About the chambers

About

Jonathan Mercer
17 years at
the bar
The chambers

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

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.

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.

Straight answers

We tell you where your case is strong, where it is weak, and whether it is worth pursuing at all.

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.

  1. Free first call

    Tell us what happened in a 30-minute consultation. We listen, ask the right questions and outline your options.

  2. Case review

    We study your documents, check the law and timelines, and send a written plan with a fixed or capped fee.

  3. Drafting and filing

    Notices, petitions and agreements are drafted, reviewed with you line by line, and filed on time.

  4. Representation

    We negotiate or appear for you, report after every hearing, and stay on hand once the matter closes.

Client voices

Trusted by the people we represent

A few words from clients who agreed to share their experience.

My landlord kept our deposit and ignored every letter. Jonathan sent one notice, explained the likely outcome, and we had the full amount back within three weeks.
SR
Sarah Reynolds Tenant dispute, Springfield
They rewrote our supplier contracts in plain language and closed two gaps we did not know we had. The fee was agreed up front and never moved.
MK
Marcus Kline Owner, Kline Hardware Co.
Going through a custody case is exhausting. I always knew what the next hearing was about and what I needed to bring. That calm made all the difference.
AL
Angela Lopez Family matter client
Our father's estate had three conflicting documents. The team sorted out probate without the family ending up in court, which I honestly did not think was possible.
DP
David Patel Estate and probate client
I called late on a Friday after a notice arrived. By Monday morning there was a written plan on my desk and a reply filed with the court on time.
EW
Emily Watson Civil litigation client

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.

Book a free consultation Send us a message