Diane Dickett Smart

Diane Dickett Smart, Workers Comp Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 41 years of legal practice

PartneratWiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd.

Chicago, IL

Practicing workers comp in Chicago since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Diane Dickett Smart is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Diane has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd..

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Workers Comp
  • Handles Workers Comp matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Diane Dickett Smart: Diane Dickett Smart is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Diane has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd..

Areas of practice

Legal matters Diane takes on

Diane concentrates on workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Diane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Workers Comp cases in Chicago, Illinois

Diane takes workers comp 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 Diane agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Diane Dickett Smart — workers comp lawyer in Chicago

Diane Dickett Smart is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Diane has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd..

Diane Dickett Smart is a lawyer practicing workers compensation defense. Diane Dickett received a B.S. degree from DePaul University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Diane Dickett practices at Wiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.

Working with Diane on a workers comp matter

Diane Dickett Smart is a lawyer practicing workers compensation defense. Diane Dickett received a B.S. degree from DePaul University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Diane Dickett practices at Wiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.

Clients Diane works with

Diane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for workers comp matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Illinois Law School

    J.D. · 1985

  • DePaul University

    B.S. Business · 1982

Jurisdictions

Diane's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1985 · ACTIVE

Diane studied at J.D. in University of Illinois Law School and B.S. Business in DePaul University.

Law school and academic background

Diane completed J.D. in University of Illinois Law School and B.S. Business in DePaul University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Diane runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Diane's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations Women's Bar Association Hellenic Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Diane Dickett Smart's office in Chicago

Diane's primary office is at One North Franklin, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Wiedner & McAuliffe, Ltd.

One North Franklin, Suite 1900

Chicago, IL 60606

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Diane Dickett Smart

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Hiring guide

How to hire Diane Dickett Smart — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new workers comp attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Diane usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Diane charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane'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; Diane will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a workers comp attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many workers comp 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 Diane

Diane discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in workers comp practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every workers comp 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. Diane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Diane's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many workers comp practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Diane Dickett Smart

  • How much does it cost to hire Diane for a workers comp case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Diane walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Diane offer a free consultation?

    Diane charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane's office. Some workers comp attorneys offer free consults — check Diane's current terms during booking.

  • How long do workers comp cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple workers comp 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. Diane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Diane take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    Diane 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 — Diane 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 Diane?

    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. Diane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Diane accepting new workers comp clients right now?

    Diane's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Workers Comp attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Diane handles workers comp matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified workers comp attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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