
Mark Eugene Schmidtke, Employment Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Insurance, and SSD · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatOgletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Chicago, IL
Practicing employment in Chicago since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 19
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Mark Eugene Schmidtke?
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Quick answer
Mark Eugene Schmidtke is a shareholder based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and SSD. Mark has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Employment · Insurance · SSD
- Handles Employment, Insurance, and SSD matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mark Eugene Schmidtke: Mark Eugene Schmidtke is a shareholder based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and SSD. Mark has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Mark takes on
Mark concentrates on employment, insurance, and ssd. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Insurance
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SSD
View other SSD attorneys
Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois
Mark takes employment 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Mark 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
SSD cases in Chicago, Illinois
Mark takes ssd 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Mark Eugene Schmidtke — employment lawyer in Chicago
Mark Eugene Schmidtke is a shareholder based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and SSD. Mark has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mark Eugene Schmidtke is a lawyer practicing erisa, disability insurance, employment & labor. Mark received a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Mark practices at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. in Chicago, IL and 1 other location.
Mark's approach to employment cases
Mark Eugene Schmidtke is a lawyer practicing erisa, disability insurance, employment & labor. Mark received a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Mark practices at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. in Chicago, IL and 1 other location.
The kind of cases Mark takes
Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, insurance, and ssd matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Valparaiso University
J.D. · 1981
Valparaiso University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Mark's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2016 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2010 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2009 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2000 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Indiana
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Mark studied at J.D. in Valparaiso University and B.A. in Valparaiso University.
Law school and academic background
Mark completed J.D. in Valparaiso University and B.A. in Valparaiso University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Mark has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Mark's professional memberships and bar associations
Indiana State and American
Member, Employee Benefits Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section and Employee Benefits Committee, Tort and Insurance Practice Section) Bar Associations DRI (Life, Health and Disability Committee) DRI National Board of Directors (2010-2013 · membership
American College of Employee Benefits Counsel
bar_fellowship
American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
Mark Eugene Schmidtke's office in Chicago
Mark's primary office is at 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4300, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4300
Chicago, IL 60606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Mark Eugene Schmidtke — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Mark. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment 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 Mark Eugene Schmidtke claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mark Eugene Schmidtke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark'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; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Mark
Mark discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mark's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mark Eugene Schmidtke
How much does it cost to hire Mark for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Mark's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple employment 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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?
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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new employment clients right now?
Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Mark handles employment matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Illinois
If Mark's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





