Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

My Lien Lawyer is operated by Fred Shestopal, P.C., an Illinois professional corporation. Fred Shestopal is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Where services involve jurisdictions outside Illinois, such services are provided through coordination with independent licensed local counsel, each of which operates as its own legal practice.

We may collect the following categories of information:

• Contact Information: Name, title, company, mailing address, email address, telephone number.
• Business Information: Information relating to matters for which you request services or in which you are involved.
• Account Information: Usernames, passwords, and platform access credentials (if applicable).
• Communications: Information you provide in emails, forms, chat features, event registrations, or other communications.
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, usage data, and analytics data.
• Marketing Preferences: Subscription choices and consent preferences.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 16.

We may use personal information to:

• Provide requested services;
• Coordinate with licensed local counsel where appropriate;
• Respond to inquiries;
• Administer billing and business operations;
• Send newsletters or marketing communications (where permitted);
• Improve website functionality and security;
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

Submission of information through this Website, including contact forms or email, does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only through a written engagement agreement signed by both parties. Please do not submit confidential or sensitive information unless and until a formal engagement has been confirmed in writing.

We may share information with:

• Independent licensed local counsel for matters outside Illinois;
• Service providers supporting our operations (IT, hosting, analytics, billing);
• Law enforcement or regulators when required by law;
• Successors in the event of business restructuring.

We do not sell personal data.

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information. However, no transmission over the internet can be guaranteed completely secure.

We retain information as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the nature of the information and applicable requirements.

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including access to your data, correction of inaccurate data, deletion (subject to legal obligations), objection to marketing, and withdrawal of consent. Requests may be directed to info@mylienlawyer.com.

We may use cookies and similar technologies for analytics, security, and functionality. You may adjust browser settings to manage cookie preferences.

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page.

This Website is provided for general informational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult licensed counsel in the relevant jurisdiction before taking or refraining from action based on any information on this Website.

Fred Shestopal is licensed to practice law in Illinois. References to nationwide or multistate services refer to coordination of matters with independent licensed local counsel where required. Nothing on this Website should be construed as representing that My Lien Lawyer or Fred Shestopal is licensed in any jurisdiction other than Illinois.

Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Descriptions of past matters are provided for informational purposes only.

Use of this Website does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only upon execution of a written engagement agreement. Unsolicited communications may not be treated as confidential or privileged.

THE WEBSITE AND ITS CONTENT ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. We make no representation regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, My Lien Lawyer shall not be liable for any damages arising from access to or use of this Website, reliance on Website content, or inability to access the Website. Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation is prohibited by law.

All Website content is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may view and print a single copy for personal, non-commercial use. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify Website content without prior written consent.

We are not responsible for the content or practices of linked third-party websites.

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Illinois.

We may revise these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

1.1 No Relationship by Website Use. Use of this website, submission of information, payment for services, or request for document preparation does not create an attorney-client relationship.

1.2 Engagement Required. An attorney-client relationship is formed only if MLL expressly agrees in writing to represent Client and provides written confirmation of engagement.

1.3 Limited Scope Representation. Unless separately agreed in writing, MLL’s services are limited to document preparation, mailing coordination, recording coordination, and administrative processing of preliminary notices, lien claims, bond claims, and stop notices. MLL does not undertake litigation, lien foreclosure, bond enforcement, court appearances, or legal strategy unless separately retained.

1.4 Out-of-State Projects. MLL is licensed to practice law only in Illinois. For projects located outside Illinois, MLL does not provide legal advice or statutory interpretation. Services for out-of-state matters are limited to administrative document preparation unless referred to licensed associate counsel.

1.5 No Deadline Monitoring. MLL does not assume responsibility for monitoring statutory deadlines unless expressly agreed in a separate written engagement agreement.

MLL will attempt to prepare and process requested preliminary notices, lien claims, bond claims, and stop notices using statutory forms applicable to the project’s state. In jurisdictions requiring licensed in-state attorneys, MLL may refer matters to associate counsel. Where permitted, MLL may draft lien documents; however, Client must review, verify, and sign any lien prior to recording.

