$1,705,000
Medical negligence
The firm's largest published recovery, on behalf of a patient harmed by medical negligence.
Carlinville, Illinois · Serving Macoupin County & Central Illinois
Clear guidance.
Strong advocacy.
When an injury, charge, or family crisis changes everything, you deserve hometown attorneys who prepare carefully, speak plainly, and stay in your corner.
Free consultation · No fee unless we win injury cases · You talk to the attorney, not a call center
Why clients choose us
- Trial-ready preparation on every matter
- Direct access to your attorney
- No fee on injury cases unless we win
4.6 Google rating · 17 reviews
Recognized by
$1.7MLargest published recovery
9Published six-figure recoveries
2008Litigating in Illinois since
$0Fee on injury cases unless we win
Verdicts & settlements
Results that changed our clients' lives.
$700,000
Slip and fall
Recovery for a client injured on unsafe premises.
$250,000
Automobile accident
One of seven published six-figure recoveries in automobile and nursing-home negligence cases.
Not guilty
Jury verdict · Criminal defense
Client charged with pulling a gun on responding police officers was acquitted at trial. A second client was found not guilty of DUI.
Additional published recoveries: $250,000 and $245,000 automobile accidents · $178,000 automobile accident · $167,500 nursing home negligence · $119,000 and $100,000 automobile accidents.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts. Amounts are gross recoveries before attorney fees and case expenses.
From the community, for the community
We live here too.
Our office is in downtown Carlinville, a short walk from the Macoupin County Courthouse. James grew up here and came home after ten years of litigating in Chicago. Sean coaches, serves on local boards, and tries cases in the same courtrooms where he is known by name. When you call, you talk to a lawyer, not an intake center in another state.
- Straight answers. We tell you what your case is worth and what it is not, in plain English.
- Direct access. The attorney who takes your case is the one who handles it and returns your calls.
- We come to you. Hospitalized or unable to travel? We meet clients at home, in the hospital, or after hours.
- Local knowledge. We know the judges, prosecutors, adjusters, and doctors in Macoupin, Montgomery, Sangamon, and Madison Counties.
How we help
Focused representation for difficult moments.
Explore all practice areas
01
Personal injury
Serious injuries, unsafe premises, medical negligence, workplace injuries, and wrongful death.
02Auto & truck accidents
Focused help after a collision, from early decisions through a potential recovery.
03Family law
Divorce, child custody, adoptions, guardianships, and the decisions that shape a family.
04Criminal defense
Thoughtful, trial-ready defense for criminal charges, DUI matters, and expungements.
Also handling
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Wrongful death
- Nursing home negligence
- Police misconduct / Section 1983
- Workers' compensation
- Uninsured & underinsured motorist claims
- DUI defense
- Expungements & record sealing
- Parentage, guardianships & adoptions
- Asbestos exposure & mesothelioma
- Wills, TOD instruments & powers of attorney
- Landlord evictions
- Traffic citations & CDL
Injury cases: you pay nothing unless we win. We advance the case costs and are paid only from the recovery. Other matters are billed hourly or at a flat rate quoted up front.
Asbestos exposure & mesothelioma
A diagnosis decades after the job. You should not have to sort through it alone.
Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure at refineries, plants, power stations, railroads, job sites, and boiler rooms across Central Illinois and the Metro East. Families who laundered work clothes were exposed too. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, the first step is simply getting clear information.
- Confidential preliminary review of your work and exposure history
- Plain-English explanation of lawsuits, asbestos trust claims, and veterans benefits
- Straight answers on deadlines, which run from diagnosis, not exposure
A consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation availability will be discussed with you directly.
Learn about asbestos & mesothelioma claims
Confidential first conversation
Questions about a potential asbestos claim?
Tell us a little about what you are facing. We will help you understand the next step.
Request a reviewOr call (217) 854-2602Attorney profiles
Local roots. Serious preparation.
Partner · Personal injury & family law
James C. Brandenburg
Litigating since 2008, including ten years in Chicago before returning home to Carlinville. James focuses on medical negligence, nursing home abuse and neglect, automobile accidents, police misconduct, unsafe premises, and workplace injuries.
