About Our Firm
About our Firm
The firm’s founder, Okel Fuqua, graduated from the University of Missouri Law School in 1917 and enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Okel met Lavinia Sylvester, a young woman lawyer living in Waukegan, Illinois, who graduated from Kent College of Law in 1918. After the armistice and discharge from the Navy, Okel Fuqua, opened his first law office in Waukegan, Illinois. Okel and Lavinia married in 1919 and the Law Firm of Fuqua and Fuqua was founded. The firm has continuously operated across the street from the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, Illinois.
Bryan R. Winter
Bryan R. Winter has been with the firm for over 33 years and concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal law, civil litigation and estate planning. He serves as the Chief Legal Officer for two Lake County Municipalities, a Township and a Drainage District. He has litigated a variety of civil matters including zoning challenges, commercial litigation, declaratory judgment actions, personal injury claims and class action claims. He has served as designated counsel for insurance companies, utilities and a national manufacturing company. In addition to his municipal and litigation practice, Bryan R. Winter provides estate planning services including will and trust preparation.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Illinois State Bar Association, 1984 – Present
Treasurer, 1992-1993
Board of Governors, 1989-1993
Budget & Audit Committee, 1991
Scope & Correlation Committee, 1992
Council Member, Young Lawyers Division, 1986-1989
Lake County Estate Planning Council
Vice President, 2016-Present
Lake County Bar Association, 1984 – Present
President, 2008-2009
Secretary, 2005-2006
Board of Directors, 2005-2010
Illinois Municipal League
Member – Home Rule Committee, 2016 – Present
BAR ADMISSIONS
State of Illinois, 1984
State of Wisconsin, 1984
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science – Accounting, Marquette University 1981
Juris Doctor, Marquette University School of Law 1984
REFERENCES
For references, a list of municipal clients and/or representative cases, please contact the firm for additional information.