3.1 Limited Agency Authorization. Client authorizes MLL to act as Client’s limited agent solely for the purpose of preparing, mailing, processing, recording, and filing requested notices and lien-related documents.

3.2 Authority to Contract with Third Parties. Client expressly authorizes MLL to engage and enter into agreements with third-party vendors as reasonably necessary to complete services, including but not limited to certified mail providers, recording offices, title companies, courier services, online filing platforms, local filing agents, and associate counsel.

3.3 Third-Party Terms Apply. Client acknowledges that third-party providers operate under their own independent terms and conditions, which shall govern their services.

3.4 No Liability for Third Parties. MLL shall not be liable for acts, omissions, delays, negligence, or errors of any third-party provider, governmental agency, postal service, recording office, or associate counsel.

3.5 Delegation of Ministerial Tasks. Mailing, recording, courier delivery, and administrative processing may be delegated at MLL’s discretion.

Client must provide accurate and complete project information, including customer information, first furnishing date, description of labor or materials, project address, and prime contractor information. Client is solely responsible for determining contractual tier status, monitoring statutory deadlines, confirming accuracy of information, and reviewing and signing documents before filing. Transmission of a notice does not guarantee lien rights exist.

MLL may attempt verification through third-party sources such as Notices of Commencement, title companies, tax records, permits, property owners, or contractors. Information obtained from third parties cannot be guaranteed. If Client restricts verification efforts, Client assumes associated risk.

MLL utilizes third-party mailing providers and obtains proof of mailing. MLL does not guarantee receipt, signature confirmation, postal delivery, recording dates, or clerk processing times and assumes no liability for postal or recording office delays.

Recommended minimum lead times: Illinois filings — 10 business days; Out-of-state filings — 15 business days. Client assumes all risk for late submissions or statutory deadline expiration.

Client represents that all claims submitted are valid and supported by documentation. MLL reserves the right to refuse preparation or filing if concerns arise regarding validity. Client acknowledges that filing a wrongful or fraudulent lien may expose Client to civil liability.

All services are provided “AS IS” without warranties of any kind. MLL does not guarantee enforceability, priority, collectability, legal sufficiency beyond statutory form completion, or successful recovery.

10.1 Allocation of Risk. Client acknowledges that fees charged reflect a limited scope of services and contractual allocation of risk.

10.2 No Consequential or Punitive Damages. To the fullest extent permitted by law, MLL shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including lost profits, loss of lien priority, or business interruption.

10.3 Reliance on Client and Third-Party Information. MLL is entitled to rely upon information provided by Client and third parties.

10.4 Cap on Damages. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the total aggregate liability of MLL for any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the total fees actually paid by Client to MLL for the specific service giving rise to the claim; or (b) $2,500.

10.5 Savings Clause. If any state law limits enforcement of this Section, it shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law.

10.6 Exclusive Remedy. This limitation constitutes Client’s sole and exclusive remedy.

10.7 Condition Precedent to Claim. Client must provide prompt written notice, allow reasonable opportunity to cure, and exhaust reasonable collection efforts before asserting a claim.

10.8 No Limitation for Non-Waivable Conduct. Nothing herein limits liability for intentional misconduct or conduct that cannot legally be limited.

Client agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless MLL from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from inaccurate information supplied by Client, contract disputes, wrongful lien filings, or third-party claims arising from services performed at Client’s request.

Any dispute arising from this Agreement or MLL’s services shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules in Lake County, Illinois. Client and MLL waive the right to trial by jury. All disputes must be brought individually. Class and representative actions are waived. The prevailing party shall recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.

If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in effect.

Before submitting any request for services, Client must affirmatively accept this Agreement by checking the following box:

I have read, understand, and agree to be legally bound by the Lien Perfection Services Agreement and Terms of Service, including the Binding Arbitration provision, Class Action Waiver, Jury Trial Waiver, Indemnification provisions, Authorization to Engage Third-Party Providers, and Limitation of Liability, and I understand that these provisions limit my legal rights.

MLL may maintain electronic records of acceptance, including timestamp and IP address.