For the People

Along with associates Larry Kramer and Jennifer Speck, Jacqueline Roberts is forging a new path in the field of law.

By: Ken McEntee
Date: 06/10/2009
Jacqueline Kim Roberts envisioned a career with a major downtown firm when she began to study law ten years ago. But a sudden change in her life set the foundation to establish a neighborhood law firm in North Royalton that is convenient, friendly and flexible.

While raising her three children, Jacqueline was attending The University of Akron’s School of Law at night when she found herself tangled in a divorce.

“I wasn’t in a position where I could drive downtown every time an attorney needed me to sign papers,” Jacqueline recalls. “Instead, I worked with a local attorney and I really appreciated the convenience. I realized that a lot of people are in the same position I was in, so I set up a practice where people can get excellent and convenient legal representation.”

J.K. Roberts Law Group, Ltd., which includes associates Larry Kramer and Jennifer Speck, handle virtually all legal matters such as family law, employment law, bankruptcy, asset protection, business and estate law (including evictions and foreclosures), plus real estate planning and probate litigation—Jacqueline’s particular area of interest. While in law school, Jacqueline interned in Summit County Probate Court, garnering first-hand expertise on the process.

“A lot of firms today want to be boutique firms that specialize in one thing,” Jacqueline says. “We want to represent you in all of your legal matters whether it is personal or business.”

Unlike at some large firms where you feel like Dorothy and the scarecrow waiting to see the Great Oz, the Roberts’ law office is comfortably appointed. You won’t find the firm’s name bolted to mahogany walls in giant gold letters, but you will find a mini cooler of Coke on a table, so you can enjoy a cool beverage while you discuss your case.

“We have the same information technology the big firms have, but we don’t have the overhead of the lavish downtown offices,” Jacqueline explains. “That means we don’t have to charge exorbitant rates and nickel-and-dime our clients. We give you our rate up front and we don’t drag cases out to pad our billable hours.”

They even answer their own phones.

“The number one complaint we hear from new clients is that they rarely heard from their previous attorneys,” Jacqueline says. “We emphasize communication.”

Like Jacqueline, Larry and Jen went to The University of Akron’s School of Law. Larry attended classes at night while holding a job in banking during the day.

“One of our advantages is that both Larry and I had real-life experience before we started law school,” Jacqueline says. “I think that gave us a more practical and mature perspective.”

Larry’s background in banking is one of the advantages he brings to the firm.

“Believe it or not, during a divorce some people will try to hide assets,” Jacqueline says disapprovingly. “With Larry’s background in banking, he’s able to uncover hidden assets pretty well.”

Larry also brings solid expertise in business law.

“With the layoffs and downsizing that we’ve seen lately, a lot of people are starting their own businesses,” he says. “We’re able to help get them off the ground correctly.”

He says that a big mistake a lot of entrepreneurs make when they set up their business, is believing that an LLC provides unlimited financial liability.

“As a litigator, I can break up an LLC pretty easily,” he says. “A lot of people think that because they are an LLC they are fully protected, and they are surprised at how vulnerable they actually are. We can help people get their businesses set up the right way to begin with. It’s more expensive to fix a problem than it is to spend a little extra money to get it done correctly from the start.”

That’s why J.K. Roberts Law Group, Ltd. offers complimentary small business audits. A review of your bylaws and other documents will help ensure that your business is properly set up. And employers will benefit from counseling to avoid discrimination or harrassment suits.

The firm also offers a complimentary half-hour consultation on most matters.

To schedule your consultation, call 440-237-9900. J.K. Roberts Law Group, Ltd., is located at 17601 W. 130th Street, Suite 4B, right on the North Royalton-Strongsville border.

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