Christopher James Hales, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Contracts
AssociateatBurke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd.
Chicago, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Christopher James Hales is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Contracts. Christopher has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd..
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Contracts
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Contracts matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Christopher James Hales: Christopher James Hales is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Contracts. Christopher has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd..
Areas of practice
Christopher's practice areas in Chicago
Christopher concentrates on bankruptcy, business, contracts, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Contracts
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Christopher 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Christopher 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Chicago, Illinois
Christopher takes contracts 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Christopher 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Christopher 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
Christopher James Hales, bankruptcy attorney serving Chicago
Christopher James Hales is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Contracts. Christopher has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd.. Christopher works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Christopher James Hales is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & debt, insurance, commercial litigation and 1 other area of law. Christopher received a B.A. degree from Alma College in 2000, and has been licensed for 23 years. Christopher practices at Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
How Christopher handles bankruptcy matters
Christopher James Hales is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & debt, insurance, commercial litigation and 1 other area of law. Christopher received a B.A. degree from Alma College in 2000, and has been licensed for 23 years. Christopher practices at Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Christopher takes
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and contracts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Christopher studied and practices
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. · 2003
Alma College
B.A. · 2000
Jurisdictions
Christopher's state bar admissions
U.S District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
Illinois U.S. Bankru
2003 · ACTIVE
Christopher studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in Alma College.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in Alma College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Christopher James Hales's office in Chicago
Christopher's primary office is at Three First National Plz., 70 W. Madison St., Ste. 4300, Chicago, IL, 60602-5010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd.
Three First National Plz., 70 W. Madison St., Ste. 4300
Chicago, IL 60602-5010
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Christopher James Hales — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher'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; Christopher 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 Christopher
Christopher 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. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher'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 Christopher James Hales
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher'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. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Christopher 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 — Christopher 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 Christopher?
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. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Christopher'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
Christopher handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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