Rochelle, IL

Mr. Tess is an experienced trial attorney focusing on civil litigation, personal injury, probate proceedings, estate planning, and real estate matters. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 1975 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and from Northern Illinois University Law School in 1981 with a Juris Doctor. He has practiced law in Northern Illinois since 1982, is a former President of the Ogle County Bar Association, and is the current Chairman of the Foundation for Focus House. He is a member of the Ogle County, Lee County, and Illinois Bar Associations, and has served as a Public Defender and Municipal Attorney for Ashton, Creston, and Steward. He practices in Ogle, Lee, Winnebago, Whiteside, DeKalb, and Stephenson Counties.

Mr. Arnquist is an experienced courtroom litigator focusing on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. He has represented hundreds of clients in criminal cases, including First Degree Murder cases, and has extensive experience with high-conflict divorces, custody battles, and complex financial issues in Family Law. He resides in Ogle County and practices in Ogle, Lee, Winnebago, Whiteside, DeKalb, and Stephenson Counties.

Phil H. Nye, Jr.

During his tenure as a member of the Illinois Bar, Phil has developed an extensive knowledge of Probate, Real Estate, and Corporate law. This experience has been used to benefit both clients of the firm and numerous charities and not-for-profit organizations, including Kishwaukee College Foundation, Rochelle Community Hospital, and the Village of Progress Foundation. Phil’s academic background includes a BA degree from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois. His professional memberships include the Ogle County Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Phil also served 6 years as a member of the General Assembly of the Illinois State Bar Association and 13 years as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois.

Robert Chadwick

After graduation from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science, Bob served as a pilot in Southeast Asia and at various strategic air command bases throughout the United States. Following completion of his tour of duty, Bob received a masters degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and then earned a law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Bob is a lifelong resident of Rochelle. He has been active in the Rochelle community, serving 12 years on the Rochelle Township High School Board (10 as President), 21 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals and six years as President of the Downtown Rochelle Association. In addition, he has coached Junior Tackle football, baseball and basketball teams for over 20 years and has come out of coaching retirement to help his three sons coach his many grandchildren. Bob is a member of the Ogle County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Kaycee Chadwick

Kaycee was born in Elburn, Illinois. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Illinois State University in 2002 and obtained her law degree from Northern Illinois University in 2005. Kaycee Chadwick focuses on providing real estate, corporate and estate planning services to her clients. Her clients include corporations and LLCs in agribusiness, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate. Clients, attorneys, and realtors appreciate her prompt and personal communication in addition to her years of transactional focused experience. Kaycee is an active member of her church, the Illinois State Bar Association, Winnebago County Bar Association, and Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. Kaycee has served on various boards and serves as general counsel for the Northwest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®. When she is not managing her law practice, Kaycee enjoys spending time with her five busy boys. She enjoys exploring National Parks with her family and hopes to visit all of them with her husband, Paul.

Paul E. Chadwick

Paul graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He spent the next three years working as a business consultant at the Milwaukee office of Arthur Andersen. Paul then earned a law degree from Northern Illinois University and has been practicing law with Fearer Nye & Chadwick since 2004. Paul was born and raised in Rochelle, and he has actively served the Rochelle community throughout his life. He has served on the board of directors of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, Rochelle Community Hospital Association, Kishwaukee College Foundation, and Rochelle Junior Tackle. He is a member of the Ogle County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and St. Patrick Catholic Church, and spends a considerable amount of time coaching youth football, basketball and baseball. Paul enjoys practicing law in his hometown with his father, Robert, and his wife, Kaycee. Paul and Kaycee lead a very active lifestyle, centered largely on raising their five rambunctious boys and enjoying quality time outdoors.

Russell Crull is an attorney at Tess, Arnquist & Wilt, LLC, known for his professionalism, communication, and successful outcomes in criminal cases, including difficult DUI cases. Clients praise his intelligence, compassion, and aggressive defense.