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Ellen Sue Robbins, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business · 4.5/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

PartneratSidley Austin LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
5 client reviews
5
Bar admissions

Are you Ellen Sue Robbins?

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Quick answer

Ellen Sue Robbins is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business. Ellen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Appellate · Bankruptcy · Business
  • Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Ellen Sue Robbins: Ellen Sue Robbins is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business. Ellen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Ellen takes on

Ellen concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, business, contracts, and entertainment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ellen takes appellate 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ellen 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ellen 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ellen 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ellen takes entertainment 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Ellen Sue Robbins — appellate lawyer in Chicago

Ellen Sue Robbins is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business. Ellen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Ellen Sue Robbins is a lawyer practicing complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, broker-dealer and 11 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Ellen practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Ellen on a appellate matter

Ellen Sue Robbins is a lawyer practicing complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, broker-dealer and 11 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Ellen practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

Clients Ellen works with

Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and business matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard Law School

    J.D. · 1991

  • University of Illinois

    B.S. Business · 1988

Jurisdictions

Ellen's state bar admissions

  • California

    2014 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    2006 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • Massachusetts

    1991 · ACTIVE

Ellen studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.S. Business in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Ellen Sue Robbins's office in Chicago

Ellen's primary office is at One S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL, 60603-2302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sidley Austin LLP

One S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL 60603-2302

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Ellen Sue Robbins — 4.5/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

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

4.5

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ellen Sue Robbins claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ellen Sue Robbins — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Ellen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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. Ellen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ellen Sue Robbins

  • How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a appellate case?

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

  • Does Ellen offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple appellate 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. Ellen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Ellen 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 — Ellen 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 Ellen?

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

  • Is Ellen accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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