Marengo, IL

Peggy D. Gerkin

Peggy Gerkin decided to become a trial attorney after working for a worker's compensation lawyer. She has been with Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley for 25 years, previously serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Boone County State’s Attorney’s Office. She is an accomplished trial attorney, effective in family law, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense. She is also one of the few female attorneys to ever defend a person facing the death penalty. Peggy is passionate about protecting the rights of her clients, especially children, and is actively involved in the legal community, having served as President of the Boone County Bar Association and prepared IRS documents to create CASA.

Steven J. Greeley Jr.

Steven Greeley is motivated by effective and efficient problem solving, practicing every day in the legal profession. He is passionate about fully preparing cases for trial and values the well-being of his clients, helping those injured in McHenry County and nearby areas. He has extensive background in personal injury, workers’ compensation, contract, and other civil litigation. He also devotes his time as a Commissioner with the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission and served on the board of Prairie State Legal Services, including as President.

Jack D. Franks

Jack D. Franks wanted to be an attorney since he was ten years old, inspired by his father Herb and Clarence Darrow. He values helping people stand up for their rights and fighting against strenuous odds. He has a background in multinational and commercial litigation and extensive federal court experience. Jack also served as Chairman of the State Bank Group and was the first elected Chairman of the McHenry County Board. He was also an Illinois State Representative and Chairman of the State Government Administration Committee of the House of Representatives, instrumental in the impeachment of former Governor Blagojevich.

Herbert H. Franks

Herb Franks grew up on a dairy farm in Marengo, Illinois. He began his law career in 1961 and was a partner in a law firm in Rockford, Illinois. He won the first million dollar jury verdict in McHenry County. He was the only president of the Illinois State Bar Association to come out of McHenry County. His favorite part of being an attorney is helping people that really need help. He is honored when people pick him to be their attorney. He passionately fights for the underdog and focuses on the needs of the client. As Past President of Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, he rounded up millions of dollars for the various Legal Aid Foundations of the State, giving people an opportunity to be represented.

Hector R. Barron

Hector R. Barron is a dedicated associate attorney at FGPG, specializing in Personal Injury and Worker’s Compensation law. He graduated Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2024 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2020. His passion for justice and client-centered approach drive him to advocate tirelessly. A native Spanish speaker from Lima, Peru, Hector ensures language is not a barrier to quality legal representation.

Joseph C. Ponitz

Born and raised in Marengo, Illinois, Joe Ponitz has strong ties to the community and values providing legal help to his hometown. He was a prosecutor with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, gaining experience in criminal and general civil litigation. He believes in consistent open communication and speaks fluent Spanish. Joe is actively involved with his family and community, serving as an Arbitrator with the 17th Judicial Circuit and volunteering with Healing Pathways Cancer Research Foundation.

Olivia P. Dirig

Olivia P. Dirig discovered her passion for law through a professor's recommendation and realized the positive impact she could make. She excelled in law school, winning a state prize for an article on employee rights. She joined Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley with extensive experience in civil litigation, banking, real estate, creditors’ rights, and family law, having represented major financial institutions and handled thousands of foreclosures. She is passionate about helping clients navigate complex legal issues and is an advocate for them throughout the process.