Charles Keith Shay — Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 77 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Chicago, IL
Practicing law in Chicago since 1949.
- 77+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Charles Keith Shay?
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
Charles Keith Shay is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. Charles has over 77 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 77 years
- Known for
- legal services
- Over 77 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Charles Keith Shay: Charles Keith Shay is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. Charles has over 77 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Biography
About Charles Keith Shay — Over 77 years of Illinois legal experience
Charles Keith Shay is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. Charles has over 77 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Charles Keith Shay is a lawyer. Charles received a A.B. degree from Amherst College in 1943, and has been licensed for 77 years. Charles practices in Chicago, IL.
Who Charles represents
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Charles Keith Shay's legal education and bar admissions
Yale University Law School
LL.B. · 1949
Amherst College
A.B. · 1943
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
Illinois (Inactive)
1949 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at LL.B. in Yale University Law School and A.B. in Amherst College.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed LL.B. in Yale University Law School and A.B. in Amherst College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Charles Keith Shay
Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Charles Keith Shay's office in Chicago
Charles's primary office is at 1 Address Unknown, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles Keith Shay — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing legal attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles Keith Shay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Charles Keith Shay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new legal attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles'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; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a legal attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in legal practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every legal 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles Keith Shay
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a legal case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple legal 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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?
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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new legal clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Every city below is a direct link into the search page for verified attorneys serving Illinois.
More counsel
Other verified attorneys in Illinois
More verified attorneys in Illinois handling comparable matters.





