answered my calls quickly
Constant communication
Highly recommend
Compassionate and knowledgeable
Services
Family Law
We handle all aspects of family law including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and spousal support negotiations. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance through emotionally challenging situations while protecting client interests. With extensive courtroom experience, we advocate for fair outcomes in property division and parenting time agreements.
Criminal Defense
Our firm defends clients facing criminal charges ranging from traffic violations to felony offenses. We specialize in DUI defense, juvenile delinquency cases, and misdemeanor prosecutions. With former public defender experience, we develop strategic defenses to minimize penalties and protect future opportunities for clients throughout Southern Illinois.
Personal Injury
We represent injury victims in automobile accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability cases. Our team pursues maximum compensation for medical expenses and lost wages through insurance negotiations or litigation. With millions recovered for clients, we understand the urgency of statute-limited claims and complex liability issues.
Adoptions
We guide clients through all adoption types including agency, private, and international placements. Our attorneys handle step-parent adoptions, foster care transitions, and adult adoptions with sensitivity to family dynamics. We navigate legal requirements to ensure secure, permanent family relationships through proper documentation and court procedures.
Juvenile Law
We defend minors in delinquency proceedings and represent families in juvenile court matters. Our experience covers truancy cases, underage drinking charges, and theft offenses. We work to minimize long-term consequences while addressing underlying issues through appropriate legal strategies and rehabilitation-focused solutions.
People
Keith C. Jacob
Attorney
Sole owner with 13+ years of legal experience. Specializes in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. Recognized by Lawyers of Distinction and voted top attorney in Fayette County. Handles trials and negotiations with proven success in complex cases.
Madison Gray
Associate Attorney
Licensed since 2011 with experience in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning. Approved guardian ad litem in multiple judicial circuits. Provides comprehensive legal solutions in probate matters and creditor rights cases while serving local communities.
Questions
What areas of law does Lawinger & Jacob specialize in?
We specialize in family law, criminal defense, personal injury, juvenile law, adoptions, and civil litigation. Our attorneys handle cases ranging from divorce proceedings to felony defense across Southern Illinois.
How experienced are your attorneys?
Our lead attorney has 13+ years of trial experience with successful outcomes in both jury and bench trials. We combine practical courtroom experience with strategic legal planning for all client matters.
Do you handle urgent legal matters?
We prioritize immediate response to client needs, including emergency situations requiring after-hours consultation or expedited court filings while maintaining regular business hours.
How do you communicate with clients?
We maintain open communication through direct phone access, regular case updates, and face-to-face meetings. Clients receive clear explanations of legal processes and timely responses to inquiries.
What makes your firm different?
We combine local courtroom knowledge with personalized service, offering tailored legal strategies rather than generic solutions. Our attorneys' dual experience in litigation and negotiation provides comprehensive representation options.
Reviews (1)
Chris Mckenzie
Oct 15, 2025
Report
I am so pleased with the service I received with this law firm! I am from out of state and they were very capable to help me with my case. I worked with Madison Gray who was absolutely brilliant! She was so diligent and insightful. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing a expert in family law.