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. He has argued cases before the Illinois Appellate Court and tried cases before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. In addition to his work with medical providers, Mr. Coale represents clients in commercial litigation and general litigation matters.  He is licensed in the state of Illinois and has also been admitted to practice in federal court.

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 insurance policies.

Practice Areas:

1. Medical Malpractice Defense
   

2. Professional Regulation/License
   

3. Business and Commercial Litigation

4. General Litigation

5. Healthcare Law

6. Real Estate Transactions

7. Transportation Defense

Professional Recognition: 

1. Peer-Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

2. Peer-Rated an Illinois Leading Lawyer

3. Avvo Rated 10.0/10.0 - Superb
   

4. Illinois Lawyer Assistance Program - Downstate Representative

5. Certified Foreclosure Mediator – Resolution Systems Institute
   

Professional Associations and Memberships: 

1. Decatur Bar Association

2. Illinois Bar Association

3. Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel

4. Appellate Lawyers Association

5. Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys

6. Defense Research Institute
   

Articles and Presentations:

1. Advanced Trial Strategies - National Business Institute

• Electronic Evidence: Solutions to Authentication and Hearsay Hurdles

• Handling Trial Surprises and Setbacks With Finesse

1. Jury Diversity Strategies & Insights for Legal Practitioners - LearnFormula

2. Litigating Civil Cases From Start to Finish - National Business Institute
   

• Building Your Civil Trial Skills

• Motion Practice and Pleadings: Getting What You Want

1. The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Tool Kit – National Business Institute

• Ethical Considerations
  

1. Illinois Causes of Action: Tort Actions - Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education

• Chapter 2 - Assault and Battery

• Chapter 17 - Professional Accountant Malpractice

• Chapter 32 - Injunctions

1. Navigating the Residential Foreclosure Maze - ISBA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section Counsel

• Mortgagee’s Perspective of Foreclosure Mediations

• 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. Associate Editor - Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly

2. Decatur Bar Association President, 2017-2018

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

4. Good Samaritan Inn Board of Directors, since 2021

5. 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