EXHIBIT 23.6 CONSENT OF COUNSEL ------------------ We hereby consent to the use in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger of Heritage Financial Services, Inc. with and into a subsidiary of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. of our name, and the statements with respect to us, as appearing in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. BARACK FERRAZZANO KIRSCHBAUM PERLMAN & NAGELBERG By: /s/ John E. Freechack --------------------------------------- John E. Freechack, a partner Date: March 3, 1998