Gregory J. Barry

Gregory J. Barry, one of McHenry County’s top probate lawyers, focuses his practice on estate planning, guardianships, trust and probate litigation, elder law and Medicaid planning.  Since 2018, by appointment of the Governor, he has served as both the Public Guardian and Public Administrator of McHenry County.  Greg serves as the fiduciary of last resort for individuals in our community who have nobody else to care for them in their incapacity, or to administer their estate for their heirs.

His practice includes:

• qualifying seniors and disabled adults for Medicaid and other benefits
• managing long-term care options and asset planning for incapacity
• ordinary and emergency guardianships of disabled persons
• administering probate estates and litigating disputed estates
• creating estate plans to minimize both estate tax and family conflict

Greg graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2003 and earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 2006, joining the firm soon thereafter. Greg is an active member of the community in Woodstock along with his wife, Jillian, and their three sons.  Time permitting, he enjoys running, studying history, and coaching basketball and track.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

McHenry County Task Force on Aging, McHenry County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, American Bar Association

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Greg is a sought-after speaker on estate planning, Medicaid, guardianship, and other related legal issues, for industry professionals and the general public alike.  Prior speaking engagements include Elderwerks Educational Services, Independence Health & Therapy, and the McHenry County Bar Association.  He has written about personal injury law, construction law, and on telecommunications facilities and zoning matters.

• Author, “Unemployment law changes a boon to employers,” Northwest Herald, Feb. 7, 2016
• Author, “Legal options when good accounts go bad,” Northwest Herald, Aug. 30, 2015
• Author, “How to handle your deceased customers’ accounts and property,” Northwest Herald, April 18, 2015
• Author, “Update: Appellate Court Confirms School Districts Subject to Home-Rule Zoning,” ZRFM Local Government Law Newsletter, Sept. 10, 2014
• Author, “Seventh Circuit Divided on Municipal Booking and Bail Fees,” ZRFM Local Government Law Newsletter, July 30, 2014
• Author, “Protect your trade secrets by anticipating litigation,” Northwest Herald, May 18, 2014
• Author, “Bill to Make School Districts Subject to Municipal Zoning,” ZRFM Local Government Law Newsletter, March 18, 2014
• Author, “Trademarking Your Town,” ZRFM Local Government Law Newsletter, June 26, 2013
• Co-author, “Pursuing Claims for Grief under the Wrongful Death Act,” Illinois Bar Journal, January 2013
• Co-author, “Cable, Video and Wireless Communication,” Chapter 7, Volume II, Illinois Municipal Law: Annexation Zoning and Regulatory Authority, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2012
• Co-author, “Intergovernmental Cooperation,” Chapter 8, Volume IV, Illinois Municipal Law: Annexation Zoning and Regulatory Authority, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2012
• Author, “Serving the Last Slice: The Supreme Court’s Recent Decision in LaSalle Bank v. Cypress Creek 1, LP,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 23, 2011

CIVIC AND CHARITABLE

Barry is a member of the board of directors of the McHenry County Historical Society. He is an active member of the McHenry County Task Force on Aging, a nonprofit agency promoting awareness of the needs of McHenry County’s seniors. He also works with the McHenry County Council of Governments, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters intergovernmental cooperation among municipalities and local governments in the county. He is a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Woodstock.