Real estate has always been embedded in Leo Aubel’s genes. Through watching his parents navigate successful careers in the industry, Aubel came to understand the value of lending a helping hand to clients on the legal end of the business.

Aubel works as a partner for Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC. Aubel’s residential clientele typically consists of buyers and sellers, including corporate executives, sports figures and celebrities. On the commercial end, he works with single-family builders, developers and property managers, among others.

With Aubel’s 32 years in the business, his clients know they can count on him to bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to the table. He credits part of his success to his ability to communicate through writing — a skill that transfers directly to both the legal and real estate industries.

Recently, the chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court’s Probate Division appointed Aubel to handle the divestiture of a real estate portfolio for a large estate. And this past year, Aubel was recognized by Leading Lawyers Magazine as an Illinois leading lawyer for the fourth time. He was also admitted to the State Bar of Michigan, which will allow him to expand his business. In addition to earning his law degree, Aubel is a licensed managing broker in Illinois and a member of the Chicago Bar Association.

It has been highly rewarding for Aubel to have the opportunity to represent more brokers as individuals, whether it’s through employment contracts, forming a side business or leasing new office space. Clients often refer to Aubel as hardworking, available and responsive. “As the years go by, I feel less like an attorney and more like a big brother — someone you can confide in and depend on,” he says.

Outside of work, Aubel enjoys volunteering for Lambda Legal and Betty’s Buddies, a cancer awareness charity in his hometown of Three Oaks, Michigan.