Brian Philip Paul, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Employment, and Formation
PartneratMichael Best & Friedrich LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Brian Philip Paul is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Employment, and Formation. Brian has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Employment · Formation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Employment, and Formation matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Brian Philip Paul: Brian Philip Paul is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Employment, and Formation. Brian has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on bankruptcy, employment, formation, general, and maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Employment
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Formation
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General
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Maritime
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Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brian takes bankruptcy 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.
Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brian takes employment 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.
Formation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brian takes formation 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.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brian takes general 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.
Maritime cases in Chicago, Illinois
Brian takes maritime 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 Philip Paul — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago
Brian Philip Paul is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Employment, and Formation. Brian has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.
Brian Philip Paul is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, antitrust & trade law, bankruptcy & debt and 3 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Emory University in 2000, and has been licensed for 23 years. Brian practices at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Chicago, IL.
How Brian handles bankruptcy matters
Brian Philip Paul is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, antitrust & trade law, bankruptcy & debt and 3 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Emory University in 2000, and has been licensed for 23 years. Brian practices at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Brian takes
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, employment, and formation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Vanderbilt University Law School
J.D. · 2003
Emory University
B.A. · 2000
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2004 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in Emory University.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in Emory University. 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.
Locations
Brian Philip Paul's office in Chicago
Brian's primary office is at River Point, 444 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
River Point, 444 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60606
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Brian Philip Paul — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brian Philip Paul
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Brian handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





