
Howard Mitchel Bain, Bankruptcy Attorney in Highland Park, Illinois
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Construction · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratNational Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain
Highland Park, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Highland Park since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Howard Mitchel Bain?
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Quick answer
Howard Mitchel Bain is a partner based in Highland Park, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Construction. Howard has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at National Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Highland Park, IL
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Civil Rights · Construction
- Handles Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Construction matters from Highland Park, IL.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Howard Mitchel Bain: Howard Mitchel Bain is a partner based in Highland Park, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Construction. Howard has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at National Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Howard takes on
Howard concentrates on bankruptcy, civil rights, construction, creditor rights, and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Howard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Civil Rights
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Construction
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Creditor Rights
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Employment
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Energy
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Foreclosure
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General
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HOA
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Highland Park, Illinois
Howard takes bankruptcy matters in Highland Park, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Highland Park, Illinois
Howard takes civil rights matters in Highland Park, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Highland Park, Illinois
Howard takes construction matters in Highland Park, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Highland Park, Illinois
Howard takes creditor rights matters in Highland Park, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Highland Park, Illinois
Howard takes employment matters in Highland Park, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Howard Mitchel Bain — bankruptcy lawyer in Highland Park
Howard Mitchel Bain is a partner based in Highland Park, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Construction. Howard has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at National Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Howard Mitchel Bain is a lawyer practicing construction law, mechanics liens, real estate and 13 other areas of law. Howard received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Howard practices at National Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain in Highland Park, IL.
Howard's approach to bankruptcy cases
Howard Mitchel Bain is a lawyer practicing construction law, mechanics liens, real estate and 13 other areas of law. Howard received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Howard practices at National Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain in Highland Park, IL.
The kind of cases Howard takes
Howard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, civil rights, and construction matters in Highland Park and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Northern Illinois University
J.D. · 1978
University of Illinois
B.S. · 1971
Jurisdictions
Howard's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1978 · ACTIVE
Howard studied at J.D. in Northern Illinois University and B.S. in University of Illinois.
Law school and academic background
Howard completed J.D. in Northern Illinois University and B.S. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Howard runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Howard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Howard's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Howard Mitchel Bain's office in Highland Park
Howard's primary office is at 440 Central Avenue, Highland Park, IL, 60035. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
National Lien & Bond -Emalfarb, Swan & Bain
440 Central Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Howard Mitchel Bain — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Howard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Highland Park.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Howard Mitchel Bain claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Howard Mitchel Bain — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Howard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Howard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard'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; Howard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Highland Park, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Howard
Howard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Howard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Howard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Howard Mitchel Bain
How much does it cost to hire Howard for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Howard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Howard offer a free consultation?
Howard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Howard's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Howard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Howard take my case if I'm outside Highland Park?
Howard 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 — Howard 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 Howard?
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. Howard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Howard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Howard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Highland Park, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Howard handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois
If Howard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Highland Park handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





