
Brett N. Cagan, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning
PartneratPatzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd.
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Brett N. Cagan?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Brett N. Cagan is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Brett has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd..
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Brett N. Cagan: Brett N. Cagan is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Brett has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd..
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brett takes on
Brett concentrates on business, elder law, estate planning, estate tax, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brett handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Estate Tax
View other Estate Tax attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
Tax
View other Tax attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Wills
View other Wills attorneys
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brett takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brett takes elder law matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brett takes estate planning matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brett takes estate tax matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brett takes probate matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brett N. Cagan — business lawyer in Chicago
Brett N. Cagan is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Brett has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd..
Brett N. Cagan is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trusts and estates, wills and 8 other areas of law. Brett N. received a B.S. degree from Indiana University in 1992, and has been licensed for 29 years. Brett N. practices at Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Brett's approach to business cases
Brett N. Cagan is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trusts and estates, wills and 8 other areas of law. Brett N. received a B.S. degree from Indiana University in 1992, and has been licensed for 29 years. Brett N. practices at Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Clients Brett works with
Brett reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and estate planning matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Valparaiso University School of Law
J.D. · 1997
Indiana University
B.S. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Brett's state bar admissions
Illinois
1997 · ACTIVE
Brett studied at J.D. in Valparaiso University School of Law and B.S. in Indiana University.
Law school and academic background
Brett completed J.D. in Valparaiso University School of Law and B.S. in Indiana University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brett runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Brett's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Estate Planning Council
bar_fellowship
Locations
Brett N. Cagan's office in Chicago
Brett's primary office is at 200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd.
200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Brett N. Cagan
Brett has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Brett N. Cagan can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Brett N. Cagan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brett usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brett charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brett's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brett will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brett
Brett discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brett confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brett's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brett N. Cagan
How much does it cost to hire Brett for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brett walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brett offer a free consultation?
Brett charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brett's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Brett's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brett gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brett take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Brett is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brett will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brett?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brett will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brett accepting new business clients right now?
Brett's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Brett handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Illinois
If Brett's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





