James W. Kaiser and Lehn Shepherd smiling in front of the Kaiser, Shepherd & Nakon, P.C. sign on a wall.

About Us

When you are seeking an attorney to represent you in buying or selling a property, in creating your estate, or in forming a new company, Kaiser, Shepherd & Nakon, P.C. in Wauconda, IL is here to help. Our experienced, qualified attorneys provide real estate, estate planning and other services at reasonable rates. We are committed to communicating closely with you, informing you of your rights so that you can make the best possible decisions. We provide you with the guidance, advice, and legal services you need for a successful outcome.

Our History

Kaiser, Shepherd & Nakon, P.C. is the successor firm to Richard Nakon & Associates, which was founded in 1974. Our current firm was formed on January 1, 2017. Richard Nakon has been practicing law since 1974, James Kaiser has been practicing since 1990, and Lehn Shepherd has been practicing since 2006. The Daily Herald Reader’s Choice awarded us with the Best Law Firm in Wauconda in 2017.

Our Attorneys

James W. Kaiser

James W. Kaiser.

James W. Kaiser is a third-generation attorney. Upon graduation from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Jim taught music in School District 103 from 1980 to 1988. During that time, he earned a Master of Music from Northwestern University in 1985. After leaving teaching, Jim earned a law degree from John Marshall in 1988. Upon graduation Jim worked for Richard J. Nakon in Wauconda. On January 1, 2017, Jim and Lehn Shepherd formed Kaiser, Shepherd & Nakon, P.C. keeping the same office in Wauconda and continuing to provide quality service to his clients. Jim concentrates his practice in residential and commercial real estate transactions, wills, trusts, guardianships and probate, zoning, landlord/tenant (eviction) cases and some general litigation matters. Jim also serves as an arbitrator for Lake and McHenry Counties, often serving as the chairman of the panel and has often been appointed as a GAL (Guardian ad Litem) in certain guardianship matters by the Lake County Probate court. Jim served two terms as chairman of the St. Mary of Vernon Finance Committee, past president of the Wauconda Rotary Club and Wauconda Lions Club. Jim also served for 10 years on the Hawthorn Woods Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and in 2021 was reelected as a Trustee for the Village.

Lehn G. Shepherd

Lehn G. Shepherd.

Lehn received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1998. During Lehn’s time at Iowa, he interned at DePuy Orthopaedic in Warsaw, Indiana where he worked closely with the company’s engineers and patent attorneys to identify potentially infringing patent filings.

Lehn then received his Juris Doctorate with Honors from Drake Law School. While at Drake, Lehn was selected by the Drake Constitutional Law Center to provide legal research for alumni arguing before the United States Supreme Court. He also received the CALI Award for Future Excellence in Federal Income Taxation.

Since graduating from Drake, Lehn has represented clients in business matters, real estate transactions, estate planning, trust and estate administration matters, and tax matters. Lehn’s experience includes many multi-million dollar commercial real estate and business transactions.

Lehn currently serves on the City of Crystal Lake Sustainability Committee where he has held the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. He is also a member of the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce, and the Barrington Chapter of Business Networkers International. Lehn serves on the financing committee for his church, and enjoys actively participating in the music program.

Lehn grew up in Fox River Grove, Illinois and currently resides in Crystal Lake with his wife and three children.

Richard Nakon (Retired)

William E. Kaiser, Sr and William E. Kaiser, Jr

James W. Kaiser’s family has been in the law business for 110 years starting with his grandfather, William E. Kaiser, Sr. He practiced law in Chicago starting in 1911 and served as Chairman of the Illinois Industrial Commission from 1947-1949. He passed away in 1962.

His father, William E. Kaiser, Jr., served in WWII in the Navy and started practicing law with his father in 1955. He passed away in 1995.

 

Client Testimonials:

Jacki H.

“Thank you for making the legal end of the sale of our house effortless and hassle free.”

Cassandra G.

“Lehn and his team are always amazing!! I have used him for 2 purchases, a sale and a few that fell through. I recommend them 110%!!”

Marcela C.

“Amazing! Even when you call the actual attorney gets on the phone and speaks with you directly with genuine honest guidance!”

Frank A.

“I’ve been referring to Lehn for the past 10 years, Lehn is one of the most professional attorneys that I have come across. He has a real knack for detail. He’s an excellent attorney and I’m happy to have been working with him for so long”

Jessi S.

“I have used this office before since they have done work for my parents in the past. This time I needed their help as I moved out of state and still had to sell my condo in Palatine. Lehn and his team could not have been more helpful and friendly through the entire process. They always took the time to explain and break things down for me and even handled the closing in my absence. If you need an honest, friendly, efficient law office you definitely need Kaiser, Shepherd & Nakon.”

Arnold G.

“Jim Kaiser is a gem. He was bright, friendly, very helpful with our needs and clear in his explanations. We are thrilled to have found such comfort with our new lawyer and will continue to rely on him when needed.”

Stephen D.

“Lehn Shepherd helped us sell our house and then buy our new home. He did an awesome job at all parts of the process! He is very timely in his responses. He is personable and caring. He is very knowledgeable and competent. He put our needs first and was an advocate for us. Lehn has my highest recommendation!”

 

For additional information about our attorneys, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 847-526-0626. We look forward to providing you with the representation you deserve.