*Disclaimer: Cole Sadkin represented the opposing party in my case. I won my case, self-represented, but I believe people looking for counsel should have as much information as possible.* *Also, due to the nature of the case, I proceeded as Jane Doe. Trial concluded on March 18, 2026.* Attorneys who appeared on this case through Cole Sadkin: Mason Cole, Michael Krzywicki, James Cook, and Judith Kott Cole Sadkin represented the opposing party in my civil case for sexual assault and battery in Cook County Circuit Court. I was a pro se litigant who, despite the tactics and conduct I experienced throughout litigation, ultimately obtained a six-figure jury verdict in my favor. This review is a warning about the professionalism and litigation conduct I personally observed from this firm. Over the course of litigation, multiple attorneys cycled in and out of the case. The handling of the matter often felt disorganized, hostile, and unnecessarily aggressive - far beyond zealous advocacy. One of the most disturbing moments involved attorney Judith Kott's characterization of my deposition testimony. During my deposition, counsel specifically asked whether I was "going in and out of consciousness" because I was falling asleep. I answered: "No. It is because he was strangling me." Despite that clear testimony, Ms. Kott later argued to the Court that I had testified I was going in and out of consciousness because I had been drinking heavily. She used that mischaracterization to argue that my memory was unreliable due to alcohol consumption. That was not my testimony, and the transcript reflects that in black and white. Ms. Kott also repeatedly insinuated that I must have had "secret counsel" assisting me behind the scenes because, apparently, the idea that a pro se litigant could effectively litigate a case against experienced attorneys was not something she was prepared to accept. The reality is that I did my own work, learned the law, prepared my own filings, and tried my own case myself. As litigation became increasingly hostile, attorney James Cook began including my abuser directly on communications with me. I ultimately had to tell him myself that the practice was inappropriate and eventually felt the need to bring the issue to the Court's attention. The firm also objected to nearly every one of my motions in limine that were ultimately granted by the Court, including motions barring attempts to use prior sexual encounters as evidence of consent to the assault at issue, and motions barring a contributory negligence defense, implying that a victim has some duty to proactively prevent another person from physically or sexually assaulting them. At another point, an attorney from the firm sent a lengthy argumentative email directly to the judge attempting to litigate issues outside proper procedure, prompting the Court to remind counsel that the parties were not to litigate through email communications. I was genuinely astounded by the level of unprofessionalism I experienced from this firm. Even setting aside my concerns about litigation conduct, I would not hire this firm based on competence alone. Again, this is not sour grapes from a losing party. I won. This review exists because people deserve to know what kind of conduct they may encounter when dealing with this firm. read more

Hired Mason to be our closing lawyer and he was happy to take an up front payment for the project but as time progressed he wanted more and more money to do what was already supposed to have been part of the initial deal (writing, reviewing, and sending a contract). Overall I wouldn't recommend Mason Cole as he will just make ambiguous promises and then will ask for more and more money to honor them. read more

SEE ATTACHED SCREENSHOTS OF EMAILS FOR PROOF OF MY REVIEW. Mason Cole is a scam. It seems he will do anything for money. He lied about the strength of our case to entice us to keep paying more money to chase it and charged us to amend because he didn't file properly. Mason eagerly took on a case he knew, or should have known had major flaws and could never succeed. It involved title to real estate and a mechanics lien. Because of the ownership transfers among parties, those parties are precluded from filing a mechanic's lien. It is called merger of claims. I am told it's real estate law 101. Yet, despite that Mason knew or should have known what I now understand is a very basic fact of law, he took over $9,000 in fees from my elderly mother and filed the mechanics lien foreclosure case anyway. He even urged us to amend our complaint to enjoin additional parties like the title company and even the buyers of the property saying he had discovered wrong doing on the part of opposing counsel. He claimed out case was so strong and that we would "get those clowns." He told us we had backed them into a corner and that because of that, the title company would surely settle and quickly too for more than the amount sought in the complaint. Of course this amended complaint cost even more money. However despite his claims tat our case was so strong, in a stunning reversal, within months, he told us we had to completely dismiss the case because we had no right to the mechanics lien. And that was that. Mason was $9,000 richer and we had wasted money and damaged our case so badly, we will be lucky to recover anything. Mason took took $9,000 of my elderly mother's money for a case he clearly knew would fail. He refused to accept any responsibility and he refuses to refund. We now have to start completely over. Yet, we cannot get another attorney to sub-in because they say the case is botched so badly. We are now suing Mason Cole and his junior attorney, Dean Tatooles. It seems Mason Cole was desperate for money and that he would do anything and say anything to get it including making us feel we had a very strong case when indeed the case never should have been filed as a mechanic's lien, but rather as a civil matter. Now we are being told, we may not even be able to file that because Mason botched the case so badly. What a waste of money. With so many other great attorneys out there, why risk your money and your entre case with such a dishonest and incompetent attorney? RUN from Mason Cole! read more

