J. Michael Williams, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation
PartneratCohon Raizes & Regal LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you J. Michael Williams?
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Quick answer
J. Michael Williams is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. J. has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohon Raizes & Regal LLP.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Litigation · Litigation
- Handles Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About J. Michael Williams: J. Michael Williams is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. J. has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohon Raizes & Regal LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters J. takes on
J. concentrates on business, estate litigation, litigation, real estate, and residential. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Litigation
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Residential
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
J. takes business 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
J. takes estate litigation 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
J. takes litigation 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
J. 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Residential cases in Chicago, Illinois
J. takes residential 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet J. Michael Williams — business lawyer in Chicago
J. Michael Williams is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. J. has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohon Raizes & Regal LLP.
J. Michael Williams is a lawyer practicing business litigation, real estate litigation, title insurance. J. received a B.A. degree from Arizona State University in 1973, and has been licensed for 40 years. J. practices at Cohon Raizes & Regal LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with J. on a business matter
J. Michael Williams is a lawyer practicing business litigation, real estate litigation, title insurance. J. received a B.A. degree from Arizona State University in 1973, and has been licensed for 40 years. J. practices at Cohon Raizes & Regal LLP in Chicago, IL.
Who J. represents
J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate litigation, and litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Chicago
J.D. · 1986
Arizona State University
B.A. Arizona · 1973
Jurisdictions
J.'s state bar admissions
United States Court
2002 · ACTIVE
Trial Bar
1991 · ACTIVE
Illinois Supreme Cou
1986 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1986 · ACTIVE
J. studied at J.D. in The University of Chicago and B.A. Arizona in Arizona State University.
Law school and academic background
J. completed J.D. in The University of Chicago and B.A. Arizona in Arizona State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
J.'s professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago (Chair, Civil Practice Committee, 1997-1998), Seventh Circuit and Illinois State (Member, Appellate) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
J. Michael Williams's office in Chicago
J.'s primary office is at 208 South La Salle Street, Suite 1440, Chicago, IL, 60604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cohon Raizes & Regal LLP
208 South La Salle Street, Suite 1440
Chicago, IL 60604
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Client reviews of J. Michael Williams
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire J. Michael Williams — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'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; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 J.
J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J. Michael Williams
How much does it cost to hire J. for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business 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. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
J. 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 — J. 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 J.?
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. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new business clients right now?
J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
J. handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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