How much does it cost to hire Jack for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jack walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Jack offer a free consultation?

Jack charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Jack's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple general 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. Jack gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jack take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

Jack 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 — Jack 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 Jack?

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. Jack will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jack accepting new general clients right now?

Jack's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Jack Guthman, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 63 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Partner EmeritusatTaft

Chicago, IL

Practicing general in Chicago since 1963.

63+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Government Real Estate Zoning

Are you Jack Guthman?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Jack Guthman is a partner emeritus based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Real Estate. Jack has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 63 years
Known for: General · Government · Real Estate

Handles General, Government, and Real Estate matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 63 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Jack's practice areas in Chicago

Jack concentrates on general, government, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jack handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jack 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jack takes government 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jack 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jack takes zoning 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Biography

Jack Guthman, general attorney serving Chicago

Jack Guthman is a lawyer practicing land use, real estate, government relations and 2 other areas of law. Jack received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1960, and has been licensed for 63 years. Jack practices at Taft in Chicago, IL.

Jack's approach to general cases

The kind of cases Jack takes

Jack reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Jack studied and practices

Yale Law School
LL.B. · 1963
Northwestern University
B.A. · 1960

Jurisdictions

Jack's state bar admissions

Illinois U.S. Distri
1963 · ACTIVE

Jack studied at LL.B. in Yale Law School and B.A. in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

Jack completed LL.B. in Yale Law School and B.A. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jack runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Jack's legal honors and published work

Jack has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Jack's professional memberships and bar associations

Professional Affiliations/Recognitions American Bar Foundation (Fellow), Illinois Institute of Technology School of Architecture (Adjunct Professor 2010-Present), J
membership
L
membership
Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University
Adjunct Professor 1990-2011), Lambda Alpha Illinois (honorary land use organization) (Past President) Community Involvement Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (Trustee), United States Artists (Board Member), Chicago Architecture Biennial (Vice Chair/Board · membership
American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship

Locations

Jack Guthman's office in Chicago

Jack's primary office is at 111 East Wacker, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL, 60601-4208. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Taft

111 East Wacker, Suite 2600

Chicago, IL 60601-4208

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jack Guthman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Jack. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general 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 Jack Guthman claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jack Guthman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jack usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jack charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack'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; Jack will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Jack

Jack discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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. Jack confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jack's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jack Guthman

How much does it cost to hire Jack for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jack walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jack offer a free consultation?
Jack charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Jack's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple general 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. Jack gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jack take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Jack 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 — Jack 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 Jack?
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. Jack will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jack accepting new general clients right now?
Jack's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Jack handles general matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Jack's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.