I recommend to give your very best every day. As a result, everyone surrounding you will start noticing your effort and this will lead to even more opportunities personally and professionally.”
Nikola Duric, founder of Duric Law Offices in Park Ridge, Illinois has extensive experience in all aspects of civil and commercial litigation. He is also experienced in real estate transactions and negotiations, real estate, title and banking law. Duric was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1985.
Nikola Duric graduated from Loyola University of Chicago earning a B.B.A in Finance. Nikola Duric was awarded the President’s Medallion as a top business student and received the Edwin Kerwin Finance Scholarship. Nikola received his law degree from the Loyola University of Chicago where he was awarded the Dean’s Merit Award and was a member of the Niagara Moot Court Team.
Nikola is member of the Federal Trial Bar U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois.
Represent entities throughout Illinois, including in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kane, and McHenry Counties.
Clients Represented include: Fidelity National Financial Corporation, United Savings of America, Chicago Title Insurance Company, Chase Bank, CNA Insurance Company, Resolution Trust Corporation, Colonial Bank, Labe Federal Bank, Midtown Bank, Guaranty National Title Company, Fidelity National Title Company, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, Lawyers Title Insurance Company, Ticor Title Insurance Company and Stonegate Properties, LLC.
Where did the idea for Duric Law Offices in Park Ridge, Illinois come from?
After working as litigation counsel to Clausen, Miller and Fagel, Haber, I became General Corporate Counsel to United Savings of America. Based on the diverse experience I obtained from working in both large and mid-size law firm environments and then practicing in the creditors rights and banking sphere, I decided to open my own solo law practice.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early, as most of the time I am participating in a court hearing on behalf of our clients. Other days require court hearings and trials at different times throughout the day. I spend the remaining time at the office drafting briefs and pleadings, as well as client management and continuing legal education.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I meticulously plan and prepare how to present a case in court. I rehearse my opening and closing statement as well as review the relevant facts of the case dozens of times prior to the hearing. This strategy ensures that we are prepared for anything.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
That courts today are finally making use of the internet when it comes to filing legal documents and pleadings. This saves a tremendous amount of time while providing greater efficiency and value to my clients.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I would probably attribute my productivity to maintaining discipline in my schedule and maintain a strong, client-focused work ethic. Additionally, I am committed to delivering the best possible representation to my clients; I always put my clients first.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I do not recall ever having a “worst” job as I truly enjoyed and appreciated every opportunity that I received as I learned something from every prior experience that prepared me for the next. Prior to enrolling in law school, I had a summer job working in a foundry, which required a lot of tough and physical work in a work environment that was usually over 100 degrees. This experience drastically changed my appreciation towards labor workers and the tremendous effort and stamina it requires.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would not change anything as I am very content with the personal and professional direction of my life. I receive tremendous fulfillment from my life’s work and serving clients faithfully and with an unwavering commitment to excellence and trying to make a difference in our community.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend to give your very best every day. As a result, everyone surrounding you will start noticing your effort and this will lead to even more opportunities personally and professionally. I also recommend practicing great communication; many people underestimate its importance. Even as the world travels in hashtags, 140 characters on Twitter and text messages, the value of a well-written letter cannot be underestimated.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your law practice?
I attribute the growth of my law practice to constant networking, nurturing new relationships and strengthening existing relationships. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that I communicate with clients on a weekly basis, which makes my business relationships substantially stronger. Lastly, I truly believe that showing commitment and dedication towards your client’s assignment goes a long way.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I can luckily say that I have yet to experience failure as an entrepreneur. Learning from mistakes and constantly working to improve are central to my personal and professional philosophy.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I have always had an interest in real estate – a tangible asset with an enviable history of long-term growth. I think real estate investing is one of the greatest paths toward the accumulation of wealth.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The renewal of my membership to AAA Motor Club. This membership is an incredibly invaluable membership especially when you’re driving to different court house in different counties and sometimes even states! The best part is that it pays for itself the first time you have a flat tire or need roadside assistance.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
The software that I love the most is Apple; all of my gadgets are from there ranging from computer to mobile etc. I love that their technologies are both innovative and sleek.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I love American history and would have to recommend is The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, a biography of United States President Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris and published by Coward, McCann & Geoghegan. I found it to be incredibly inspiring for the younger generations.
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Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.