Business Details
Trusted Business Law Attorneys in Rockford, IL
At Howard, Hardyman & DiVerde, we bring decades of combined legal expertise to individuals, families, and businesses across Northern Illinois. Our attorneys specialize in navigating complex business law, real estate transactions, and estate planning matters with personalized attention and strategic counsel. We prioritize long-term client relationships, ensuring tailored solutions that address both immediate needs and future goals.Our Rockford-based team is dedicated to protecting client interests through meticulous legal representation in corporate, residential, and municipal law matters. With a focus on practical outcomes, we guide clients through business formation, property transactions, and succession planning while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity.
Services
Business Law
Commercial Real Estate
Estate Planning
Corporate Law
Residential Real Estate
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ combined years of legal experience in Northern Illinois
- Our attorneys develop customized legal strategies for complex matters
- We provide direct attorney-client communication throughout representation
- Our practice combines big-firm expertise with personalized service
- We maintain deep knowledge of local real estate and business regulations
Services
Business Law
Our business law practice addresses entity formation, contract disputes, and commercial litigation for Illinois businesses. We advise on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and business succession planning. Our attorneys help clients navigate regulatory compliance while protecting commercial interests in transactional and litigation matters.
Commercial Real Estate
We represent businesses in commercial property transactions including leases, purchases, and zoning disputes. Our services cover environmental compliance, construction contracts, and 1031 exchanges. We advocate for clients in land use matters before township boards and zoning commissions throughout Northern Illinois.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized strategies for asset protection and legacy preservation. We draft wills, trusts, and advanced directives while advising on probate administration. The practice helps families and business owners implement tax-efficient plans for intergenerational wealth transfer.
People
Jeffrey E. Hardyman
Partner
Jeffrey Hardyman specializes in business law and estate planning with decades of experience serving Northern Illinois clients. He focuses on corporate transactions, succession planning, and real estate matters while maintaining active involvement in local legal associations.
Derek B.N. Seyller
Of Counsel
Derek Seyller provides legal counsel on business formation, commercial contracts, and property disputes. His practice emphasizes practical solutions for small to mid-sized businesses while leveraging extensive experience in Illinois corporate law matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Hardyman & Associates specialize in?
We focus on business law, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and estate planning. Our attorneys also handle municipal law matters and homeowners association issues in Northern Illinois.
Do you represent both businesses and individuals?
Yes, we serve closely held businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals with legal needs related to corporate matters, property transactions, and estate planning throughout Northern Illinois.
What experience do your attorneys have?
Our attorneys have over 70 combined years of experience handling complex legal matters in Illinois. We maintain active involvement in local bar associations and regularly update our knowledge of state-specific regulations.
How do you approach client communication?
We prioritize direct attorney-client communication and personalized service. Clients receive regular updates and have direct access to their attorney throughout the representation process.
Reviews (1)
Thomas Murphy
Aug 04, 2025
Report
I hired this law firm and Jim Diverde ran the case into the ground to run up an expensive bill (totaling over 13 thousand paid). Almost 2 years in court and our opponent who by the way was on welare (Tori carpia case #2017 ch102 RFD Il) collected 900 a month on a invalid QC deed. Mr Diverde said he would secure my money Lie 1 then demand my money Lie two well he quit the case refusing to secure a penny I reported him to the ARDC
