An attorney for life. Why referrals mean so much


“Each referral reminds

us that we're doing something right rooted

in compassion, trust,

and reliability."


- Attorney Howard Ankin

I take pride in representing real people with real problems—whether it’s a serious personal injury, a work-related accident, a medical mistake, or a fight for Social Security Disability benefits. Over the years, Ankin Law has built a reputation not just for results, but for relationships. I learned this early in my career from my dad. He taught me that when someone trusts you enough to send a family member or a friend your way, that’s the highest compliment you can receive. And I’ve carried that lesson with me every day.

 

I’m honored that other attorneys refer us cases—it speaks to the respect we’ve built within the legal community. But what truly moves me, what gets me out of bed every morning, are the referrals that come from our clients. When someone who’s gone through one

of the hardest times of their life feels that our legal services helped make them whole – that we treated them with enough care and integrity to send someone they love our way—that’s humbling.

 

Our goal has always been to be your law firm for life. We want to be the name you think of not just when you’re in need, but when someone you care about is.

At Ankin Law, we don’t take referrals for granted. We see them as a promise to keep doing right by our clients, their families, and the communities we serve. And that’s a promise I stand by every day.

 

A few former clients have asked me to take over cases initially handled by other law firms. These clients told me how they were contacted by someone calling off a police report. The exaggerated promises made in a high-pressure sales pitch shocked me, but that is what many others seem to find correct. These former clients experienced the Ankin Law difference - that Injury Law Made Personal is more than just a tagline, it's in our DNA. As the sign at the airport says: ”Anyone offering you a ride is somebody you shouldn't accept a ride from.” 

 

Each referral is a reminder that we’re doing something right. It’s not just about winning cases—it’s about building relationships rooted in compassion, trust, and reliability. - Howard











A father-to-son referral


Family ties bind from one generation to the next, and Kathy K's case with Ankin Law is a perfect example. After her car accident, Kathy’s older brother suggested she reach out to his attorney, Paul Ankin, for help. Needless to say, Paul referred her to Howard to assist and get her the medical treatment and compensation she deserved.


In this Client Story video, Kathy meets with Howard and Attorney Maria Merman at the conclusion of her case.


Watch Client Stories - Kathy K.


Chicago’s City Streets Are Seeing More Fatal Pedestrian Accidents



In a troubling trend that shows no signs of slowing, Chicago’s city streets are seeing more fatal pedestrian accidents, even as overall traffic deaths are trending downward. 


According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) historic snapshot, total car accident fatalities have seen a slight decrease while pedestrian deaths have climbed steadily, particularly in urban centers like Chicago. Early data from 2025 continues to reinforce this alarming pattern.


Understanding why pedestrian deaths are increasing requires a hard look at the changing landscape of American roads. Larger vehicles, rampant driver distraction, nighttime visibility issues, and outdated infrastructure are all fueling this crisis. For victims and families, the consequences are life-altering, making strong legal advocacy more critical than ever. Ankin Law is stepping up to fight for injured victims and families who can no longer fight for themselves. Read More


Legal Assistant Monse Ronces


Growing up in Chicago, Monse Ronces envisioned a career in law

at a young age. Since arriving at Ankin Law three years ago, she’s

been helping, advocating, and being available to her clients and has formed a close bond with Attorney Jake Nabat along the way.


In this edition of “Spotlight,” Monse talks about what she likes the most about being a legal assistant and what it’s like to work at Ankin Law helping clients on a daily basis.


Watch Monse

For the last 15 years, Cliff Nellis, President and CEO of Lawndale Christian Legal Center,

has been a restorative justice champion and worked to provide an alternative to incarceration in Lawndale. Cliff and his team support young people coming out of juvenile detention and imprisonment

to break the cycle of crime, conviction, and prison.


In this video, Cliff talks about the LCLC model and the grand opening of the Dr. Dennis Deer Community Justice Center, a 22.5M facility in the North Lawndale neighborhood where 20 young men ages 17 to 26 will be provided wrap-around supports such as housing, counseling, job training, and more. Cliff is our

May Chicagoan You Should Know.



Watch Cliff Nellis





Howard presents check to tradeschool

Our WGN Teacher of the Month sponsorship resulted in two worlds coming together recently when Howard Ankin met Joel Smith. Joel is a teacher and master-level welder with a big heart who guides and supports students interested in learning a skilled trade.


So, when Ankin Law learned that teacher Smith and Lincoln College of Technology were being featured as the April Teacher of the Month Howard had to be the one to deliver the check in person. Blue collar comes to work! Watch Howard and Joel speak to the class.


Watch WGN's April Teacher of the Month

Investigating Mass Torts


Video Game Addiction

Ankin Law is actively seeking individuals affected by video

game addiction to join a mass tort action against major gaming companies. Recent lawsuits allege that developers intentionally designed games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty to be addictive, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation among players. You may be

eligible for compensation if you or someone you know has experienced negative consequences due to excessive gaming. 

To explore your legal options and participate in holding these companies accountable, contact Ankin Law for a confidential consultation at 312.600.0000.

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Do you have a case? We're here to help. Call Ankin Law at 312.600.0000 for a Free Consultation.