Religious liberty champion attorney Noel W. Sterett joins Dalton & Tomich, PLC, opens Illinois office
Sterett has successfully defended the rights of congregations across the country, recently co-authored guide to help church leaders navigate RLUIPA, land use litigation process
Attorney Noel W. Sterett has joined the law firm Dalton & Tomich, PLC. Sterett focuses his practice on the defense of religious liberties. He has successfully collaborated with pastors and other religious leaders of all faiths across the country, winning dozens of land use cases enabling congregations to use newly-purchased buildings and land to accomplish their noble missions.
“Securing religious liberty is my calling. It’s my passion,” Sterett said. “It’s truly been a blessing to support so many amazing people of faith across the country.”
Sterett is an authority on religious land use cases brought under the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Enacted in 2000, the law protects religious assemblies and institutions from zoning and land use regulations that substantially interfere with their religious exercise.
The Rockford, Illinois resident collaborated with attorney Daniel P. Dalton to develop the definitive guide for church leaders who find themselves unable to use newly acquired land or buildings. “Leveling the Playing Field: A Guide for Churches Navigating the Religious Land Use and Zoning Process” is available as a free download at www.attorneysforlanduse.com/guide.
Sterett’s arrival at Dalton & Tomich also marks the opening of the firm’s new office near Rockford in Belvidere, Illinois, allowing the firm to better serve clients in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. In addition to litigating religious land use cases, Sterett regularly advises religious groups on civil rights matters and how best to secure zoning for religious land uses.
In April 2018, Sterett co-authored an amicus curiae brief with Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys in defense of the ministerial housing allowance in the case of Gaylor v. Mnuchin. Nearly 9,000 ministers across the nation signed the brief.
Prior to joining Dalton & Tomich, Sterett worked as an attorney and partner in the Chicago law firm of Mauck & Baker, LLC for 11 years. He currently is a board member and active volunteer for Courtside Ministries, a nonprofit organization that brings the power of prayer to people working at or going in and out of courthouses across the nation. Sterett is a graduate of Regent University’s School of Law in Virginia. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University in Missouri.
About Dalton & Tomich, PLC
Located in the heart of Detroit’s Financial District and with a new office in Illinois to serve the Chicago area, the law firm of Dalton & Tomich, PLC features a specialized practice in religious land use and zoning law, supporting churches, mosques and other religious institutions across the country. For more information, or to request a consultation, visit www.attorneysforlanduse.com or call 313.859.6000 (Detroit) or 815.986.8050 (Chicago).
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About Us
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is the national leader in successfully helping churches, other religious institutions and their insurers defend their rights in land use and zoning matters under RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. We have helped clients win cases against municipalities and other local government bodies from coast to coast, with experience serving both as general counsel and special litigation counsel.
Harry HoffSenior Pastor, Hope Rising Community Church, Verona, PA
In 2015, Hope Rising Community Church experienced extreme opposition, the kind that would force it to close its doors and leave behind the families and youth it was so passionate about reaching. As the lead pastor I felt helpless, inferior and as if I had no […]
Read MoreKen KalbachElder, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Lenox, GA
Dalton & Tomich’s assistance in our RLUIPA matter has paved the way for our church to continue serving the community and for new churches in the area to thrive in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your stand for religious […]
Read MoreRev. Thomas OuweleenLead Pastor, The Urban Church, Warren, MI
The Urban Church will be forever grateful to Dalton & Tomich plc for navigating it through a difficult land use issue. Let them give you honest and caring advice because that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Read MoreKimberly KebleSenior Claims Adjuster, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Dalton & Tomich, PLC defended a complicated case at a church we insure. Not only is the firm professional, they understand how church business runs and work well within church leadership.
Read MoreRev. Demetrius BookerSenior Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church of God, Redford, MI
Dalton & Tomich, PLC helped us immensely in the areas of litigation and negotiation! Their professionalism and understanding of church policy helped our church be victorious in a modern day religious land use battle. RLUIPA Religious Land Use Case: Lighthouse Community Church of God
Read MoreMitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
Dalton & Tomich, PLC serves as General Counsel for the 144 churches within the Church of God in Michigan. The firm provides the legal expertise we need in dealing with the issues that arise during the course of fulfilling our ministry.
Read MoreTim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
I met Dan Dalton during a dark time for our church. He was recommended as the leading RLUIPA attorney in the nation. He demonstrated wisdom, expertise, a gentle nature, a calming inter-relational skill, genuineness, and a humble demeanor, while at the same time, being sharp, […]
Read MoreRonnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Mr. Dalton’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. His personal interest in helping our church went “above and beyond” just the call of duty. His understanding of both legal and spiritual matters seems to uniquely […]
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