The Utilities Practice Group (UPG) of Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. (WWR) provides comprehensive collection and legal solutions for utility companies. Our approach involves the collection of unpaid utility service charges as well as damage recovery from third parties who negligently or recklessly damage your underground or above-ground utility facilities. The UPG partners with your operations, finance and risk management personnel, to offer analysis of your current claims valuation methodology in order to ensure full value permitted by state law. The UPG also provides useful training for personnel who investigate claims and document liability and damages. WWR’s services surpass traditional collection law firms because of our highly experienced staff and specially trained attorneys and paralegals who understand the requirements of One-Call statutes, common law liability and damage concepts.

WWR has been representing the rights of creditors for over 75 years. We understand the intricacies involved with the collection and litigation of all types of utilities damage matters and the collection of unpaid utility service charges. We are committed to helping you resolve these matters while always maintaining the highest degree of professionalism.

Services include, but are not limited to the following areas:

·        Bankruptcy

·        Collections

o        Consumer/Commercial

o        Complex

o        Facility Damage Claims

§        Maximize & Accelerate Recoveries

§        Comprehensive Program Audit

§        First-Responder Investigation Training

§        Leverage One-Call Statute Tools

·        Litigation Services

·        Post-Judgment Recovery

·        Probate/Estate Claims Recovery

Experience and Expertise

WWR has over 30 years of experience in representing the rights of utility companies with collection of unpaid service charges, and 40+ years combined experience in facility damage collection and litigation.

Regional Coverage- Local Service

WWR maintains ten offices with more than 1,000 employees including 85 attorneys dedicated to providing direct representation throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania. WWR services include our established national network of experienced attorneys for issues outside of our footprint states. We work as co-counsel, actively involved with our network of local attorneys to ensure all cases are handled and reported effectively, providing you the same level of service and accountability in every state. Our infrastructure allows us to provide local service to you and direct representation in courts where we are needed.

Reputation and Results

Since we appear in court on a daily basis, we know the intimate procedures of each system and judge in the jurisdictions in which we practice. Our utilities team has developed relationships with Court personnel who appreciate the fact that they are dealing with experts who have a proven track record of handling matters in a timely and professional manner.

Large for Resources, Small for Intimacy

The UPG is dedicated solely to the representation of all sizes and types of utility companies. Working with us will provide you with the resources of a large, national law firm and yet the intimacy of a local one. We believe in personal attention and are always accessible via phone and e-mail to respond to questions and provide status updates. We will travel anywhere we are needed for court appearances, meetings, educational seminars or any other programs for our clients.

Reporting and Communication

WWR utilizes the Internet for e-mail and document transmissions. To assist in helping you to monitor the status of your accounts placed with WWR, we offer ClientNet, our online account access feature that is web-based, password-protected and accessible 24 hours a day. ClientNet allows you to view account specific information, account history and recent activity.

Program Benefits:

·        We will positively impact your bottom line recoveries

·        Our full service representation allows you the convenience of working with one firm, representing your interests even if a debtor is bankrupt or becomes deceased

·        WWR will provide you with a superior rate of return while maintaining the highest level of professionalism in dealing with your debtors

·        We have the capability to provide customized programs and reporting

Traditional WWR Service Areas

WWR provides a wide range of legal expertise and collection services, including:

·        Bankruptcy

·        Collections

·        Foreclosure/Eviction

·        Legal Action Recovery

·        Litigation & Defense

·        Probate

·        Real Estate Title & Closing Services

·        Subrogation

·        Corporate & Financial Services