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2021–2025 (five consecutive years)
- America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, 2024
- Illinois Rising Stars, 2016–2018
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D. · Illinois State University, B.S.
- Admitted in Illinois and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois
Partner · Criminal defense & family law
Sean E. Rees
Known among judges and prosecutors for thorough preparation and a willingness to try cases. Sean has won not-guilty verdicts at jury trial and handles criminal defense, DUI, expungements, divorce, custody, adoptions, and guardianships.
- Illinois Rising Stars, 2020–2024 (five consecutive years)
- Not-guilty jury verdicts in felony weapons and DUI cases
- Cooley Law School, J.D. · Illinois State University, B.S.
- Admitted in Illinois, 2016
- Serves on multiple community boards and civic organizations
Prepared to stand up for you
Attention to the facts. Commitment to the person behind the case.
Our work begins with listening. From there, we build a strategy grounded in careful preparation, clear communication, and a willingness to advocate when it counts.
Start a conversationWhat clients say
"Best attorneys in Macoupin County."
"Compassionate, intelligent, patient, and knows the laws and how they work. I consider him our attorney for life and highly recommend him."
"Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Great experience from start to the end of my case. You'd be silly to consider using a different law firm."
"They helped me with my case right away, they didn't waste time, and they didn't overcharge me. I can't thank them enough."
"He's the type to see the full picture and do the most for your case. I wish he was my neighbor, honestly."
Quotes are from public Google reviews of the firm, lightly edited for length. 4.6 average rating across 17 reviews as of September 2026.
How it works
Three steps. No surprises.
- 1
Call or send a message
Tell us what happened. If it is an injury case, the consultation is free and there is no fee unless we recover for you. For other matters we quote a flat or hourly rate up front.
- 2
Meet the attorney who will handle your case
At our office in Carlinville, at your home or hospital, or by phone. You leave with a plain-English assessment and a recommended course of action.
- 3
We take it from there
We deal with the insurers, the prosecutors, the paperwork, and the deadlines. You get updates from your attorney, not a voicemail tree, and we prepare every case as if it is going to trial.
Answers before the appointment
Plain-English guides to Illinois law.
All articles
Rural Road and Farm Vehicle Accidents in Central Illinois
Why county roads see the worst crashes, Illinois rules for slow-moving equipment, and what to do after a rural collision.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in Illinois: What Families Should Know
How the disease develops decades after exposure, the legal paths available, and what to gather before a first conversation.
Nursing Home Neglect in Illinois: Warning Signs Families Should Not Ignore
Bedsores, falls, dehydration, and the rights residents have under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
If anyone was hurt, if fault is disputed, or if an insurer is pressing you for a recorded statement or a quick settlement, talk to a lawyer before you respond. The consultation is free, and injury cases carry no fee unless there is a recovery, so there is no downside to asking.
What is my injury case worth?
It depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, the effect on your daily life, how clear fault is, and the insurance available. We give you a realistic assessment after reviewing your medical picture rather than a number on the first call.
What should I do after an auto or truck accident in Illinois?
Prioritize medical care and safety, preserve records you can safely obtain, and seek legal guidance before making decisions about an insurance claim.
Can I talk to someone about a possible mesothelioma or asbestos-exposure matter?
Yes. You can request a confidential preliminary review. We will discuss your circumstances and help clarify the next step and representation availability.
How much does it cost to hire Brandenburg & Rees for an injury case?
For an injury case, you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover money for you. We advance the costs of pursuing the case, including filing fees, medical records, court reporters, and experts. When the case resolves, our fee is a percentage of the recovery, usually one-third, plus reimbursement of those costs. Lawyers call this a contingency fee. Criminal defense, family law, and other matters are billed hourly or at a flat rate we quote up front and keep in line with area attorneys.
Where does Brandenburg & Rees serve clients?
Our office is in Carlinville, Illinois. We serve clients throughout Central Illinois and the Metro East, including Macoupin, Montgomery, Sangamon, and Madison Counties and communities such as Gillespie, Girard, Virden, Bunker Hill, Alton, Edwardsville, and Collinsville.
Take the first step
Talk with a team that takes your concern seriously.
Call our Carlinville office or send a brief message to request a confidential consultation. Please do not send medical records or sensitive documents through this form.