Gary Lee Plotnick, Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, General, and HOA · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratThompson Coburn LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing estate planning in Chicago since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Gary Lee Plotnick?
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Quick answer
Gary Lee Plotnick is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and HOA. Gary has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Coburn LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · General · HOA
- Handles Estate Planning, General, and HOA matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Gary Lee Plotnick: Gary Lee Plotnick is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and HOA. Gary has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Coburn LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Gary takes on
Gary concentrates on estate planning, general, hoa, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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General
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HOA
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Gary takes estate planning 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 Gary agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Gary 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 Gary agrees to represent you.
HOA cases in Chicago, Illinois
Gary takes hoa 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 Gary agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Gary 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 Gary agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Gary 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 Gary agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Gary Lee Plotnick — estate planning lawyer in Chicago
Gary Lee Plotnick is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and HOA. Gary has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Coburn LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Gary Lee Plotnick is a lawyer practicing real estate, estate planning, condominium conversions and 3 other areas of law. Gary received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Gary practices at Thompson Coburn LLP in Chicago, IL.
Gary's approach to estate planning cases
Gary Lee Plotnick is a lawyer practicing real estate, estate planning, condominium conversions and 3 other areas of law. Gary received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Gary practices at Thompson Coburn LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Gary takes
Gary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, general, and hoa matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
DePaul University College of Law
J.D. · 1987
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Gary's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1987 · ACTIVE
Gary studied at J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.A. in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Law school and academic background
Gary completed J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.A. in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gary runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Gary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Gary's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Gary Lee Plotnick's office in Chicago
Gary'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 Gary Lee Plotnick — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Gary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning 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 Gary Lee Plotnick claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Gary Lee Plotnick — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary'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; Gary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Gary
Gary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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. Gary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gary Lee Plotnick
How much does it cost to hire Gary for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gary offer a free consultation?
Gary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Gary's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple estate planning 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. Gary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gary take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Gary 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 — Gary 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 Gary?
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. Gary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gary accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Gary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Gary handles estate planning matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Gary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





