Phillip Raymond Van Ness, Agriculture Attorney in Urbana, Illinois
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Agriculture, Copyright, and Energy · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatWebber & Thies, P.C.
Urbana, IL
Practicing agriculture in Urbana since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Phillip Raymond Van Ness?
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Quick answer
Phillip Raymond Van Ness is an attorney based in Urbana, IL. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Copyright, and Energy. Phillip has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Webber & Thies, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Urbana, IL
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Agriculture · Copyright · Energy
- Handles Agriculture, Copyright, and Energy matters from Urbana, IL.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Phillip Raymond Van Ness: Phillip Raymond Van Ness is an attorney based in Urbana, IL. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Copyright, and Energy. Phillip has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Webber & Thies, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Phillip Raymond Van Ness
Phillip concentrates on agriculture, copyright, energy, environmental, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Phillip handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Agriculture
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Copyright
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Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Real Estate
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Trademark
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Agriculture cases in Urbana, Illinois
Phillip takes agriculture matters in Urbana, 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 Phillip agrees to represent you.
Copyright cases in Urbana, Illinois
Phillip takes copyright matters in Urbana, 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 Phillip agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Urbana, Illinois
Phillip takes energy matters in Urbana, 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 Phillip agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Urbana, Illinois
Phillip takes environmental matters in Urbana, 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 Phillip agrees to represent you.
General cases in Urbana, Illinois
Phillip takes general matters in Urbana, 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 Phillip agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Phillip Raymond Van Ness — Over 51 years of Illinois agriculture experience
Phillip Raymond Van Ness is an attorney based in Urbana, IL. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Copyright, and Energy. Phillip has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Webber & Thies, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
As a member of the firm, Phillip Van Ness has represented persons and corporations accused of environmental violations by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), as well as persons and companies whose properties have been affected by environmental pollution emanating from nearby properties of others. He provides legal counsel to persons and firms that are unsure of how to meet their environmental obligations, and to firms applying for necessary environmental permits. His practice experience includes court trials and contested case hearings before administrative tribunals.
Mr. Van Ness’s environmental practice traces its origins to almost ten years as a staff attorney for the Illinois EPA, concentrating in water and land pollution issues, including hazardous wastes and leaking underground gasoline storage tanks. He left the Illinois EPA to accept a position with the Illinois Pollution Control Board, where he served in various capacities for five years, most recently as its Chief Hearing Officer. In both agencies, he served as an advocate before the Illinois General Assembly with respect to environmental legislation, and served on task forces which drafted numerous environmental laws ultimately adopted by the legislature, taking advantage of his experience as Rules Review Section Manager of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), an agency of the Illinois General Assembly.
In the course of his intellectual property practice, Mr. Van Ness has counseled and represented clients in obtaining registrations for copyrights, trademarks and service marks, both state and federal. His real estate practice extends to matters running the gamut from individual residential closings to subdivisions and ordinances. He has appeared before committees of the General Assembly as well as local zoning boards.
Mr. Van Ness has lectured extensively at continuing legal and professional education events sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association, the Lake Michigan States Section of the Air & Waste Management Association, the National Manufacturing Conference, the Illinois Professional Engineers Association (Champaign County), Roosevelt University and the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine on environmental law topics.
Phillip's approach to agriculture cases
As a member of the firm, Phillip Van Ness has represented persons and corporations accused of environmental violations by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), as well as persons and companies whose properties have been affected by environmental pollution emanating from nearby properties of others. He provides legal counsel…
The kind of cases Phillip takes
Phillip reviews new inquiries case-by-case for agriculture, copyright, and energy matters in Urbana and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Phillip Raymond Van Ness's legal education and bar admissions
John Marshall Law School
J.D. Gavel · 1975
University of Montana
B.S. Bear · 1968
Jurisdictions
Phillip's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1975 · ACTIVE
Phillip studied at J.D. Gavel in John Marshall Law School and B.S. Bear in University of Montana.
Law school and academic background
Phillip completed J.D. Gavel in John Marshall Law School and B.S. Bear in University of Montana. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Phillip runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Phillip Raymond Van Ness
Phillip has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Phillip's professional memberships and bar associations
Mr
membership
He is a Charter Member of the Government Bar Association and a member of the American Bar Association, Bar Association of the Central and Southern Federal District of Illinois, and Champaign County Bar Association
membership
Locations
Phillip Raymond Van Ness's office in Urbana
Phillip's primary office is at 202 Lincoln Square, Urbana, IL, 61801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Phillip Raymond Van Ness — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Phillip. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing agriculture attorneys in Urbana.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Phillip Raymond Van Ness claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Phillip Raymond Van Ness — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new agriculture attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Phillip usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Phillip charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip'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; Phillip will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a agriculture attorney in Urbana, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many agriculture 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 Phillip
Phillip discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in agriculture practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every agriculture 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. Phillip confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Phillip's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many agriculture practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Phillip Raymond Van Ness
How much does it cost to hire Phillip for a agriculture case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Phillip walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Phillip offer a free consultation?
Phillip charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip's office. Some agriculture attorneys offer free consults — check Phillip's current terms during booking.
How long do agriculture cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple agriculture 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. Phillip gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Phillip take my case if I'm outside Urbana?
Phillip 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 — Phillip 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 Phillip?
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. Phillip will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Phillip accepting new agriculture clients right now?
Phillip's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Agriculture attorneys serving Urbana, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Phillip handles agriculture matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified agriculture attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated agriculture attorneys in Illinois
If Phillip's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these agriculture attorneys in Urbana handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
