Donna J. Pugh

Donna J. Pugh, Elder Law Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Health Care, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratFoley & Lardner LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing elder law in Chicago since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Donna J. Pugh is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Health Care, and Real Estate. Donna has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
Elder Law · Health Care · Real Estate
  • Handles Elder Law, Health Care, and Real Estate matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Donna J. Pugh: Donna J. Pugh is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Health Care, and Real Estate. Donna has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Donna takes on

Donna concentrates on elder law, health care, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donna handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Donna takes elder law 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 Donna agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Chicago, Illinois

Donna takes health care 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 Donna agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Donna 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 Donna agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Donna takes zoning 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 Donna agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Donna J. Pugh — elder law lawyer in Chicago

Donna J. Pugh is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Health Care, and Real Estate. Donna has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Donna J. Pugh is a lawyer practicing land use & zoning, health care, senior living and 1 other area of law. Donna received a B.A. degree from University of Florida, Gainesville in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Donna practices at Foley & Lardner LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Donna on a elder law matter

Donna J. Pugh is a lawyer practicing land use & zoning, health care, senior living and 1 other area of law. Donna received a B.A. degree from University of Florida, Gainesville in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Donna practices at Foley & Lardner LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who Donna represents

Donna reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, health care, and real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Loyola University of Chicago

    J.D. · 1983

  • University of Florida, Gainesville

    B.A. Political · 1979

Jurisdictions

Donna's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1983 · ACTIVE

Donna studied at J.D. in Loyola University of Chicago and B.A. Political in University of Florida, Gainesville.

Law school and academic background

Donna completed J.D. in Loyola University of Chicago and B.A. Political in University of Florida, Gainesville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donna runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Donna has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Donna J. Pugh's office in Chicago

Donna's primary office is at 321 North Clark Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL, 60654-4762. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Foley & Lardner LLP

321 North Clark Street, Suite 3000

Chicago, IL 60654-4762

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Donna J. Pugh — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Donna. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Chicago.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donna J. Pugh claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Donna J. Pugh — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law 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 Donna

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every elder law 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. Donna confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Donna J. Pugh

  • How much does it cost to hire Donna for a elder law case?

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

  • Does Donna offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do elder law cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple elder law 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. Donna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Donna 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 — Donna 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 Donna?

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

  • Is Donna accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Donna handles elder law matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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