Find a Lawyer in Chicago
Browse vetted attorneys and law firms across Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, and the surrounding Chicagoland area.
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Attorneys & Law Firms in Chicago
Browse attorneys and law firms across Chicago and the Cook County area. All listed professionals have been reviewed through our editorial process.
MyLegalWin selections are made through a documented research process. Read how selections work →
For First-Time Clients
How to Choose a Lawyer in Chicago
Finding the right legal representation in Chicago requires understanding local court procedure, evaluating experience, and verifying credentials.
What to Look For
When choosing an attorney in the Chicago area, consider these factors:
Cook County courtroom experience
The Circuit Court of Cook County is one of the largest unified court systems in the world. Its Law Division, Municipal Division, and Chancery Division have distinct procedural rules. Select an attorney who routinely litigates in Cook County courts.
Focus in your specific area of need
Personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal law require distinct trial strategy. Look for a firm with established success in your practice area.
Clean Illinois ARDC record
Always check an attorney's registration status and discipline history with the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (IARDC).
Questions to Ask in a Consultation
- 1.How many cases like mine have you handled in Cook County or northern Illinois courts in the last year?
- 2.Will you personally manage my case, or will it be handed off to an associate?
- 3.What is your fee structure and what out-of-pocket costs will I be expected to pay?
- 4.What is the typical timeframe for resolving a case like mine in Chicago?
- 5.What percentage of your cases settle versus going to trial?
How Legal Fees Work in Illinois
Contingency fee
Common in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. The attorney receives a percentage (typically 33.3% to 40%) only if you recover compensation.
Hourly rate
Billed in fractional hour increments. In Chicago, hourly rates range from $250 to $500 per hour for general civil litigation, family law, and commercial matters.
Flat fee
A fixed fee for standardized legal tasks such as estate planning, uncontested divorces, or routine municipal/criminal defense matters.
Red Flags
Guarantees of victory
No attorney can guarantee specific case outcomes or fixed dollar recoveries.
Reluctance to explain fees in writing
Avoid attorneys who will not put fee agreements in writing.
Lack of local court familiarity
Choose an attorney familiar with Cook County or Northern District of Illinois local rules.
Poor responsiveness
If an attorney is unresponsive during initial inquiries, expect worse after hiring.
Verify an Attorney's License
Verify any attorney's Illinois license and disciplinary record through the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission at iardc.org.
Find a Lawyer
Common Legal Needs in Chicago
Browse vetted Chicago attorneys by practice area. Each guide outlines what attorneys do, what to expect, and applicable Illinois deadlines.
Personal Injury
If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash, slip and fall, construction site incident, or premises accident in Chicago, a personal injury lawyer helps you claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What to expect
Your attorney will conduct an investigation, gather medical records, communicate with insurance adjusters, and litigate your claim in Cook County Circuit Court if a fair settlement is not reached.
How long you have to file
Illinois generally applies a two-year limitations period to actions for injury to the person under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Medical-malpractice, government-related, minor, and other claims can have different accrual, notice, or repose rules.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Medical Malpractice
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to physician error, surgical negligence, misdiagnosis, or hospital error in Chicago, a medical malpractice attorney investigates and files suit against responsible medical providers.
What to expect
Illinois law requires an affidavit and health professional report (735 ILCS 5/2-622) establishing merit before filing a malpractice lawsuit. Your attorney will consult medical experts and litigate your claim.
How long you have to file
Illinois medical-malpractice claims generally use a two-year discovery period with a four-year repose period under 735 ILCS 5/13-212, subject to statutory exceptions including special rules for minors and certain concealment circumstances.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Criminal Defense
If you face criminal charges in Cook County — such as DUI, drug offenses, assault, or felony charges — a criminal defense lawyer defends your rights and represents you in court.
What to expect
Defense counsel will review state evidence, file motions to suppress, negotiate with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and represent you at trial (at 2600 S. California Ave or branch courthouses).
How long you have to file
Retain counsel immediately after an arrest or criminal notice to preserve defense options.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Family Law & Divorce
If you are navigating divorce, child custody, child support, or spousal maintenance in Chicago, a family law attorney represents your rights in Cook County Domestic Relations Division.
What to expect
Illinois follows equitable distribution rules for marital assets. Your lawyer will handle property valuation, parental allocation plans (custody), and support calculations.
How long you have to file
Illinois requires residency (90 days) prior to filing. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Immigration Law
If you require assistance with family or employment visas, green card petitions, citizenship, or deportation defense in Chicago, an immigration attorney handles federal applications and proceedings.
What to expect
Your attorney will prepare documentation for USCIS or represent you before the Chicago Immigration Court (EOIR).
How long you have to file
Filing deadlines vary based on specific visa categories and immigration court hearing notices.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
IP & Civil Litigation
If your business faces trademark infringement, patent disputes, breach of commercial contracts, or general civil disputes in Chicago, a civil litigation attorney handles state and federal lawsuits.
What to expect
Commercial litigators manage pleadings, discovery, preliminary injunctions, and trials in Cook County Chancery/Law Divisions or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
How long you have to file
Illinois applies different limitations periods to written and unwritten contract claims. Which period applies can depend on the agreement and theory asserted, so confirm the statute and accrual date for the specific dispute.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Municipal Law & Estate Planning
If you need a will, living trust, power of attorney, or assistance with local municipal administrative matters in Chicagoland, an estate planning and municipal attorney assists with planning and representation.
What to expect
Estate attorneys structure plans to avoid probate in Cook County Probate Court and ensure asset transfer. Municipal attorneys represent clients in local governmental hearings.
How long you have to file
Estate planning should be completed before incapacity or illness occurs.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Illinois Law
What to Know About Illinois Law
Essential legal facts for civil claims in Chicago and Cook County.
Statute of Limitations
Mandatory filing deadlines under Illinois law:
| Type of Case | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal injury (car crashes, slip & fall) | 2 years |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years |
| Property damage | 5 years |
| Breach of written contract | 10 years |
| Breach of oral contract | 5 years |
| Wrongful death | 2 years |
Damage Caps
No Damage Caps
Illinois does not impose a general statutory damages cap on ordinary personal-injury claims, and the Illinois Supreme Court invalidated the medical-malpractice noneconomic-damages cap in Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. Recoverable damages still depend on the claim, proof, and other applicable statutes and rules.
Equitable Distribution
Illinois is not a community property state. Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/503), marital property is divided according to equitable distribution — meaning assets and debts are divided fairly based on statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
At-Fault Auto Insurance
Illinois operates under an at-fault auto insurance system. The driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for resulting bodily injury and property damage. Injured parties file claims with the fault driver's insurer or pursue court litigation.
Court System
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
State civil and criminal cases are handled by the Circuit Court of Cook County. Federal matters go to the Northern District of Illinois.
Circuit Court of Cook County
State civil, criminal, and family law cases in Chicago are handled by the Circuit Court of Cook County:
Civil Law & Chancery Divisions
Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. Handles civil suits over $50,000, domestic relations, chancery, and probate.
Cook County Circuit Court ↗Criminal Division
Leighton Criminal Court Building, 2600 S. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608.
Federal Courts
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois: Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604. Handles federal civil litigation, federal criminal cases, and bankruptcy matters across Chicagoland.
Northern District of Illinois ↗Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Chicago Legal Resources
Illinois ARDC — Attorney Search
Verify lawyer license and disciplinary history
Circuit Court of Cook County
Court information and case lookup
U.S. District Court — Northern District of Illinois
Federal court information
Illinois State Bar Association
Legal information and public guides
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Free legal information for Illinois residents
Coverage Area