Serving Jo Daviess County & surrounding counties since 1896
Galena & Elizabeth, Illinois

Trusted counsel, four generations in the making.

Since 1896, families and businesses across Jo Daviess County have turned to Nack, Richardson & Nack for steady, principled legal guidance — the kind that only comes from deep roots in the community we serve.

Established 1896
130
Years of Service
4
Generations
2
Office Locations
4
Attorneys
How We Help

Practice Areas

A full-service practice serving the everyday legal needs of our neighbors — from the kitchen table to the courtroom.

Family Law

Steady, compassionate guidance through life's most personal decisions — always with your family's future in mind.

Divorce · Custody · Adoption · Paternity

Real Estate

From your first closing to complex commercial deals, we make property transactions clear, smooth, and secure.

Residential · Commercial

Estate Planning & Administration

Protect what you've built and spare your loved ones uncertainty with a plan that reflects your wishes.

Estate Planning · Estate Administration

Criminal Defense

Your rights and your reputation deserve a vigorous, strategic defense at every stage of your case.

Felony · Misdemeanor · Traffic
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Personal Injury

When someone else's negligence upends your life, we pursue the full recovery you're owed — and take on the insurers for you.

Accidents · Negligence · Insurance Claims
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Litigation

Seasoned trial advocates ready to protect your interests in the courtroom when a fair resolution can't be reached at the table.

Civil Disputes · Trials · Appeals

Corporate & Business

Practical counsel for businesses at every stage — from formation and contracts to the everyday decisions that keep you moving.

Formation · Contracts · Transactions

Banking & Finance

Trusted representation for lenders and borrowers in financing, lending, and creditor matters — handled with precision.

Lending · Financing · Creditors' Rights

Municipal Law

Decades of service to local governments and public bodies, including years as Galena's City Attorney.

Local Government · Public Bodies · Ordinances
Meet the Firm

Our Attorneys

You hire people, not logos. Get to know the attorneys who will stand beside you.

James J. Nack

James J. Nack

Partner · Since 1974

Notre Dame & Michigan Law, Order of the Coif. Former partner at Winston & Strawn and longtime Galena City Attorney.

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Louis A. Nack, Jr.

Louis A. Nack, Jr.

In Memoriam · 1935–2026

Remembered for nearly six decades of devoted service to Elizabeth and Jo Daviess County, and for a life dedicated to the law.

In Memoriam
Joseph E. Nack

Joseph E. Nack

Partner · Since 1992

Creighton Law and former Peoria County Assistant State's Attorney. Active member of the Jo Daviess County Bar.

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Thomas J. Nack

Thomas J. Nack

Partner · Since 2000

Creighton Law, cum laude. Admitted in both Nebraska and Illinois, practicing from our Galena office.

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Hailey C. Wills

Hailey C. Wills

Attorney · Since 2023

A Galena High School graduate and NIU College of Law alumna practicing estate planning, real estate, and criminal and family law.

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A legacy of service

Five attorneys carrying forward a tradition begun in 1896.

Read our story
Our Story

A Galena institution since 1896.

Our practice began when Joseph M. Nack, a self-taught lawyer devoted to public service, opened his doors in downtown Galena. For four generations, the Nack family — joined by respected colleagues like James Richardson and Judge William A. Kelley — has carried forward a commitment to legal excellence and community service.

Today we honor that heritage the same way it was built: by treating every client as a neighbor.

Work With Us
1896Established
Visit Us

Two Offices, One Community

Galena

106 N Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
PO Box 336
815.777.1218

Elizabeth

151 North Main Street, #202
Elizabeth, IL 61028
PO Box 271
815.858.3712
Let's Talk

Request a Consultation

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or call 815.777.1218

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