Rick Wayne Aeilts, Civil Rights Attorney in Champaign, Illinois
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Creditor Rights, and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
AssociateatErwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.
Champaign, IL
Practicing civil rights in Champaign since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Rick Wayne Aeilts?
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Quick answer
Rick Wayne Aeilts is an associate based in Champaign, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Creditor Rights, and Litigation. Rick has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Champaign, IL
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Creditor Rights · Litigation
- Handles Civil Rights, Creditor Rights, and Litigation matters from Champaign, IL.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Rick Wayne Aeilts: Rick Wayne Aeilts is an associate based in Champaign, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Creditor Rights, and Litigation. Rick has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Rick takes on
Rick concentrates on civil rights, creditor rights, litigation, personal injury, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Rick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Creditor Rights
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Workers Comp
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Civil Rights cases in Champaign, Illinois
Rick takes civil rights matters in Champaign, 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 Rick agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Champaign, Illinois
Rick takes creditor rights matters in Champaign, 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 Rick agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Champaign, Illinois
Rick takes litigation matters in Champaign, 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 Rick agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Champaign, Illinois
Rick takes personal injury matters in Champaign, 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 Rick agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Champaign, Illinois
Rick takes probate matters in Champaign, 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 Rick agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Rick Wayne Aeilts — civil rights lawyer in Champaign
Rick Wayne Aeilts is an associate based in Champaign, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Creditor Rights, and Litigation. Rick has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Rick Wayne Aeilts is a lawyer practicing personal injury, workers' compensation, collections and 4 other areas of law. Rick received a B.A. degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. Rick practices at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd. in Champaign, IL.
Working with Rick on a civil rights matter
Rick Wayne Aeilts is a lawyer practicing personal injury, workers' compensation, collections and 4 other areas of law. Rick received a B.A. degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. Rick practices at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd. in Champaign, IL.
Clients Rick works with
Rick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, creditor rights, and litigation matters in Champaign and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Southern Illinois University
J.D. · 1995
Southeast Missouri State University
B.A. Southern · 1989
Jurisdictions
Rick's state bar admissions
Illinois
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
Rick studied at J.D. in Southern Illinois University and B.A. Southern in Southeast Missouri State University.
Law school and academic background
Rick completed J.D. in Southern Illinois University and B.A. Southern in Southeast Missouri State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rick runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Rick has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Rick's professional memberships and bar associations
Williamson County and Illinois State and American Bar Associations The Association of Trial Lawyers of America Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Rick Wayne Aeilts's office in Champaign
Rick's primary office is at 411 West University Avenue, Champaign, IL, 61824-1098. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.
411 West University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61824-1098
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Rick Wayne Aeilts — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Rick. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Champaign.
4.5
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Rick Wayne Aeilts claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Rick Wayne Aeilts — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Rick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rick'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; Rick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Champaign, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Rick
Rick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. Rick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Rick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Rick Wayne Aeilts
How much does it cost to hire Rick for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Rick offer a free consultation?
Rick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rick's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Rick's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Rick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Rick take my case if I'm outside Champaign?
Rick 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 — Rick 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 Rick?
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. Rick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Rick accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Rick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Champaign, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Rick handles civil rights matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Illinois
If Rick's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Champaign handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





