Lawyers in Illinois
Find licensed lawyers in Illinois across Chicago, Aurora, Rockford and Joliet — covering family law, personal injury, criminal defense, immigration and business matters. Every Illinois attorney listed is verified against the Illinois State Bar Association directory, so you can compare credentials, practice areas and contact details in one place. Browse 315+ profiles below and connect directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a lawyer cost in Illinois?
Hourly rates for lawyers in Illinois typically run 225 to 525 per published fee surveys. Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(c) requires written contingency-fee agreements; medical-malpractice contingency is statutorily capped on a sliding scale under 735 ILCS 5/2-1114. Many Illinois attorneys offer free initial consultations through the Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
2. How do I verify a lawyer is licensed in Illinois?
Use the official Illinois State Bar Association attorney search at isba.org to confirm any lawyer is actively licensed and in good standing. The directory shows admission date, current status and any public disciplinary history. Illinois regulates attorney admissions and conduct through the Illinois State Bar Association together with the state’s highest court. Every Illinois attorney listed on BestLocalLaw is verified against this registry.
3. What types of lawyers practice in Illinois?
Common practice areas for Illinois attorneys include family law, personal injury, criminal defense, immigration, employment, business and real estate. Chicago handles a heavy volume of class-action, securities and product-liability litigation distinctive to the Northern District of Illinois. Browse the Illinois State Bar Association member directory or use the practice-area filters at the top of this page.
4. How do I get free or low-cost legal help in Illinois?
Low-income Illinois residents can get free civil legal help through Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org). The program covers housing, family, consumer and benefits matters; statewide coordination of pro bono and modest-means programs is handled through the Illinois State Bar Association. The Lawyer Referral Service connects callers with attorneys offering reduced-fee 30-minute initial consultations.
5. How do I choose the right lawyer for my case?
Look for a Illinois attorney whose practice focuses on your specific issue and check their standing with the Illinois State Bar Association. The Illinois State Bar Association does not run a formal specialty-certification program; its 30+ practice sections are the primary public signal of focused practice. Get a written fee agreement before hiring; the bar’s fee-arbitration program handles disputes later if needed.
6. How to look up an attorney in Illinois?
To look up an attorney in Illinois, use the Illinois State Bar Association directory at isba.org. The directory returns active license status, admission year, primary office location, practice area and any public discipline. For specialty matters the Illinois State Bar Association also lists certified mediators, arbitrators and Chicago-based firms by area.