Brian Hart
Brian Hart was born and raised in Rockford. He attended Northern Illinois University and received a BA in Psychology. He then attended Northern Illinois University College of Law and was awarded a Juris Doctorate in 1992. For over two decades, Attorney Hart has been a member of the Northern Illinois District Federal Bar and has been focusing his practice on bankruptcy law. He filed his first bankruptcy case in 1992. Since then, Attorney Hart also served as the staff attorney for the Northern District of Illinois — Western Division Chapter 13 Trustee. The experienced he gained in that position is invaluable; no other Rockford area attorney in private practice has served in this role and has this experience. Since 1992 Brian A. Hart and his associates have filed over 4000 local bankruptcy cases.
Attorney Hart believes strongly in giving back to his community. In 2008 Attorney Hart was named the Prairie State Legal Services Volunteer of the Year for his efforts in assisting lower income clients by providing free legal services. In 2011 Attorney Hart was the inaugural individual recipient of the John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award. To receive this award, Attorney Hart was selected from of all the attorneys in the state of Illinois to be recognized for his continued support to the people of Rockford by providing free legal services. Also in 2011, Attorney Hart received an additional special recognition award from Prairie State Legal Services for his continued efforts. Based upon recommendations from the federal judges and the appellate judges, Attorney Hart was recognized once again for his for his excellence in representing his clients in the bankruptcy court system. He was awarded the 2012 Pro Bono and Public Service Award for the entire 7th Circuit. The 7th Circuit Court covers all of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin and of all the attorneys practicing in those three states, Brian A. Hart was singled out.
Attorney Hart is a member of the Winnebago County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. Attorney Hart was also one of the founding members of the Rockford Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and served as their secretary for two terms and now serves as a director.