Thomas J. Rigby, Esq.

Thomas J. Rigby, Esq., founder and principal attorney of The Real Estate Law Firm, LLC

Thomas J. Rigby, Esq. is the founder and principal attorney of The Real Estate Law Firm, LLC, a boutique practice he established over a decade ago (initially founded in 2013 and operating full-time since 2016). A seasoned real estate attorney, Mr. Rigby has extensive experience in residential and commercial real estate transactions, as well as related legal areas including probate and estate planning, landlord-tenant evictions (both for plaintiffs and defendants), business entity formations, and strategic real estate investor advisory services. He built his practice around providing comprehensive real estate counsel – from handling routine home purchases to resolving complex property disputes – always with a practical, client-focused approach. With a career spanning roles in corporate law, litigation, and title insurance, Mr. Rigby offers strategic legal guidance to property owners and investors aimed at maximizing profitability and mitigating risk. In every matter, he draws on his diverse background to deliver high-level expertise at investor-friendly rates, reflecting the original mission of the firm.

Over the years, Mr. Rigby and his firm have successfully handled hundreds of high-value real estate transactions, including multi-million-dollar commercial closings throughout the Chicago-area market. From strip shopping centers and large apartment complexes (200–500 units) to mixed-use and planned unit developments in the northwest suburbs, he has seen virtually every type of real estate deal. This hands-on experience with major commercial projects, alongside countless residential closings, means clients benefit from seasoned insight into deal structuring, financing, and problem-solving. Whether a client is buying a first home or negotiating a complex commercial acquisition, Mr. Rigby brings a steady, experienced hand to guide the transaction to a successful close. He and his team pride themselves on facilitating seamless closings and protecting their clients’ interests in each deal. In addition, Mr. Rigby has represented clients in related litigation – from enforcing contracts to navigating eviction proceedings – giving him a well-rounded perspective on how to prevent and resolve disputes that can arise in real estate matters.

Mr. Rigby’s legal career began after earning his J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law. Before launching his own firm, he honed his skills as a litigation defense attorney, then went on to serve as corporate counsel for an S&P 500 real estate company, and later acted as in-house counsel for a major Illinois title insurance provider. These roles provided deep exposure to multiple sides of real estate law – courtroom litigation, high-level corporate transactions, and the intricacies of title examination and insurance. This blend of experience equipped Mr. Rigby with a 360-degree understanding of real estate: he knows how deals can go wrong and how to prevent issues before they arise. In 2013, seeing a need for investor-focused legal services, he founded The Real Estate Law Firm, LLC (fully dedicating himself to the practice by 2016). His vision was to offer top-tier real estate legal counsel with the personal touch and efficiency of a boutique firm, a vision the firm continues to fulfill today. Under Mr. Rigby’s leadership, the firm has become known for efficient, effective representation in real estate sales, purchases, short sales, and investments, earning the trust of both individual homeowners and seasoned investors alike.

Beyond his professional practice, Thomas Rigby has distinguished himself as a leader from early on. While attending Illinois State University for his undergraduate studies (B.B.A.), he received the university’s Distinguished Leadership Award, an honor bestowed on only a select few (chosen from nearly 40,000 students) in recognition of exemplary leadership and involvement. He was also the captain of a nationally qualifying mock trial team during college – honing skills in advocacy and teamwork – and earned accolades in collegiate mock trial competitions. These early leadership experiences reflect Mr. Rigby’s drive, discipline, and ability to excel in high-pressure environments, traits that continue to benefit his clients. He approaches legal challenges with the mindset of a team leader and problem-solver, often thinking several steps ahead in a transaction or case. Clients and colleagues alike note his calm confidence and strategic thinking, qualities that trace back to those formative years leading teams and earning top leadership honors.

In addition to advising clients, Mr. Rigby is a real estate investor himself, which gives him a unique real-world perspective among attorneys. Over the past decade, he has built a personal portfolio that has included residential rental properties, commercial holdings, long-term investments, and short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb). This firsthand experience as an investor means he truly understands his clients’ goals and concerns – he has “walked the walk,” facing many of the same financial and practical decisions his clients do. Self-made in both business and investments, Mr. Rigby draws on this practical experience to offer legal advice that is not only technically sound but also grounded in real-world practicality. He can counsel a client not just on what the law says, but on how a decision might impact an investment’s bottom line or a project’s timeline. This blend of legal knowledge and personal investment insight has made Mr. Rigby a valued advisor to real estate entrepreneurs and property investors looking to grow their portfolios wisely.

Under Mr. Rigby’s leadership, The Real Estate Law Firm, LLC has evolved into a deeply trusted and highly capable team of professionals. The firm is staffed by an ever-growing group of attorneys and paralegals with backgrounds spanning multiple areas of legal practice. Collectively, they bring a wealth of real-world experience, legal acumen, and long-standing careers in real estate law and related fields. This mature, solutions-driven team offers clients a level of insight and dependability that only comes from handling thousands of transactions and legal challenges over the years. Clients routinely praise the firm’s collaborative structure — where attorneys and paralegals work in lockstep to ensure no detail is missed. Whether resolving a complex title issue or guiding a family through probate, the firm’s deep bench of professionals brings clarity, strategy, and results. With Mr. Rigby at the helm, clients gain not only his seasoned judgment but also the support of a team fully committed to delivering the highest caliber of legal service.

The firm’s commitment to excellence and client service is reflected in its sterling reputation. The Real Estate Law Firm, LLC has earned over 200 five-star reviews on Google alone, maintaining an impressive 5.0 rating from clients. This volume of glowing feedback – more than two hundred clients who have taken the time to share positive experiences – speaks to the firm’s unwavering focus on client satisfaction. Mr. Rigby has built a culture that emphasizes responsiveness, clear communication, and going the extra mile to protect clients’ interests. Whether assisting a family with a first home purchase or closing a multi-million-dollar commercial deal, he and his team strive to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. The result is a loyal client base and referrals that drive the firm’s continued growth. New clients often cite these outstanding online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals as reasons they felt confident choosing Mr. Rigby as their attorney – they know they are in capable and trusted hands.

Outside of the office, Thomas Rigby is a devoted family man and an active member of his community. He is a man of deep faith – a practicing Catholic – and he works to live out his values through service. Mr. Rigby generously gives his time and talents to pro bono legal work and various charitable causes. Over the years, he has been involved with local food pantries, helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity, packed meals for Feed My Starving Children, and contributed to other outreach programs aimed at helping those in need. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service organization, through which he participates in faith-based charitable initiatives. Balancing a busy law practice with family and volunteer commitments, Mr. Rigby exemplifies a lawyer who is not only successful in business but also grounded in integrity, compassion, and community spirit. Clients find this personal dimension reassuring – they know that their attorney is guided by strong ethics and a genuine desire to help others. Thomas J. Rigby brings this same integrity and empathy to his law practice, ensuring that every client is treated with respect, honesty, and personal care. In sum, Mr. Rigby’s blend of professional expertise, real-world experience, and principled leadership makes him an attorney who delivers exceptional results while remaining approachable and sincerely invested in his clients’ success.