A Foreclosure Lawyer Who Fights the Case
A foreclosure lawsuit is a lawsuit, and the lender has to prove its case like any other plaintiff.
Our approach
Ritenhouse Law Group was founded on a simple idea: a foreclosure lawsuit is a lawsuit, and the lender has to prove its case like any other plaintiff. Too many homeowners are pushed toward bankruptcy or a quick surrender before anyone checks whether the bank followed the rules.
We start with the evidence. Who actually owns the note? Were the required notices sent? Did the servicer handle your loss-mitigation application correctly? Was service of process valid? Each answer can change the case.
We also plan for every outcome. Keeping the home is the goal, but every client leaves the first meeting knowing their fallback options and the timeline for each.
- Licensed in Illinois
- 2011
- J.D.
- DePaul University College of Law
- Focus
- Foreclosure defense and consumer protection
About Damon Ritenhouse
Damon Ritenhouse has defended Illinois homeowners and consumers since he was licensed in 2011. Before founding Ritenhouse Law Group, he spent more than a decade at EV Häs, LLC in Palos Heights, where as a partner he supervised the firm's litigation, handled several hundred residential and commercial foreclosure files, and argued motions in courts across Illinois.
His path to foreclosure defense began in public service. While earning bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice at Illinois State University, he worked as a victim advocate at the McLean County State's Attorney's Office. After moving to Chicago in 2007, he studied at DePaul University College of Law, earned a certificate for pro bono service through the Center for Public Interest Law, and defended clients in housing court as a 711-licensed law student with the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
Damon has served as supervising attorney for the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Project, a help desk that provides brief legal services to people experiencing homelessness in the South Loop, and he has written for the Illinois Bar Journal on standing in foreclosure cases and on condominium law.
Experience
- 2026 to presentFounder and Principal AttorneyRitenhouse Law Group, LLC, Wilmette
- 2012 to 2026Partner, foreclosure defense and litigationEV Häs, LLC, Palos Heights
- 2010 to 2011Law Clerk (711-licensed law student, housing court)Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago
- 2007 to 2008Law ClerkSorman & Frankel, Ltd.
- 2005 to 2007Victim AdvocateMcLean County State's Attorney's Office
Education
- DePaul University College of LawJ.D., 2011
- Illinois State UniversityM.S., Criminal Justice, 2007
- Illinois State UniversityB.S., Criminal Justice, 2005
Admissions
- IllinoisAdmitted 2011
- U.S. District Court, N.D. Illinois
Honors
- Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers (Foreclosure Defense and Real Estate)2017, 2018, 2019
- Annual Recognition, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services2019
- Outstanding Service to the DePaul Community Award, DePaul University College of Law2017
Associations
- Illinois State Bar Association2011 to present
- Leading Lawyers2017 to present
- Neighborhood Legal Assistance Project, Supervising Attorney
Publications & Speaking
- 2026“Defending Against HELOC Foreclosures”Speaking engagement
- 2015“Buyer Beware: Advising Condominium Owners in Illinois”Illinois Bar Journal
- 2014“Where Title VII Stops: Exploring Subtle Race Discrimination in the Workplace”DePaul Journal for Social Justice
- 2013“Challenging a Trustee Plaintiff's Standing to Maintain a Foreclosure Action in Illinois”Illinois Bar Journal
- 2013“Don't Call It a Crisis: Examining the Issue of Medical Tort Reform and Damage Caps in Illinois”ISBA Tort Law Section
- 2011“What's Orientation Got to Do With It?: Exploring the Best Interest of the Child Standard and Legal Bias Against Gay and Lesbian Parents”Journal of Poverty
Client reviews
Client Reviews
“He worked with us in a very professional and timely manner to get our case resolved.”
Catherine on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “He was honest from the beginning about upfront costs. And was very informative about how the City operated.”
Patricio, City of Chicago code violations on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “Damon took his time explaining the options and providing sound legal advice.”
Alexandria on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “He informed me of all potential issues and risks prior to starting on my case (landlord-tenant dispute) and updated me on the progress every step of the way. Easy to talk to and gives his honest opinion.”
Brenna, Landlord-tenant dispute on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “With Damon, we developed a strategy. He told me options I did not know I had and worked diligently on my behalf to get me out of the bad situation I was in.”
Fletcher, Foreclosure on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “Damon represented me on a delicate and complex matter for over two years. Damon throughout our relationship was competent, trustworthy, and deliberate.”
Louis, Real estate on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “Damon is extremely knowledgeable, professional and patient. He always communicated clearly and had thoroughly explored various options with my case.”
Mary, Foreclosure on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “I hired Damon to assist me with a very tricky real estate dilemma. He was able to offer creative solutions, implement and execute a game plan.”
Brandon, Real estate on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “He was always available either by phone or email. He kept us informed on all progress throughout our case.”
Melo on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “It is refreshing to find someone that will listen and work with you to make sure that your interests are protected and that you are informed of your options.”
Wentworth, Foreclosure on Avvo(opens in a new tab) “Damon has been extremely helpful with providing and explaining our options for the best course of action to take with our lender.”
Anonymous, Loan modification on Avvo(opens in a new tab)
Client reviews are verbatim excerpts from Damon's Avvo profile and describe his work at his previous firm. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Avvo figures as of September 2026.
Peer Endorsements
Lawyers who have worked with or alongside Damon, as posted on Avvo.
View all endorsements on Avvo(opens in a new tab)“He is one of the sharpest and most even keeled attorneys I know. His demeanor and ability to work with the parties to reach optimal results is impressive, and a quality much sought after. Yet he is not afraid to litigate matters aggressively and fervently to the bitter end.”
Mahmoud Faisal Elkhatib on Avvo (opens in a new tab), Foreclosure lawyerFellow lawyer in community “Mr. Ritenhouse is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients.”
Leonard Boyer on Avvo (opens in a new tab), Foreclosure lawyerFellow lawyer in community Michelle Andres on Avvo (opens in a new tab), Foreclosure lawyerWorked together on matter Joseph Napoli on Avvo (opens in a new tab), Foreclosure lawyerFellow lawyer in community
Talk to the attorney who will actually handle your case.
Call +1 (555) 555-5555 for a free case review.