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Brian LaCien, Aviation Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Aviation, Class Action, and Medical Malpractice

Smith LaCien LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing aviation in Chicago since 2002.

24+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Brian LaCien is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Aviation, Class Action, and Medical Malpractice. Brian has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith LaCien LLP.

Based in
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Experience
over 24 years
Known for
Aviation · Class Action · Medical Malpractice
  • Handles Aviation, Class Action, and Medical Malpractice matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
  • Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Aviation Law (Chicago) (2024).

About Brian LaCien: Brian LaCien is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Aviation, Class Action, and Medical Malpractice. Brian has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith LaCien LLP.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Brian takes on

Brian concentrates on aviation, class action, medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Aviation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Brian takes aviation 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 Brian agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Brian takes class action 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 Brian agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Chicago, Illinois

Brian takes medical malpractice 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 Brian agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Chicago, Illinois

Brian takes personal injury 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 Brian agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Chicago, Illinois

Brian takes product liability 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 Brian agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Brian LaCien — aviation lawyer in Chicago

Brian LaCien is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Aviation, Class Action, and Medical Malpractice. Brian has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith LaCien LLP.

Chicago trial attorney Brian LaCien is a founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP. He has a broad range of experience in the areas of medical malpractice, professional negligence, wrongful death, class actions, trucking litigation, product liability, aviation negligence, civil rights violations and premises liability.

LaCien and Todd A. Smith, also a founding partner, have a long track record of achieving exceptional results for clients, with more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements and over 100 cases with results of at least $1 million.

LaCien was selected by the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) to serve on the Association of Justice (AAJ) Board of Governors for the 2020-22 fiscal year. He is a past chair of AAJ’s Aviation Section. A long-time member of the Illinois State Bar Association, he is a past chair of the Tort Law Section.

LaCien began his career as an assistant legal counsel to the Illinois House of Representatives. He received a J.D., magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was recognized by the Illinois SuperLawyers as a “Rising Star” and then designated as a SuperLawyer every year since 2011. Recognized by Leading Lawyers annually since 2014, he has been included on its list as a Top Ten Emerging Lawyer. “Empathy is essential in my role in dealing with clients and explaining fully to them what litigation involves,” LaCien said. “Clients look to me to ensure that they will receive fair compensation. I remind them it’s my job to focus on their case while they focus on their recovery.”

How Brian handles aviation matters

Chicago trial attorney Brian LaCien is a founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP. He has a broad range of experience in the areas of medical malpractice, professional negligence, wrongful death, class actions, trucking litigation, product liability, aviation negligence, civil rights violations and premises liability. LaCien and Todd A. Smith, also a founding partner, have a long track record of…

Who Brian represents

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation, class action, and medical malpractice matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • DePaul University

    J.D. · 2002

  • The University of Iowa

    B.A. · 1999

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    2002 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in The University of Iowa.

Law school and academic background

Brian completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in The University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Brian has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Aviation Law (Chicago)

    2024

  • Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Illinois SuperLawyer since 2011

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Leading Lawyers, recognized since 2014, "Top 10 Emerging Lawyers"

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Aviation Law (Chicago) (2024). Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).

Locations

Brian LaCien's office in Chicago

Brian's primary office is at 70 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith LaCien LLP

70 West Madison Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian LaCien

Brian has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Brian LaCien — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian'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; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a aviation attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation 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 Brian

Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every aviation 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. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Brian LaCien

  • How much does it cost to hire Brian for a aviation case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Brian offer a free consultation?

    Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.

  • How long do aviation cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple aviation 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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    Brian 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 — Brian 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 Brian?

    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. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Brian accepting new aviation clients right now?

    Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Aviation attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Brian handles aviation matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.

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If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these aviation attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.