Welcome to the Leighton Legal Group website. We offer active and prompt Client communication, personable and knowledgeable attorneys and staff, and a high level of dedication to our Clients.
News
July 17, 2024 -- The Washington D.C. Courts, in partnership with the D.C. Access to Justice Commission and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, have named Attorney Tim Leighton as a member of the 2023 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.
In a letter to the members of the 2023 Honor Roll, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring write, “As chief judges, we are acutely aware of the significant obstacles faced by individuals with limited resources who all too frequently must represent themselves in proceedings, often against represented parties. We salute you for using your time, talents, and expertise to ensure that those who cannot afford an attorney have meaningful access to justice.”
Since 2011, the D.C. Courts have honored attorneys who have performed 50 hours or more of pro bono service in a calendar year. 5,032 attorneys registered for the Honor Roll in 2023. 2,823 (56%) of those attorneys provided 100 hours or more of pro bono service, which qualifies them for the High Honor Roll. Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll attorneys performed an astounding total of 392,750 hours of pro bono service in 2023.
In further appreciation for D.C. pro bono attorneys, the Chief Judges also write, “The District of Columbia is fortunate to have a truly exemplary cadre of legal services organizations whose attorneys work every day to make access to justice a reality…The continued participation of pro bono counsel is simply indispensable to our civil justice system.”
Attorney Leighton extends his thanks to the D.C. Courts, D.C. Access to Justice Commission and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center for the recognition of his service. He continues to serve Clients in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area, Central Illinois and Virginia.
June 12, 2024 -- The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) President has appointed Attorney Tim Leighton as Chair of ISBA’s Elder Law Section Council for the 2024-2025 bar year. The Elder Law Section Council informs and advises the members of the bar whose practice involves representing older persons in areas such as estate planning, public benefits, nursing home residents' rights, elder abuse, age discrimination, real estate issues, senior housing and guardianship; reviews and makes recommendations regarding proposed legislation that may affect older persons; promotes the legal rights of older persons to enjoy their communities, families and lives to the fullest extent possible; informs older persons of these rights; and provides a forum for the exchange of views and information in furtherance of these goals. Leighton previously served as Section Council Vice Chair and Secretary. Leighton earlier had chaired ISBA’s Section Council on Business Advice and Financial Planning.
April 26, 2024 -- April is National Donate Life Month (NDLM). Each year, Donate Life America (DLA) celebrates those who have selflessly donated organs, eyes and tissue to those in need. NDLM is also an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed on and made the decision to donate to survivors, as well as those who are still with us and made the decision to donate during their lifetime.
NDLM is also helpful in encouraging people to register to be a donor. More than 100,000 people are currently awaiting an organ, eye or tissue transplant. You can become a donor by registering at the DMV, on www.RegisterMe.org or in the iPhone Health App.
A healthcare power of attorney is another way to let others know that you intend to be an organ donor. We can help you prepare a healthcare power of attorney as well as other estate planning documents.
For more information, visit: April is National Donate Life Month! - Donate Life America .
April 11, 2024 -- The American Bar Association asked Attorney Tim Leighton to serve as a judge for the finals of its Law Student Division’s Representation in Mediation Competition. The competition introduces law student participants to the challenges of representing clients in mediation. The judging criteria reward those participants who use an effective combination of (i) advocacy and (ii) problem-solving. Advocacy in mediation means that lawyers should advocate for their client’s interests with the mediator.
Problem-solving in mediation means that the negotiating attorneys must learn about the interests of each other’s clients and BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), use objective standards, brainstorm options, and select and shape a solution that meets their interests. Participants must balance their clients’ interests with the goal of achieving an effective settlement.
Law student competitors participating in the April 5-6, 2024 finals had achieved first-place or second-place standings in recent regional competitions. After the competition, Leighton expressed respect and appreciation for the quality of effective advocacy and creative problem-solving that these future lawyers demonstrated. “If these competitors are meaningful representatives of our future lawyers, then alternative dispute resolution is in the hands, hearts and heads of very competent and talented people.”
Attorney Tim Leighton has been serving Clients since 1988 and mediating disputes for much of his professional career. Leighton Legal Group, LLC assists Clients by providing high quality legal and financial advice, helping navigate major life and business transitions and resolving disputes without litigation. The firm actively participates in making the communities we serve in Central Illinois and metropolitan Washington, DC as better places to live.
November 28, 2023 -- The Virginia Mountain/Valley Lawyers' Alliance (VMVLA) during its annual meeting in Winchester, Virginia has elected Attorney Tim Leighton as its President, following his terms as President-Elect and Secretary.
VMVLA is a specialty Bar Association whose nearly 2,000 members serve rural areas of Southern Virginia from Roanoke to West Virginia’s border. Within the local context of the Shenandoah Valley served by VMVLA, there lies the state’s strongest farm region; agriculturally rich, but an underserved Legal Desert where there are too few lawyers to serve the needs of the population. Despite covering more than 50% of the Commonwealth’s land area, there are more Virginia-licensed attorneys with addresses of record in Washington DC than in the VMVLA Region.
