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68 foundation for this business," he said. "A law firm that does that is usually a stable, well- regarded, and financially healthy law firm." CODILIS AT ITS CORE Headquarters for Codilis is Burr Ridge, Illinois, a city populated by just 11,000 residents, give or take. It's a serene suburb surrounded by ever-crowded freeways—a cozy community where one of the favorite area breakfast spots sits adjacent to a bowling alley. Codilis occupies two buildings in Burr Ridge: one contemporary, creative, and cool, and the other more old school through and through. e nearly 500-person family of firms operates in five states and is the largest default servicing firm in the Land of Lincoln. Codilis is a long-view firm to its bones, with a mission to build slowly, be the best at the craft, engender loyalty and low turnover, focus on facts and fairness, and speak the truth clearly, calmly, and kindly to clients and its mortgage customers. e result: a rare record of growth and a deep reservoir of respect. e 40-year anniversary for Codilis fast approaches, and you don't get there taking many wrong turns. "My mom and dad were all about doing the right thing," Codilis said. "I am so lucky to have had them, so I've wanted to practice what they preached in my life as a father to my children, and with my co-workers at the firm." Humility, not hubris. People, not just profits. A clear conscience, not a cloudy one. at's classic Codilis. OFFERING OPTIONS A major portion of the firm's business, of course, is tied to foreclosures and loss mitigation, and Codilis has subscribed since day one to the belief that there is almost always a solution short of someone losing their home. e firm's lawyers don't forget that on the other end of most mortgages gone bad is a family whose fortunes have gone awry—and people are hurting. "When we deal with our clients' customers," Codilis said, "We listen, we are compassionate, and we communicate." Moody joined the firm when Codilis had only four lawyers. He said, "ere is no such thing as a 'one-size-fits-all' approach here. It's not our style, by choice." Moody said the firm persistently seeks a mitigation strategy and solution that's a win-win for all parties. Admittedly, lots of borrowers often don't see it that way. "We give them as many options as we can," Moody said. "We don't surprise them. We want them involved, not intimidated." Codilis seeks to demystify the foreclosure process and reduce the borrower's anxiety and fear levels. Ernie Codilis added, "No one wins when there is a foreclosure and a family has to leave. Banks and servicing companies don't want that to happen. ey'd rather get the borrower into an arrangement where they can save their house." Moody agreed. "We listen, and we are problem solvers, not problem creators." FAVORING FAIRNESS ere's been another kind of shift in the last two or three years that favors firms with a track record of fair play. "In the wake of the mortgage crisis," Moody said, "many judges—who on a daily basis were being exposed to negative media coverage of the mortgage industry—were sympathetic to the plight of the borrowers who appeared before them." But the courts are now adding balance back into the process. "Judges saw clearly that many firms do try to work with consumers and make countless arrangements short of foreclosure," Moody said. "Maybe it's just the pendulum naturally swinging back," Moody said. LESSONS IN LONGEVITY e resonance of reputation energizes Ernie Codilis. His name is well known in the Burr Ridge community. One reason: his childhood home, where Codilis's parents still reside, is a mere two miles away from the firm's office. For Codilis, a trip to the local hardware store is like traveling down memory lane. If his firm went off the ethical rails, he would see it in the faces of his friends and acquaintances. "We strive to defy the common perception of those who think we work in a cold-hearted business," Codilis said. "I don't hire heartless people. In fact, I look for the opposite." He believes the key to the firm's success and standing is longevity among his lawyers and staff. "I am most proud of that," Codilis said. "I "I really disliked being painted with the same brush as those who took advantage of people. And I was so happy we were viewed as a firm that was on sound, responsible footing. I always knew we were."

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