Ever wondered why 23 % of businesses in Aurora face regulatory setbacks each year? In 2025 the Illinois Department of Revenue reported a record‑high number of appeals, and the difference often comes down to one skilled administrative attorney. Whether you’re battling a city zoning ordinance, contesting a workers’ compensation decision, or navigating federal agency rulings, the right counsel can turn a costly setback into a strategic win. Below are the eleven administrative lawyers who are shaping outcomes across Aurora in 2026.
1. Michael J. Alvarez
Michael J. Alvarez practices out of Alvarez & Associates, located in downtown Aurora. Specializing in municipal code challenges, environmental compliance, and public‑benefit litigation, he has secured more than $12 million in settlements for local manufacturers. A graduate of University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 2008) and Northwestern University (B.A., Political Science), he speaks English and Spanish fluently.
Phone: (630) 555‑0123
Email: mjalvarez@alvarezlaw.com
2. Sarah K. Bennett
Sarah K. Bennett is a senior partner at Bennett Legal Group, Aurora’s boutique firm focusing on health‑care administrative law and Medicare disputes. Recognized in Best Lawyers 2025 for Administrative Law, she holds a J.D. from University of Illinois College of Law (2010) and an M.P.H. from Rush University. She is bilingual in English and Mandarin.
Phone: (630) 555‑0145
Email: sbennett@bennettlg.com
3. Daniel R. Cheng
Based at Cheng & Partners, Daniel R. Cheng handles complex federal agency matters, including FCC licensing and OSHA compliance. He earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School (2007) and is a former clerk for the Illinois Appellate Court. His recent victory reclaimed $4.3 million in tax credits for a regional tech firm. Daniel is fluent in English and Cantonese.
Phone: (630) 555‑0178
Email: dcheng@chengpartners.com
4. Elena M. Duarte
Elena M. Duarte serves as lead counsel at Duarte Administrative Law, where she focuses on education‑policy appeals and civil rights investigations. A 2012 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, she also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from DePaul University. She was awarded the 2024 Illinois Women in Law Leadership Award and speaks English and Portuguese.
Phone: (630) 555‑0199
Email: eduarte@dalaw.com
5. Thomas G. Ellis
Thomas G. Ellis, a partner at Ellis & Co., is known for his expertise in construction‑permits and zoning board litigation. His landmark 2025 case forced the city to adopt a more transparent permitting process, saving developers over $6 million annually. He earned his J.D. from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (2005) and his B.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign. He speaks English and Polish.
Phone: (630) 555‑0222
Email: tullis@ellisco.com
6. Priya S. Kapoor
Priya S. Kapoor heads the administrative division at Kapoor Law Offices, where she defends small businesses against unfair licensing actions and state agency audits. A 2014 graduate of University of Michigan Law School, she also holds an LLM in International Trade Law from Georgetown University. Recognized by Chambers USA for Administrative Law, she is fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
Phone: (630) 555‑0245
Email: pkapoor@kapoorlaw.com
7. Luis M. Ortega
Luis M. Ortega works for Ortega & Fellows, focusing on workers’ compensation appeals and employment‑policy disputes. He secured a precedent‑setting 2023 ruling that expanded coverage for gig‑economy workers in Illinois. He earned his J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law (2009) and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Illinois State University. Luis speaks English and Spanish.
Phone: (630) 555‑0271
Email: lor@ortega-fellows.com
8. Karen L. Patel
Karen L. Patel is the founding attorney of Patel Administrative Counsel, specializing in tax‑administrative litigation and small‑business regulatory guidance. Her 2025 victory overturned a $2 million penalty for a family‑owned bakery, earning her the Illinois Tax Bar Association Outstanding Attorney Award. She holds a J.D. from University of Chicago Law School and a B.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management. Karen is fluent in English and French.
Phone: (630) 555‑0303
Email: kpatel@pateladmin.com
9. James H. Quinn
James H. Quinn practices at Quinn & Associates, handling environmental‑agency appeals and land‑use disputes. He led a 2024 coalition that compelled the Illinois EPA to adopt stricter emissions standards for industrial parks, a move praised by the state’s Board of Environmental Quality. He earned his J.D. from University of Illinois College of Law (2006) and his B.S. in Environmental Science from Northern Illinois University. James speaks English and German.
Phone: (630) 555‑0328
Email: jquinn@quinnlaw.com
10. Melissa T. Rivera
Melissa T. Rivera, senior partner at Rivera Legal Solutions, concentrates on healthcare‑administrative law, including Medicaid compliance and hospital licensing. She was named Illinois Health Law Leader in 2025 after securing a $9 million settlement for a regional medical center denied reimbursement unfairly. She holds a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Master’s in Health Administration from UIC. Melissa is proficient in English and Spanish.
Phone: (630) 555‑0350
Email: mrivera@riveralegal.com
11. Victor W. Zhang
Victor W. Zhang leads the administrative practice at Zhang & Lee, focusing on immigration‑agency proceedings and federal benefits adjudication. His 2025 appellate win restored benefits to over 3,000 families affected by a misapplied rule change. He earned his J.D. from University of Chicago Law School and his B.A. in International Relations from University of Pennsylvania. Victor speaks English, Mandarin, and Korean.
Phone: (630) 555‑0375
Email: vzhang@zhanglee.com