Jannis E. Goodnow, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on General and Insurance · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AssociateatWalker Wilcox Matousek LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing general in Chicago since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Jannis E. Goodnow?
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Quick answer
Jannis E. Goodnow is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General and Insurance. Jannis has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walker Wilcox Matousek LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- General · Insurance
- Handles General and Insurance matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Jannis E. Goodnow: Jannis E. Goodnow is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General and Insurance. Jannis has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walker Wilcox Matousek LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Jannis E. Goodnow
Jannis concentrates on general and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jannis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Jannis 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 Jannis agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Jannis takes insurance 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 Jannis agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Jannis E. Goodnow — Over 41 years of Illinois general experience
Jannis E. Goodnow is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General and Insurance. Jannis has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walker Wilcox Matousek LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Atty. Jannis E. Goodnow is a lawyer practicing insurance coverage litigation, professional liability. Jannis received a B.A. degree from Knox College in 1974, and has been licensed for 41 years. Jannis practices at Walker Wilcox Matousek LLP in Chicago, IL.
How Jannis handles general matters
Atty. Jannis E. Goodnow is a lawyer practicing insurance coverage litigation, professional liability. Jannis received a B.A. degree from Knox College in 1974, and has been licensed for 41 years. Jannis practices at Walker Wilcox Matousek LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Jannis takes
Jannis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and insurance matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Jannis E. Goodnow's legal education and bar admissions
DePaul University
J.D. · 1985
Knox College
B.A. · 1974
Jurisdictions
Jannis's state bar admissions
California
2009 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1987 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Jannis studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in Knox College.
Law school and academic background
Jannis completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in Knox College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jannis runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Jannis E. Goodnow
Jannis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Jannis E. Goodnow's office in Chicago
Jannis's primary office is at One North Franklin St., Ste. 3200, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Walker Wilcox Matousek LLP
One North Franklin St., Ste. 3200
Chicago, IL 60606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Jannis E. Goodnow — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Jannis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Chicago.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jannis E. Goodnow claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jannis E. Goodnow — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jannis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jannis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jannis'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; Jannis 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 Jannis
Jannis 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. Jannis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jannis'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 Jannis E. Goodnow
How much does it cost to hire Jannis for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jannis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jannis offer a free consultation?
Jannis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jannis's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Jannis'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. Jannis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jannis take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Jannis 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 — Jannis 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 Jannis?
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. Jannis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jannis accepting new general clients right now?
Jannis'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
Jannis handles general matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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