Straight answers
We tell you where your case is strong, where it is weak, and whether it is worth pursuing at all.
I will tell you where you stand. Then I will stand with you.
Seventeen years of civil, family and business cases in Springfield. The first conversation is free, and you will leave it knowing your options.
We handle the legal questions that shape people's lives and livelihoods.
Most people who call us have never needed a lawyer before. They have a notice they don't understand, a contract that went wrong, or a family decision that can't wait.
My job is to explain, in plain English, what the law says, what each option will cost, and what I would do in your position. Then you decide. Nothing is filed and nothing is billed until you do.
Jonathan MercerFounder and Senior Advocate
- 17 years in practice
- 2,400+ matters resolved
- 650+ local businesses advised
- 4.9/5 average client rating
Figures as of September 2026.
Practice areas
Focused counsel across six areas of law
Each matter is led by an advocate who works in that area every day, so you are never paying for someone to learn the basics on your file.
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Civil litigation
Contract disputes, recovery of money, injunctions and appeals, argued with preparation that holds up in court.
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Family and divorce
Separation, custody, support and adoption, handled with discretion and a steady focus on the children involved.
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Property and real estate
Title checks, purchase agreements, landlord and tenant disputes, and boundary or inheritance claims on land.
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Corporate and contracts
Company formation, shareholder agreements, vendor contracts and compliance reviews for small and mid-sized firms.
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Criminal defense
Bail hearings, trial defense and appeals, with prompt attention from the first hour after an arrest or notice.
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Wills and estates
Wills, trusts, probate and succession planning that keep your wishes clear and your family out of avoidable disputes.
Why clients stay with us for years
Most of our new matters come from people we have already helped, or from someone they sent our way.
Fees in writing
You receive a written fee estimate before work begins. No surprise invoices, no hourly guesswork.
Strict confidentiality
Your documents and conversations are protected by privilege and stored on secured, access-controlled systems.
Reachable when it counts
A named advocate answers your messages, usually within one working day, and updates you after every hearing.
How we work
Four steps, no guesswork
You will always know what stage your matter is at and what happens next.
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Free first call
Tell us what happened in a 30-minute consultation. We listen, ask the right questions and outline your options.
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Case review
We study your documents, check the law and timelines, and send a written plan with a fixed or capped fee.
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Drafting and filing
Notices, petitions and agreements are drafted, reviewed with you line by line, and filed on time.
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Representation
We negotiate or appear for you, report after every hearing, and stay on hand once the matter closes.
17
years at
the bar
the bar
Meet the lead advocate
Careful preparation is the quiet reason cases are won.
Adv. Jonathan Mercer founded SWP Advocate after a decade in trial practice, with one idea: clients deserve the same attention on a small matter as a large one.
Today the chambers include four advocates and a dedicated research team. Every file is reviewed by two lawyers before anything is filed, and every client gets a direct line to the person handling their case.
- Illinois State Bar Admitted 2009, in good standing
- J.D., Law School Graduated with honors
- Certified Mediator Family and commercial disputes
- Pro bono counsel Local legal aid clinic since 2012
Speak with Jonathan
Jonathan MercerFounder and Senior Advocate
Client voices
Trusted by the people we represent
A few words from clients who agreed to share their experience.
Legal insights
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Practical notes from our desk
Five clauses to check before you sign any business contract
Payment terms, termination rights and liability caps cause most of the commercial disputes we see. Before you sign anything, read these five…
What to prepare before your first divorce consultation
A first family-law consultation is far more useful when you arrive with the basics in hand. Here is the short list we…
Why a simple will still needs a professional review
Online will templates are cheap and quick, and they fail in predictable ways. A short professional review usually costs less than one…
Questions
Before you call us
Answers to what people most often ask in their first conversation with the chambers.
Ask your own questionIs the first consultation really free?
Yes. The first 30-minute call is free and carries no obligation. If we can help, you will receive a written fee estimate afterward. If we cannot, we will tell you who can.
How are your fees structured?
Most matters are billed on a fixed or capped fee agreed in writing. Longer litigation may be billed in stages, and you approve each stage before it starts.
What should I bring to the first meeting?
Any notices, contracts, letters or court papers related to your matter, plus a short timeline of events. Photos or scans are fine if originals are not at hand.
Can we meet online instead of in person?
Yes. We hold consultations by video or phone, and documents can be shared through a secure upload link. In-person meetings are always available at our office.
How quickly will I hear back?
We reply to new enquiries within one working day. Urgent criminal or injunction matters are answered the same day, including weekends.
Talk to an advocate before you sign, file or respond.
Book a free consultation today. We will review your situation, explain your options and give you a clear written quote, with no obligation to proceed.
