Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Advocates Since 1934
Our firm has been a trusted legal advocate since 1934, providing comprehensive legal representation across Southern and Southeastern Illinois. With a legacy rooted in excellence since Noah M. Tohill's practice began in 1895, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to ethical standards and client-focused solutions. Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory with a Preeminent legal ability rating and a Very High ethical standard, we serve as recommended insurance attorneys by AM Best.Our attorneys specialize in civil litigation, personal injury, insurance defense, real estate, oil and gas law, and more, operating in State, Federal, and appellate courts. We pride ourselves on maintaining deep local knowledge while delivering aggressive, results-driven advocacy for individuals and businesses alike.
Services
Personal Injury
Insurance Litigation
Real Estate Law
Oil & Gas Law
Probate & Estate Planning
Business Litigation
Medical Malpractice
Workers Compensation
Family Law
Mediation Services
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- Proven trial lawyers with regional expertise since 1934
- Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent legal ability rating
- Specialized in civil litigation across 16 Southern Illinois counties
- Multi-generational team with deep local market knowledge
- Recognized insurance attorneys by AM Best
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory
- AM Best
Services
Personal Injury
We represent clients in personal injury cases arising from automobile accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Our attorneys secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through aggressive litigation and settlement negotiations. With decades of courtroom experience, we ensure clients receive fair outcomes in Southern Illinois courts.
Insurance Litigation
Our firm handles complex insurance defense matters, first-party claims, and coverage issues for policyholders and insurers. We resolve disputes involving bad faith claims, denial of benefits, and policy interpretation through strategic litigation and mediation. Our team's recognition by AM Best ensures authoritative representation in insurance-related legal matters across regional jurisdictions.
Oil & Gas Law
We provide legal counsel for oil, gas, and mineral rights transactions, lease agreements, and title abstract services. Our practice includes resolving disputes over royalties, exploration rights, and environmental compliance for energy companies and landowners. With historical ties to Lawrence County's energy sector, we combine technical expertise with litigation capabilities to protect client interests.
Probate & Estate Planning
Our attorneys assist clients with wills, trusts, probate administration, and Will contests. We create customized estate plans to preserve assets and navigate complex probate processes in Illinois courts. The firm's multi-generational experience ensures practical solutions for families and executors facing estate-related legal challenges.
Business Litigation
We represent businesses in commercial litigation, contract disputes, and corporate law matters. Our services include resolving partnership conflicts, enforcing business agreements, and defending against commercial claims in State and Federal courts. With a practice dating to 1934, we deliver strategic counsel to protect business interests throughout Southern Illinois.
People
John F. Borden
Attorney
Joined the firm in 1970, bringing extensive experience in civil litigation and regional legal matters. Specializes in courtroom advocacy and complex dispute resolution across Southern Illinois jurisdictions.
Douglas A. Enloe
Attorney
Has practiced with the firm since 1973, focusing on insurance litigation and business law. Provides strategic counsel for commercial clients and insurance carriers in high-stakes litigation matters.
Larry N. Sloss Jr.
Attorney
Joined in 1987, specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Combines courtroom experience with negotiation expertise to secure favorable outcomes for injury victims across 16 counties.
Derek W. McCullough
Attorney
A Southeastern Illinois native who joined the firm in recent years. Focuses on real estate law and probate matters, leveraging local knowledge to serve individual and business clients effectively.
Eric A. St Ledger
Attorney
Southeastern Illinois-based attorney handling oil and gas law, business transactions, and civil litigation. Applies regional expertise to energy sector clients and commercial disputes in Southern Illinois courts.
Questions
What areas of law does GBES specialize in?
We focus on personal injury, insurance litigation, oil and gas law, probate, business litigation, and civil litigation across 16 Southern Illinois counties.
How long has GBES been in practice?
Our firm's history dates to 1934, with roots in Lawrence County legal practice since 1895, combining multi-generational experience with modern legal strategies.
Do you handle cases outside Southern Illinois?
While our primary focus is Southern and Southeastern Illinois, we regularly practice in State, Federal, and appellate courts throughout the region.
What accreditations does GBES hold?
We maintain a Preeminent legal ability rating from Martindale-Hubbell and are recognized as recommended insurance attorneys by AM Best.
Can I schedule a consultation for estate planning?
Yes, our probate and estate planning attorneys offer consultations to create wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate plans tailored to Illinois law.