Globalization has also increased the demand for knowledge about legal issues well beyond traditional academic borders; VMVLA fills this void, because Bar Associations in the USA require annual training for lawyers and judges updating their knowledge, applying criteria set forth by the Bar. VMVLA CLE offerings include Science and Technology, Access to Justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). VMVLA’s dynamic Law Day CLE on May 1-3, 2024 in Loudoun County will feature: Artificial Intelligence in contracts, Tax Law, Constitutional Law Scholars and discussion of pathbreaking DEI developments for daily legal practice. The October 2024 annual meeting will be held in Natural Bridge, Virginia.
May 11, 2023 -- Attorney Tim Leighton has been recognized as a Virginia Access to Justice Commission 2023 Pro Bono Service Honor Roll Member in appreciation for his pro bono service contributions during 2021 and 2022. Attorney Leighton is honored to serve Clients in Virginia while continuing to serve Clients in Central Illinois.
May 1, 2023 -- LLG personnel will continue to work remotely for the time being. While we plan to continue conducting most appointments by Zoom, Skype or phone, we will meet with Clients in person at their request. Estate planning documents must be executed in person. Our business hours will generally be Monday-Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm.
July 12, 2022 -- We are now offering a new estate planning arrangement for parents with minor children. The basic plan includes a Last Will and Testament with guardianship provisions and basic testamentary trust provisions for one or more minor children, Property Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and Living Will. Click here for more information.
November 2, 2021 -- On October 25, 2021, Prairie State Legal Services selected Attorney Tim Leighton as the 2021 Outstanding Pro Bono Community Honoree for Prairie State's Bloomington office. Leighton Legal Group, LLC is grateful for the continuing opportunity to help low-income, elderly and vulnerable people in our community with ready access to legal services with personalized estate planning.
Testimonials
"We were happy with the attention to details and they provided the necessary paperwork to complete our trust set-up/transfer with our assets and the companies we do business with. Keep your staff. Loved working with Emily. What a pleasure it has been to work with your legal group and staff. We're grateful for your attention to detail and listening skills. Your experience in meeting our specific needs and providing step by step examples and copies of the necessary paperwork for our estate planning is outstanding. Looking forward to the future and continuing to work together."
Trust & Estate Planning Client12/21/2023
"You went above and beyond! I liked the ease of getting things prepared and the communication to help me with my decisions."
Estate Planning Client5/25/2023
"Though we only had a 1/2 hr. consultation, it is obvious that attorney Leighton is VERY knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. Highly recommend!!!"
3/1/2023
"We worked with Tim Leighton's firm on advise and getting our estate planning in order. Tim and Emily not only patiently answered our many questions but also accommodated our request updating the paperwork to best suit our needs. Sincere efforts were made to get us comfortable by constantly encouraging us to ask questions with "no questions are dumb questions" policy! The turnaround time for setting up meetings, document preparations and getting responses to emails was very quick. I would highly recommend their services! Thank you very much!"
Estate Planning Client2/6/2023
"Mr. Layton and his staff are great to work with. They are professional and really take an interest to meet your individual needs. I would highly recommend them to anyone for estate planning, Trusts, and all power of attorney documents."
Trust & Estate Planning Client1/6/2023
"Tim and team are top notch! Great at what they do and incredible supporters of the Bloomington/Normal community...highly recommend!"
Not-For-Profit Organization Client11/5/2022
“As a first-time executor of an estate, I sought advice from the Leighton Legal Group. Attorney Tim Leighton and Paralegal Emily Kaloupek filed my father's will in court and prepared a small estate affidavit for me. When I reached a bureaucratic stalemate while processing a beneficiary claim to an annuity inheritance, I again asked for their assistance. They gave me contact information for the individual in charge of the company's annuities department who then facilitated processing of my claim. In all my communications with the Leighton legal team, whether in person, or via teleconference, telephone, or email, they were professional, cordial, and patient with my many questions. They significantly eased the emotional stress of settling my dad's estate, and I am grateful for their wise counsel and compassion throughout the process. I have complete confidence in their abilities and wholeheartedly recommend their service.”
Estate Administration Client9/1/2022
“My husband and I went to Tim Leighton for estate planning purposes 13 years ago and again most recently. Tim and Emily helped us when we were in a crunch with regards to time. They were patient, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Turn around time in getting our documents edited was impressive. It has been a pleasure to work with Tim & Emily. They made the experience of dealing with estate planning most people dread very manageable! Highly recommend!”
Trust & Estate Planning Client8/27/2022
“Attorney Leighton did a great job helping Mom with her will and power of attorney He was so patient and kind making her feel quite comfortable It was a wonderful experience Emily was so very helpful and efficient I would recommend this firm to everyone.”
