Trusted  Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorneys in Illinois & Indiana

Your Legal Advocates in Illinois & Indiana

At Hortsman & Campanelli, we don’t just practice law—we defend your future. With deep roots in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we specialize in high-stakes criminal defense and complex family law matters across Illinois and Indiana. Whether you're facing a serious felony charge or navigating a high-asset divorce, we provide personalized legal solutions with proven results

Why Choose Us?


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Proven Track Record

We handle felony DUIs, murder defense, and complex family law cases.

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Tailored Legal Strategies

Every case receives custom legal representation based on your unique needs.

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Local Expertise

We understand the Illinois and Indiana legal landscapes, ensuring the best defense for your case.

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Results-Driven Approach

Focused on achieving favorable outcomes, whether in negotiations or trial.

Our Legal Services


Criminal Defense

Felony DUIs, violent crimes, drug charges, sex crimes, expungements.

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Family Law

Divorce, custody battles, spousal support, high-asset property division.

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Estate Planning

Wills, trusts, power of attorney, probate guidance.

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Testimonials


Lady Boothe

Mr. Hortsman is professional, thorough, and more than knowledgeable of Law and Precedent.

M

Fund Rafidi and Patrick Campanelli are true professionals and I couldn't have asked for better attorneys!

ranch baldwin

(Translated by Google) for the circle! (Original) for dr kreis!

Frank Modjewski

If you want the best, you will get the best. Somethings in life, you just can't take the cheap way out. Prices are still very fair however.

George Luna

Very professional they help me with a lot of cases of mines and my family. They’re on speed dial for any future troubles we encounter.

REAACT

Best Damn Lawyer Period! If you want help; and real truthful, honest, dedicated attorney. That’s never said about Lawyers... EVER! He is class act!

Shaggy Valdovinos

Highly recommended, he knows how take care persons and represent legally on tribunals, accessible and reasonable priced

Randy Bland

James was great. He explained things to in terms I could understand. He was thorough and precise when answering my questions. I felt much better about my situation after he explained everything

John Horan

Total professional. Takes away your worries and makes you feel like you have the right Man going to fight for you in a very difficult world.

Hayat Sufyan

Loved working with Fuad Rafidi !! He’s great at communication ! dissects everything into detail and makes sure his clients are satisfied with the pros and the cons and definitely makes a client feel confident by the end of the phone call ! Truly admire the REAL attorneys that are still out here actually doing their job and serving their purpose ! Great with communication and referrals especially. Definitely will be recommending friends family and colleagues. Thanks again Fuad .

Donna Whittle

Patrick is an excellent attorney. He definitely knows his business and has been practicing law for quite a while. I would recommend Patrick to anyone who is looking for a attorney that cares about you and your case. Good personality and easy to talk with. His staff is also very knowledgeable and they all know what they’re doing. Everyone is very thorough, you feel like a person not just another number. This is why Patrick gets 5 stars….

Amy Pondel

Jim stepped into my case right before trial started. This case is a mess with a GAL who is completely bias and literally lying in reports and on the stand. He has shown that he is the only attorney involved who actually cares about my daughter's well being. I am extremely grateful for him!

Kelly Serwatka

the Hortsman group very understanding and patient with my questions through the process. Worked with me for payment and confident in working with them! I recommend

M W

Mr Hortsman has been a valued asset to our family for nearly 4 years and continues to take initiative and remain vigilant while representing us, our rights, and our family's needs!

Brady Gilbert

Has been there since the beginning. Always up front and honest. Never leaves you hanging and always answers questions/concerns. I’m glad I chose James Horstman as my attorney and highly recommend him!

Arvell Dorsey

James Hortsman has really been very very helpful, and knowledgeable in my case,and I would recommend them to all my friends and family

aaron tate

James hortsman,is one of the greatest lawyer ,I had great experience. He a family lawyer.thank for helping me with my case.

Culyn Aloi

I’m writing this not just as a review, but as a testimony of pure joy and gratitude. After years of battling in court, losing over and over while fighting alone, the day I finally walked into that courtroom with my lawyer by my side was one of the best days of my life. And for the first time in what felt like forever — I walked out victorious, with custody of my son. For years, I went through so much with my son’s father. The constant manipulation, the lies in court, and the emotional weight of watching my child be caught in the middle of it all. There were days I felt powerless, hopeless, and overlooked. Every court date felt like another reminder of how broken the system can be for mothers trying to protect their children. But then, I met my lawyer James Hortsman. From the moment he took my case, things started to feel different. He listened. He believed me. He fought for me like no one else ever had. James didn’t just represent me in court — he stood beside me, giving me a voice when I felt like I didn’t have one. The day I left that courthouse with custody of my son was about more than a legal win. It was about reclaiming my peace, my motherhood, and my son’s future. It’s a moment I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life. To anyone going through a similar storm — don’t give up. Keep fighting. And if you can, get yourself a lawyer like James Hortsman. He changed my life.

Michael Weisenritter

Very good service and I would highly recommend!

Orem Lembke

Friends rold me great rhings

Tara McAdam Kassal

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with James Hortsman as our fractional attorney. His unique experience as former in-house counsel for an engineering firm has proven invaluable, bringing a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in complex projects. His expertise in managing risk is unparalleled, consistently guiding us through challenging legal landscapes with clarity and confidence. James has a knack for anticipating potential issues and offering practical, strategic solutions tailored to our needs. His contributions have not only protected our interests but also empowered us to navigate high-stakes projects with greater efficiency and peace of mind. We couldn’t recommend him more highly!

Lady Boothe

Mr. Hortsman is professional, thorough, and more than knowledgeable of Law and Precedent.

M

Fund Rafidi and Patrick Campanelli are true professionals and I couldn't have asked for better attorneys!

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Your future is worth fighting for.