Francis Xavier Lyons, Environmental Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Government · 3.2/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PartneratSchiff Hardin LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing environmental in Chicago since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 3.2 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Francis Xavier Lyons?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Francis Xavier Lyons is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Francis has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schiff Hardin LLP. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Government
- Handles Environmental, General, and Government matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Francis Xavier Lyons: Francis Xavier Lyons is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Francis has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schiff Hardin LLP. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Francis's practice areas in Chicago
Francis concentrates on environmental, general, government, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
View other Environmental attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Government
View other Government attorneys
Health Care
View other Health Care attorneys
Environmental cases in Chicago, Illinois
Francis takes environmental 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Francis takes general 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Chicago, Illinois
Francis takes government 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Chicago, Illinois
Francis 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Francis Xavier Lyons, environmental attorney serving Chicago
Francis Xavier Lyons is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Francis has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schiff Hardin LLP. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Francis works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on environmental matters across the region.
Francis Xavier Lyons is a lawyer practicing health care, public law, brownfields redevelopment and 7 other areas of law. Francis received a B.A. degree from University of Minnesota in 1984, and has been licensed for 38 years. Francis practices at Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago, IL.
How Francis handles environmental matters
Francis Xavier Lyons is a lawyer practicing health care, public law, brownfields redevelopment and 7 other areas of law. Francis received a B.A. degree from University of Minnesota in 1984, and has been licensed for 38 years. Francis practices at Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Francis takes
Francis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and government matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Francis studied and practices
Loyola University
J.D. · 1988
University of Minnesota
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Francis's state bar admissions
Illinois U.S. Court
1988 · ACTIVE
Francis studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in University of Minnesota.
Law school and academic background
Francis completed J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in University of Minnesota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francis runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Francis's legal honors and published work
Francis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Francis Xavier Lyons's office in Chicago
Francis's primary office is at 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6600, Chicago, IL, 60606-6360. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Schiff Hardin LLP
233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6600
Chicago, IL 60606-6360
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Francis Xavier Lyons — 3.2/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Francis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Chicago.
3.2
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Francis Xavier Lyons claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Francis Xavier Lyons — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Francis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis'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; Francis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 Francis
Francis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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. Francis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Francis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Francis Xavier Lyons
How much does it cost to hire Francis for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francis offer a free consultation?
Francis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Francis's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple environmental 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. Francis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francis take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Francis 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 — Francis 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 Francis?
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. Francis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francis accepting new environmental clients right now?
Francis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Francis handles environmental matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Illinois
If Francis's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





