Our Attorneys
John Dodson
John D. Dodson graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science / History and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois in 1966. John served in the United States Navy and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Commander Retired. He's a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign, member of the University of Illinois Foundation, and Life Member of the University of Illinois President's Council. He served as a member of the Champaign City Planning Commission from 1999 to 2011, and twice elected as Chairperson. John is also a 30-year member of the Champaign Rotary Club. John is married to Terri Dodson from Ottowa, Illinois, and has two daughters and one grandchild.
Practice areas:
- Commercial and Residential Real Estate
- Condominium Law
- Corporations
- Divorce
- Family Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Wills and Probate
Edwin Piraino
Ed Piraino has been practicing law for nearly 20 years. He practices extensively in Criminal Law, Traffic Offenses, Driving Under Influence, Revocation, and Suspension. He has handled thousands of criminal cases from the smallest City (ordinance) charge to several murder cases to trial and completion. He has tried many cases involving murder, armed violence, sexual assault, serious drug offenses, as well as driving offenses.
Ed is one of the few attorneys in the State of Illinois whom the Illinois Supreme Court certified to try Capital Murder cases where the State asked for the Death Penalty for the Defendant. Ed is member of the Capital Litigation Bar.
Ed has extensive experience juvenile criminal cases where he represents juveniles trying to get their life back on track. Ed also serves you in family law, divorce, medical malpractice and other facets of law.
Ed takes a very personal interest in his clients and will explain each stage of the case and what the ramifications of the case are and how to get the best resolution. He will work for the best possible outcome of the case and will always follow the wishes of his client.
Ed served with the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy. He was a police officer with the Champaign Police Department and also owned Arrow Ambulance for approximately 17 years. He is well versed in all areas of criminal, traffic, and family law.
Ed attended the University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Chicago Kent College of Law.
Ed is a member of:
- American Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Champaign County Bar Association
Ed is licensed to practice law in U.S. Federal Court in:
- Northern District of Illinois
- Southern District of Illinois
Practice areas:
- Criminal Law
- Traffic Law
- Driving Under Influence ( DUI )
- Driving Under Revocation ( DUR )
- Driving Under Suspension ( DUS )
- Juvenile Law
- Family Law
Scott Anderson Jr.
Bachelor of Arts 1969 -Chapman College Orange, California
Juris Doctor 1972, University of Denver College of Law Denver Colorado
Denver law Journal
Admitted to Practice before the Supreme Court of Illinois 1973
Admitted to Practice before the US Supreme Court 1973
Admitted to Practice before the US District Court of Eastern District of Illinois 1973
Practice Areas Include: Family Law Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Contract Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Wills and Trusts.
Member: Champaign County Bar Association, Past Vice President Illinois State Bar Association, Member Family Law Section, Member Tort Law Section.
Community Activities: Member and Past President of Champaign Rotary Club, Board Member and Past President of Lincolnshire Fields Homeowners Association, Past Board Member and Past Chairman of the Urban League of Champaign County, Inc. Past Board Member of the United Way of Champaign County, Inc. Past President and Past Board Member of the Saybrook, Illinois Chamber of Commerce Former Youth and College Ice Hockey Referee.
Married to Donna Anderson and has two adult children
Scott Dempsey
Scott Dempsey's practice is concentrated in civil litigation, including personal injury, wrongful death, workers' compensation, commercial litigation, and family law, at both the trial and appellate levels. He also represents individuals and businesses in collection matters as well as residential and commercial real estate transactions. Scott has briefed and argued cases before the Illinois Appellate Courts, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Scott graduated from Earlham College in 1991 and is a 1994 graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1994 and the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 1995. Prior to joining Dodson, Piraino & Associates in 2000, Scott worked as an associate at Tummelson Bryan & Knox in Urbana, Illinois where he concentrated in the areas of insurance defense, including the defense of personal injury claims, product liability claims, and medical malpractice claims at both the trial and appellate levels.
Scott is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Champaign County Bar Association. He is a lifelong resident of central Illinois and when not practicing law he enjoys traveling and bicycling. While at Earlham College, Scott was a member of the basketball team and he and his family enjoy attending University of Illinois basketball games and other sporting events.
Practice Areas Include:
- Civil Litigation
- Person Injury
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Commercial Litigation
- Family Law & Adoption
- Collections
- Commercial and Residential Real Estate Transactions