Herb Franks grew up on a dairy farm in Marengo, Illinois. And as a young man working early and long hours milking cows, he knew he wanted more out of life.
So he became a lawyer—but he didn’t forget his roots. Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, the law firm he started, is actually located on that same farmland where Herbert used to milk cows.
Herb began his law career in 1961, and was a partner in a law firm in Rockford, Illinois. He won the first million dollar jury verdict in McHenry County. After winning this case and others, he opened his first office in Marengo. His legacy in McHenry County is distinguished and undeniable. He was the only president of the Illinois State Bar Association to come out of McHenry County.
Law is in his blood, and it is a tradition that has continued in his family. All three of his sons, David, Jack, and Eli, have law degrees, Jack being a partner here at Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley.
His favorite part of being an attorney is helping people that really need help. He is honored when people pick him to be their attorney. He passionately fights for the underdog and focuses on the needs of the client.
His love of the law has never faltered. It has provided him with long lasting friendships and gratifying work.
He doesn’t just fight for people’s rights in the courtroom, either. As Past President of Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, he rounded up millions of dollars for the various Legal Aid Foundations of the State, giving people an opportunity to be represented.
Like his son Jack, he is a huge White Sox and Bears fan. You’ll find him discussing the games with his regular breakfast group at Dino’s.
He is a prodigious reader, and he and his wife, Eileen, enjoy watching Madam Secretary and The Good Wife. Herb is also an avid fisherman. He has even found success on the Professional Walleye Trail.
Areas of Practice:
Workers’ Compensation
Personal Injury
Litigation
Banking Services
Bar Admissions:
Illinois, 1961
U.S. Federal Court, 1961
U.S. Supreme Court, 1967
Education:
American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, District of Columbia, 1960 Law Review, Business Editor
Roosevelt University, B.S. in Business Administration
Published Works:
Law of Partition, Florida Law and Practice, 1960
Representative Clients:
Wonder Lake State Bank – Former Chairman
Castle Bank – Former Director
References:
Wonder Lake State Bank
Castle Bank
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Illinois State Bar Association, Frequent Lecturer State Bar Workers’ Compensation Council
Past Chairman
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Past Treasurer
Illinois State Bar Association
Past President
Illinois Courts Commission
Past Commissioner
Martindale Hubbell Highest AV Rated Attorney since 1990
Leading Lawyers Network
Recognized as a Leading Lawyer since 2002
AVVO Highest Rated Attorney
Past Employment Positions:
Illinois Attorney General Office, Special Assistant Attorney General Aide to U.S. Congressman Barratt O’Hara
Member of Staff on Stuart Symington’s Presidential Bid
Fraternities/Sororities:
Sigma Nu Phi – Legal Fraternity
Past President – National Fraternity
Tau Delta Phi
