
John L. Barger, Education Attorney in Mattoon, Illinois
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Education, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.1/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
MemberatCraig & Craig, LLC
Mattoon, IL
Practicing education in Mattoon since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.1 ★
- 15 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John L. Barger?
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Quick answer
John L. Barger is a member based in Mattoon, IL. The practice focuses on Education, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. John has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Craig & Craig, LLC. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
- Based in
- Mattoon, IL
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Education · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Education, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Mattoon, IL.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About John L. Barger: John L. Barger is a member based in Mattoon, IL. The practice focuses on Education, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. John has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Craig & Craig, LLC. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Mattoon
John concentrates on education, elder law, estate planning, family law, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Education
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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Government
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Workers Comp
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Education cases in Mattoon, Illinois
John takes education matters in Mattoon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Mattoon, Illinois
John takes elder law matters in Mattoon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Mattoon, Illinois
John takes estate planning matters in Mattoon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Mattoon, Illinois
John takes family law matters in Mattoon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Mattoon, Illinois
John takes government matters in Mattoon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John L. Barger, education attorney serving Mattoon
John L. Barger is a member based in Mattoon, IL. The practice focuses on Education, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. John has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Craig & Craig, LLC. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 15 client reviews. John works from Mattoon, Illinois and takes on education matters across the region.
John L. Barger is a lawyer practicing workers compensation law, elder law, real estate and 6 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. John practices at Craig & Craig, LLC in Mattoon, IL.
How John handles education matters
John L. Barger is a lawyer practicing workers compensation law, elder law, real estate and 6 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. John practices at Craig & Craig, LLC in Mattoon, IL.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for education, elder law, and estate planning matters in Mattoon and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
University of Arkansas
J.D. · 1983
Eastern Illinois University
B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1984 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Arkansas and B.A. in Eastern Illinois University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Arkansas and B.A. in Eastern Illinois University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Coles-Cumberland Bar Association
President, 2007-2008) Illinois State and American Bar Associations The Seventh Circuit Bar Association Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel Bar Association for the Central and Southern Districts of Illinois National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys · membership
Locations
John L. Barger's office in Mattoon
John's primary office is at 1807 Broadway, Mattoon, IL, 61938-0689. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John L. Barger — 4.1/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing education attorneys in Mattoon.
4.1
15 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John L. Barger claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John L. Barger — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new education attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a education attorney in Mattoon, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many education matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in education practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every education matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many education practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John L. Barger
How much does it cost to hire John for a education case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some education attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do education cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple education matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Mattoon?
John is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new education clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Education attorneys serving Mattoon, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
John handles education matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified education attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated education attorneys in Illinois
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these education attorneys in Mattoon handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





