Mr. Coale has been with Hughes Tenney Postlewait Coale, L.L.C., since 2013, focusing his practice on the defense of physicians. Prior to joining the firm, Bret practiced law for a firm in Decatur, Illinois, representing lenders in mortgage foreclosures and mediations. Mr. Coale earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Illinois in 2002 and earned his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2008.   He has served as president of the Decatur Bar Association, and he currently sits on the board of directors of the Good Samaritan Inn, an organization providing a free hot meal to its patrons seven days per week.

Mr. Coale focuses his practice on the defense of medical malpractice actions and all aspects of medical care, trying many cases to jury verdict. In addition, he represents clients in commercial litigation and general litigation matters.  He is licensed in the state of Illinois and has also been admitted to practice law in the Northern District of Illinois.

Prior to practicing law, Mr. Coale worked in the title insurance industry and has experience conducting closings, managing escrow accounts, conducting title searches and drafting title policies.

Practice Areas:

1. Business and Commercial Litigation

2. General Litigation

3. Healthcare Law

4. Medical Malpractice Defense

5. Professional Regulation/License

6. Real Estate Transactions

7. Transportation Defense

Professional Recognition: 

1. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

2. Avvo Rated 10.0/10.0 - Superb
   

3. Illinois Lawyer Assistance Program - Downstate Representative

4. Certified Foreclosure Mediator – Resolution Systems Institute
   

Professional Associations and Memberships: 

1. Decatur Bar Association

2. Illinois Bar Association

3. Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys

4. Defense Research Institute
   

Articles and Presentations:

1. The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Tool Kit – Ethical Considerations

   1. National Business Institute

2. Illinois Causes of Action: Tort Actions

3. Negligence: Professional Accountant Malpractice

   1. Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education

4. Navigating the Residential Foreclosure Maze
   

5. ISBA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section Counsel

6. Mortgagee’s Perspective of Foreclosure Mediations

7. Mortgage Modifications from the Lender’s Perspective

Education:  

1. B.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences - University of Illinois, 2002

2. B.A., Humanities - University of Illinois, 2002

3. J.D., Rutgers University School of Law – Camden, 2008

Community Involvement: 

1. Decatur Bar Association President, 2017-2018

2. Decatur Bar Association Board of Directors, 2015-2018

3. Good Samaritan Inn Board of Directors, since 2021

4. Psi Upsilon Fraternity Alumni, serving on its alumni association board of directors and as alumni association vice president.

(217) 428 - 5383

101 South Main Street, Suite 300 - Decatur, Illinois 62523

Call  (217) 428-5383

Email Bret Coale

Bret P. Coale