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Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

focused on Business and Litigation

Chicago, IL

Trusted business attorney serving Chicago.

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Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.

Based in
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Business · Litigation
  • Handles Business and Litigation matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer: Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer

Christopher concentrates on business and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

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.

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

About Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer — Attorney of Illinois business experience

Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.

While Christopher Schaeffer counsels his clients, including leading financial services firms and educational institutions, on high-stakes and often contentious matters, his focus is on finding positive resolutions that enable both sides to move past their disputes and achieve their strategic goals. An experienced first chair trial lawyer who has also represented clients before administrative agencies and regulatory bodies as well as at the bargaining table, Chris takes a clear and straightforward approach to advancing his clients’ interests.

With strong writing and oral communication skills informed by his clerkship experience, Chris is adept at crafting litigation strategy, writing dispositive motions, drafting discovery requests, taking and defending depositions, and conducting oral arguments or witness examinations in a range of complex commercial litigation matters, including conflicts surrounding mergers & acquisitions, derivative lawsuits, shareholder disputes, defamation, breach of contract, fiduciary duties, intellectual property, and trade secrets. Chris also has particular experience in helping employers navigate issues regarding restrictive covenants, including handling litigation around their applicability.

He also applies the insights gained in litigation to offer counsel to businesses seeking to mitigate risk and avoid conflict, advising them on policies and procedures around labor and employment practices such as hiring, terminations, union organization efforts, and compensation plans.

In addition to his trial and advisory work, Chris has drafted appellate briefs in both state and federal appeals throughout the country. He is an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he teaches a class on civil appeals.

Christopher's approach to business cases

While Christopher Schaeffer counsels his clients, including leading financial services firms and educational institutions, on high-stakes and often contentious matters, his focus is on finding positive resolutions that enable both sides to move past their disputes and achieve their strategic goals. An experienced first chair trial lawyer who has also represented clients before administrative…

The kind of cases Christopher takes

Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer's legal education and bar admissions

  • Loyola University Chicago

    J.D. · 2015

Jurisdictions

Christopher's state bar admissions

  • Illinois, Illinois S

    ACTIVE

Christopher studied at J.D. in Loyola University Chicago.

Law school and academic background

Christopher completed J.D. in Loyola University Chicago. 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.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer

Christopher has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Illinois Emerging Lawyer in Emerging Commercial Litigation Lawyers,

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — (2023-2025)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Illinois Rising Star in Employment & Labor and Business Litigation,

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Thomson Reuters Illinois Super Lawyers

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — (2025)

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Illinois Emerging Lawyer in Emerging Commercial Litigation Lawyers, (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers (2026).

Locations

Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer's office in Chicago

Christopher's primary office is at 1 South Dearborn Street, Suite 2200, Chicago, Illinois, 60603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1 South Dearborn Street, Suite 2200

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer

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

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer can leave a review.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 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 Christopher

Christopher 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. 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Christopher L. "Chris" Schaeffer

  • How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher'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. 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 business 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

Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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