Frederick Forrest Richards III, Estate Tax Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Tax, Real Estate, and Tax
PartneratThompson Coburn LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing estate tax in Chicago since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Frederick Forrest Richards III is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Tax, Real Estate, and Tax. Frederick has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Coburn LLP.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Estate Tax · Real Estate · Tax
- Handles Estate Tax, Real Estate, and Tax matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Frederick Forrest Richards III: Frederick Forrest Richards III is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Tax, Real Estate, and Tax. Frederick has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Coburn LLP.
Areas of practice
Frederick's practice areas in Chicago
Frederick concentrates on estate tax, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Frederick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Tax
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Estate Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Frederick takes estate tax 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 Frederick agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Frederick 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 Frederick agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Frederick takes tax 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 Frederick agrees to represent you.
Biography
Frederick Forrest Richards III, estate tax attorney serving Chicago
Frederick Forrest Richards III is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Tax, Real Estate, and Tax. Frederick has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Coburn LLP. Frederick works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on estate tax matters across the region.
Frederick Forrest Richards III is a lawyer practicing real estate taxation. Frederick received a B.A. degree from University of Southern California in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Frederick practices at Thompson Coburn LLP in Chicago, IL.
Frederick's approach to estate tax cases
Frederick Forrest Richards III is a lawyer practicing real estate taxation. Frederick received a B.A. degree from University of Southern California in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Frederick practices at Thompson Coburn LLP in Chicago, IL.
Clients Frederick works with
Frederick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate tax, real estate, and tax matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Frederick studied and practices
University of Notre Dame
J.D. · 1991
University of Southern California
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Frederick's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1991 · ACTIVE
Frederick studied at J.D. in University of Notre Dame and B.A. in University of Southern California.
Law school and academic background
Frederick completed J.D. in University of Notre Dame and B.A. in University of Southern California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Frederick runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Frederick Forrest Richards III's office in Chicago
Frederick's primary office is at 55 East Monroe Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Frederick Forrest Richards III
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Frederick Forrest Richards III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Frederick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Frederick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frederick'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; Frederick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate tax attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate tax 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 Frederick
Frederick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate tax practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate tax 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. Frederick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Frederick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Frederick Forrest Richards III
How much does it cost to hire Frederick for a estate tax case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Frederick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Frederick offer a free consultation?
Frederick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frederick's office. Some estate tax attorneys offer free consults — check Frederick's current terms during booking.
How long do estate tax cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple estate tax 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. Frederick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Frederick take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Frederick 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 — Frederick 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 Frederick?
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. Frederick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Frederick accepting new estate tax clients right now?
Frederick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Tax attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Frederick handles estate tax matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate tax attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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