Hugh Frederick Smart, International Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on International, Tax, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Columbus Life Ins. Co.
Chicago, IL
Practicing international in Chicago since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Hugh Frederick Smart?
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Quick answer
Hugh Frederick Smart is a columbus life ins. co. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on International, Tax, and Trusts. Hugh has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- International · Tax · Trusts
- Handles International, Tax, and Trusts matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Hugh Frederick Smart: Hugh Frederick Smart is a columbus life ins. co. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on International, Tax, and Trusts. Hugh has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Hugh takes on
Hugh concentrates on international, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Hugh handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
International
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Tax
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Trusts
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International cases in Chicago, Illinois
Hugh takes international 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Hugh 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Chicago, Illinois
Hugh takes trusts 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Hugh Frederick Smart — international lawyer in Chicago
Hugh Frederick Smart is a columbus life ins. co. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on International, Tax, and Trusts. Hugh has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Hugh Frederick Smart is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, international law, taxation. Hugh received a B.A. degree from Cambridge University in 1975, and has been licensed for 41 years. Hugh practices in Chicago, IL.
Working with Hugh on a international matter
Hugh Frederick Smart is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, international law, taxation. Hugh received a B.A. degree from Cambridge University in 1975, and has been licensed for 41 years. Hugh practices in Chicago, IL.
Who Hugh represents
Hugh reviews new inquiries case-by-case for international, tax, and trusts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Kent College of Law
J.D. · 1985
Cambridge University
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Hugh's state bar admissions
Illinois
1985 · ACTIVE
Hugh studied at J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Kent College of Law and B.A. in Cambridge University.
Law school and academic background
Hugh completed J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Kent College of Law and B.A. in Cambridge University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Hugh runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Hugh has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Hugh Frederick Smart's office in Chicago
Hugh's primary office is at 33 N Dearborn St Ste 400, Chicago, IL, 60602-3116. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Hugh Frederick Smart — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Hugh. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing international 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 Hugh Frederick Smart claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Hugh Frederick Smart — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new international attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Hugh usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Hugh charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Hugh'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; Hugh will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a international attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many international 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 Hugh
Hugh discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in international practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every international 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. Hugh confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Hugh's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many international practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Hugh Frederick Smart
How much does it cost to hire Hugh for a international case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Hugh walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Hugh offer a free consultation?
Hugh charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Hugh's office. Some international attorneys offer free consults — check Hugh's current terms during booking.
How long do international cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple international 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. Hugh gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Hugh take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Hugh 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 — Hugh 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 Hugh?
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. Hugh will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Hugh accepting new international clients right now?
Hugh's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
International attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Hugh handles international matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified international attorneys in that community.
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