
Jennifer L. Cantrell, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate and Family Law · 4.1/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AssociateatBerger Schatz
Chicago, IL
Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.1 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Jennifer L. Cantrell?
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Quick answer
Jennifer L. Cantrell is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate and Family Law. Jennifer has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berger Schatz. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Family Law
- Handles Appellate and Family Law matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Jennifer L. Cantrell: Jennifer L. Cantrell is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate and Family Law. Jennifer has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berger Schatz. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jennifer takes on
Jennifer concentrates on appellate and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jennifer handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Jennifer takes appellate 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Jennifer takes family law 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jennifer L. Cantrell — appellate lawyer in Chicago
Jennifer L. Cantrell is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate and Family Law. Jennifer has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berger Schatz. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Jennifer L. Cantrell is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, domestic relations. Jennifer L. received a B.A. degree from University of Louisville in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Jennifer L. practices at Berger Schatz in Chicago, IL.
Jennifer's approach to appellate cases
Jennifer L. Cantrell is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, domestic relations. Jennifer L. received a B.A. degree from University of Louisville in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Jennifer L. practices at Berger Schatz in Chicago, IL.
Clients Jennifer works with
Jennifer reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate and family law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boston College
J.D. · 1988
University of Louisville
B.A. Anthropology · 1985
Jurisdictions
Jennifer's state bar admissions
Illinois
1993 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1990 · ACTIVE
New York
1989 · ACTIVE
Jennifer studied at J.D. in Boston College and B.A. Anthropology in University of Louisville.
Law school and academic background
Jennifer completed J.D. in Boston College and B.A. Anthropology in University of Louisville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jennifer runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Jennifer has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Jennifer's professional memberships and bar associations
Illinois State Bar Association American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Jennifer L. Cantrell's office in Chicago
Jennifer's primary office is at 161 N. Clark St., Ste. 2800, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jennifer L. Cantrell — 4.1/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Jennifer. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Chicago.
4.1
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jennifer L. Cantrell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jennifer L. Cantrell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jennifer usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jennifer charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer'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; Jennifer will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Jennifer
Jennifer discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Jennifer confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jennifer's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jennifer L. Cantrell
How much does it cost to hire Jennifer for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jennifer walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jennifer offer a free consultation?
Jennifer charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Jennifer's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Jennifer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jennifer take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Jennifer 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 — Jennifer 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 Jennifer?
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. Jennifer will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jennifer accepting new appellate clients right now?
Jennifer's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Jennifer handles appellate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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