
James Arthur Casey, Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Trusts
PartneratMayer Brown Llp
Chicago, IL
Practicing estate planning in Chicago since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Arthur Casey?
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.
Quick answer
James Arthur Casey is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Trusts. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown Llp.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Litigation · Trusts
- Handles Estate Planning, Litigation, and Trusts matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James Arthur Casey: James Arthur Casey is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Trusts. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown Llp.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Arthur Casey
James concentrates on estate planning, litigation, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
James 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 James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
James 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 James agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Chicago, Illinois
James 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James Arthur Casey — Over 31 years of Illinois estate planning experience
James Arthur Casey is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Trusts. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown Llp.
James Arthur Casey is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trusts, litigation and 1 other area of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from Western Michigan University in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. James practices at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago, IL.
How James handles estate planning matters
James Arthur Casey is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trusts, litigation and 1 other area of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from Western Michigan University in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. James practices at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago, IL.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, litigation, and trusts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
James Arthur Casey's legal education and bar admissions
The John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1995
Western Michigan University
B.B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
New York
2007 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1997 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1995 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in The John Marshall Law School and B.B.A. in Western Michigan University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in The John Marshall Law School and B.B.A. in Western Michigan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Activities •Chairman, Ravinia Planned Giving Advisory Board •Chair, WTTW-11 and 98
membership
7-WFMT Planned Giving Advisory Committee •Member, Professional Advisory Committee of The Chicago Community Trust •Chicago Estate Planning Council •Board Member, Chicago School of Violin Making
membership
Locations
James Arthur Casey's office in Chicago
James's primary office is at 71 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Arthur Casey
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with James Arthur Casey can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Arthur Casey — 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 James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James 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 James
James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James'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 James Arthur Casey
How much does it cost to hire James for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check James'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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new estate planning clients right now?
James'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
James 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
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Illinois
If James'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.





