Charles Michael Baum, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Civil Rights, and General
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Charles Michael Baum?
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Quick answer
Charles Michael Baum is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and General. Charles has over 31 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Business · Civil Rights · General
- Handles Business, Civil Rights, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Charles Michael Baum: Charles Michael Baum is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and General. Charles has over 31 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Charles takes on
Charles concentrates on business, civil rights, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Civil Rights
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles takes civil rights 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles takes insurance 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles takes litigation 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Charles Michael Baum — business lawyer in Chicago
Charles Michael Baum is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and General. Charles has over 31 years of legal experience.
Charles Michael Baum is a lawyer practicing civil rights, commercial, litigation and 5 other areas of law. Charles received a B.S. degree from DePaul University in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Charles practices in Chicago, IL.
Working with Charles on a business matter
Charles Michael Baum is a lawyer practicing civil rights, commercial, litigation and 5 other areas of law. Charles received a B.S. degree from DePaul University in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Charles practices in Chicago, IL.
Who Charles represents
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, civil rights, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1995
DePaul University
B.S. · 1991
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1995 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in DePaul University.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in DePaul University. 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.
Locations
Charles Michael Baum's office in Chicago
Charles's primary office is at 35 W Wacker Dr Fl 9, Chicago, IL, 60601-1639. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles Michael Baum
Charles 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles Michael Baum — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 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 Charles
Charles 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. 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles Michael Baum
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Charles'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. 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 business 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
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Charles handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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