
Joanne Smith Wallace, Employment Contracts Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Employment Contracts and General
AssociateatJones Day
Chicago, IL
Practicing employment contracts in Chicago since 2008.
- 18+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Joanne Smith Wallace is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment Contracts and General. Joanne has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 18 years
- Known for
- Employment Contracts · General
- Handles Employment Contracts and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Joanne Smith Wallace: Joanne Smith Wallace is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment Contracts and General. Joanne has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joanne Smith Wallace
Joanne concentrates on employment contracts and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joanne handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment Contracts cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joanne takes employment contracts 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joanne 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joanne Smith Wallace — Over 18 years of Illinois employment contracts experience
Joanne Smith Wallace is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment Contracts and General. Joanne has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day.
Joanne Smith Wallace is a lawyer practicing employee benefits & executive compensation, general practice. Joanne received a B.A. degree from Cornell University in 2003, and has been licensed for 18 years. Joanne practices at Jones Day in Chicago, IL.
How Joanne handles employment contracts matters
Joanne Smith Wallace is a lawyer practicing employee benefits & executive compensation, general practice. Joanne received a B.A. degree from Cornell University in 2003, and has been licensed for 18 years. Joanne practices at Jones Day in Chicago, IL.
Who Joanne represents
Joanne reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment contracts and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Joanne Smith Wallace's legal education and bar admissions
Northwestern University
J.D. · 2008
Cornell University
B.A. · 2003
Jurisdictions
Joanne's state bar admissions
Illinois
2008 · ACTIVE
Joanne studied at J.D. in Northwestern University and B.A. in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Joanne completed J.D. in Northwestern University and B.A. in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joanne runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Joanne Smith Wallace's office in Chicago
Joanne's primary office is at 77 West Wacker, Chicago, IL, 60601-1692. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joanne Smith Wallace
Joanne has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Joanne Smith Wallace — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment contracts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joanne usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joanne charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joanne'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; Joanne will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment contracts attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment contracts 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 Joanne
Joanne discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment contracts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment contracts 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. Joanne confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joanne's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joanne Smith Wallace
How much does it cost to hire Joanne for a employment contracts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joanne walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joanne offer a free consultation?
Joanne charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joanne's office. Some employment contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Joanne's current terms during booking.
How long do employment contracts cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple employment contracts 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. Joanne gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joanne take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Joanne 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 — Joanne 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 Joanne?
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. Joanne will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joanne accepting new employment contracts clients right now?
Joanne's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment Contracts attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Joanne handles employment contracts matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment contracts attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment contracts attorneys in Illinois
If Joanne's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment contracts attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