Daughter of Estate Planning Client8/18/2022
“Thank you for all your help with our estate documents, and especially helping my mom. She confessed she felt nervous and how surprised she was that you made it a pleasurable experience and a few good laughs in the process. Thank you for helping all of us. You were so nice, accommodating, efficient, and truly did make it a nice experience.”
Estate Planning Client7/19/2022
“A very pleasant experience. Emily was on the ball and Tim did a great job explaining the process. Thank you for the great service!!!!”
Estate Planning Client5/10/2022
“Tim helped us accomplish our goals. I liked his knowledge and personality. My family was impressed as well.”
Estate Planning Client4/20/2022
“Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Estate Planning Client2/18/2022
“Tim and Emily were polite, easy to deal with and responsive. Would recommend.”
Estate Planning Client2/5/2022
“You all are so friendly and encouraging. I truly appreciated how you'd check in with me occasionally to prevent me from slacking. 🙂 Emily is amazing!”
Estate Planning Client11/23/2021
“Professional. Very communicative. Accommodating. Mindful of Covid protocols. Very happy with their services.”
Estate Planning Client5/11/2021
“They prepare a will and powers of attorney documents for my husband and myself. They also gave us some information so we could make some other decisions and contact individuals, which we hadn't thought about. Ease of communication and efficiency. Emily was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We were very pleased.”
Estate Planning Client8/23/2020
"We came to the firm to get a family will and trust. They were knowledgeable and very patiently answered all our questions."
Trust & Estate Planning Client8/6/2020
"We were responding to suggested revisions in several legal documents concerning our children. The firm brought to our attention suggested revisions to our estate plan, listened to our concerns, and addressed the issues to our satisfaction in a timely manner. We appreciated their professionalism and guidance. Well done."
Estate Planning Client7/3/2020
"Leighton Legal Group really knows what they are doing and have pleasant personalities. They really talked to you so you understood everything and were so nice."
Estate Planning Client5/21/2020
"Professional, but casual. Friendly and accommodating."
Trust & Estate Planning and Not-For-Profit Organization Client1/18/2020
“Prompt, courteous, thorough.”
Estate Planning Client7/1/2019
"We liked the willingness to explain the process in legal terms as well as in a way that is easily accessible to those without experience with the legal system. They were prompt in all correspondence. They were thorough, well organized, friendly and professional. We couldn’t have been happier with the services we received from Leighton Legal Group. We are pleased to have found such a knowledgeable and friendly advisor in our own neighborhood. Going forward, Leighton Legal Group will be our first choice for advice or reference in all legal matters."
Trust & Estate Planning Client2/6/2019
"Mr. Leighton appeared very knowledgeable and was extremely helpful in explaining the many details. We liked their patience! This was an eye opening experience for us. We had to have many uncomfortable conversations with people and that took quite a bit of time. The law firm was very supportive and understanding. Thank you for your excellent services! We will definitely recommend you to others we know who may need similar services!"
Trust & Estate Planning Client1/21/2019
"They were thorough and detailed. The communication style and follow through was fantastic."
Estate Planning Client7/25/2018
"Tim helped me update my will. He came across as trustworthy and genuinely caring."
Estate Planning Client6/13/2018
“The consult that Tim gave me on my mother’s affairs sealed the deal. He was helpful, considerate & informative on what actions I needed to do. The will and POA was explained and feel much better knowing my children will have things lined out for them.”
Estate Administration & Estate Planning Client6/6/2018
“I needed to update my will and power of attorney after a recent divorce. They listened to my needs and wishes, made appropriate suggestions and followed through in a timely manner. Excellent communication!”
Estate Planning Client3/5/2018
"5Khaos prides itself on bringing Central Illinois a local fundraising mud run through its 100% volunteer board. While the mud, obstacles, and generous supporters provide proceeds to local tax exempt organizations, we couldn’t do it without the guidance of Leighton Legal Group. 5Khaos creates obstacles while the expertise of Leighton Legal Group provides a map through the legal terrain. We truly value their guidance and professionalism."
President of 5Khaos, Inc.5/31/2017
"My wife and I recently worked with you to complete a Will, a Trust, and a Living Will. I wanted to let you know how much it meant to us to have this complete. It gives us great peace of mind to know that the government doesn’t get to decide what happens to our children if something were to happen to myself, my wife or both of us. This has been some of the best money we have ever spent."
Trust & Estate Planning Client
"Tim Leighton is my business attorney who represented me buying in and selling out my business... He's a great guy, family man, and good steward in our community. I would highly recommend Leighton Legal Group."
Business Client
"Mr. Leighton promised my family peace of mind when he helped our parents with their plans. After they died, we found out he was right. His explanations were clear and his charges reasonable."
Son of Estate Planning Client
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the outstanding job you've done through the years as the attorney for me and Cornerstone Card Processing, Inc. Your advice and professional guidance as my partners and I grew the business was outstanding."
Cornerstone Card Processing, Inc.
"I was pleased with your handling of my mother's affairs. Wishing the best to you and your family."
Son of Estate Planning Client
Business Clients
