David E.B. Smith, Criminal Defense Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Real Estate
Asst. Corp. Coun.
Chicago, IL
Practicing criminal defense in Chicago since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
David E.B. Smith is an asst. corp. coun. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Real Estate. David has over 32 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Real Estate
- Handles Criminal Defense and Real Estate matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About David E.B. Smith: David E.B. Smith is an asst. corp. coun. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Real Estate. David has over 32 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on criminal defense and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois
David takes criminal defense 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 David agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
David takes real estate 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 David agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet David E.B. Smith — criminal defense lawyer in Chicago
David E.B. Smith is an asst. corp. coun. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Real Estate. David has over 32 years of legal experience.
David E.B. Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, real estate. David received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1979, and has been licensed for 32 years. David practices in Chicago, IL.
How David handles criminal defense matters
David E.B. Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, real estate. David received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1979, and has been licensed for 32 years. David practices in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. · 1994
Northwestern University
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1994 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in Northwestern University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
David E.B. Smith's office in Chicago
David's primary office is at 2 N La Salle St Ste 320, Chicago, IL, 60602-4060. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David E.B. Smith
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David E.B. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David E.B. Smith
How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
David handles criminal defense matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





