Give Back Something of Great Value

By Rachel Barks

Gary Mueller has worked in the law industry for over 32 years, served in numerous nonprofit organizations, as a community college adjunct professor, and is a member of many organizations including the Real Estate Section Council for the ISBA, past President of Will County Bar Association, fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and more.

Mueller started his law firm, Mueller & Associates, Ltd., after working with McKeown Law Firm and Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered, concentrated in transactional law and mitigation and as an income partner.

Being able to help others is very rewarding to Mueller, and those stories he carries with him throughout his career.

“Honestly, the most important, most rewarding part about being an attorney is being able to assist others, especially those who are less fortunate,” Mueller said. “I’ve been very fortunate and blessed in my life, with what I’ve been provided, the opportunities and guidance I’ve been given and I like being able to share that with others.”

Early in his life, Mueller didn’t plan to work in law. He came from a family of teachers and expected to become a doctor. Being able to open his law firm was a large accomplishment for him but he credits that to the amazing mentors he’s had and uses this to give back to the community.

“It’s a great opportunity that individuals in many professions have, to give back and give back something of great value,” He said.

For Mueller, giving back looks like the work he does within the law firm every day and his work for nonprofits over the years. He was a Steward of the Gertrude P. Zalar Alzheimer’s Center, which has since disbanded but are memories he holds dearly.

He has also done legal work within the real estate industry which he states is very rewarding. Mueller was recently selected to serve as a member of the Real Estate Section Council for the ISBA. He authors a monthly article for all REALTOR® members of the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®.

Mueller notes that many stories come out of legal careers and numerous have positively shaped his journey. One from many years ago, he notes, is when he was asked to represent a young couple that was experiencing difficulty having a child. They worked with a young lady out of Ohio who was going to be the couple’s surrogate, which was difficult due to the distance.

“One of my most favorite moments is that the best possible thing happened after we had that set up. It was all up and running and the couple got pregnant on their own. With the combination of surrogacy and natural birth, they now have two beautiful daughters who were born two weeks apart,” Mueller said.

“Mr. Mueller has dedicated his practice to the Will County legal community. He has served with dignity and honor. He exemplifies all of the characteristics of a practicing attorney who gives back to the community,” said Frank Czervenyak, another member of the Will County law community and one of Mueller’s right-hand colleagues.

Mueller personally thanks the following attorneys for their help and guidance throughout his career: Justice Daniel Ward, Joseph Fitzgerald, Douglas Hutchison, Steve Veltman, Frank Cservenyak, Ken Grey, Marty Cann, Mike Wojtak, Myles Jacobs, Jan Pena, Dorothy Seaborg, and all on the WCBA Real Estate Committee.

To learn more about Gary S. Mueller and Mueller & Associates, Ltd., visit muellaw.com