See all

I'm happy to have met Mason! His work helped change my life, which we discussed frequently. Mason has a sensibility and respect in regards to the butterfly effect civil and criminal cases can have on an individuals life. Mason is a good litigator with lots of experience and large network of experts. Value is very good for the profession and negotiating with Mason was fair. The consultation, communication, research and results were satisfactory and I recommend this law firm. read more

Best lawyer and law firm I've worked with so far. They're responsive, and most importantly if you email them about work that needs done, you can be assured they're working on it. Not only that, but they'll independently find solutions you didn't think of. A true "set it and forget it", which is such a great relief when you're dealing with issues of law. They care about the client and won't let things slip through the cracks. read more

Dean Tatooles was great and helped with a big lawsuit from a client that had 25 lawsuit's against individual contractors as a scam to get insurance money. Dean litigated the suit in an aggressive manner and got me out of the lawsuit. I would HIGHLY recommend Dean for any business litigation that you may need. You will be happy with Dean and Cole Sadkin...they are honest attorneys fighting for small businesses. Dave C read more

The most unprofessional paralegal I have ever seen. Absolutely ridiculous. Sent me paperwork riddled with errors. Skip this place and avoid at all costs. read more

As a start-up, the team at Cole Sadkin have been wonderful to work with --- personal, professional and always willing to help open up doors to new networking relationships. Dustin McAdams, Founder at Pupjoy read more

This business has helped with all my legal needs from collections to trademarks and all my contracts in between. I own a business and the team at Cole Sadkin is always helpful. I network a lot so I know a lot of attorneys but for my business and litigation needs- they're who I trust. read more

We connected with Mason because he was eager to find ways to get involved in helping to improve our community through the Lakeview Chamber. Mason has been invaluable to our organization on several projects, including lease negotiation and filing a 501(c)3 application. He has also been a helpful legal resource for small businesses we refer to him. Mason is not only easy to work with and knowledgeable, but he's also the kind of guy who likes to give back to his community. read more

I am the co-founder of a small holisitic medical practice on the north side of Chicago and have worked with Cole Sadkin for over a year. I have interacted with several of their lawyer over this time and they have always impressed me. They are timely, reliable, patient, honest, and flexible. They take the time to ask questions and really get to know my business and the issues we have. We have really appreciated their help and are relieved to know we have a place to go to when we have legal or even complex business questions. I would highly recommend Cole Sadkin to any small business. read more

I am the founder of a single person holistic health and lifestyle practice in Chicago. I've worked with Cole Sadkin for almost three years now. I have interacted with several staff over this time and they have always impressed me with referrals and outstanding connections. It's true, they are timely, professional and reliable. I would highly recommend Cole Sadkin to any small business to take the headache of knowing LLC rules and regulations. read more

I believe that a true mark in one's profession is how one is viewed by his peers. By that estimation, Cole Sadkin is second to none. I work in the same network as Mason Cole and have consulted with him on a number of complex matters. Without hesitation, I state that Mason Cole is amongst the finest attorneys in the greater Chicagoland area. read more

Cole Sadkin took care of our companies IP and trademark work. Not only were they experts in the area but they were extremely friendly, timely and efficient. Mason Cole took a personal approach with our company and his staff was very friendly. I highly recommend this firm for IP, Trademark and employment law and we will use them for any future endeavors. read more