MF

Mark Frederick Smolens, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 41 years of legal practice

Practicing general in Chicago since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

Are you Mark Frederick Smolens?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Mark Frederick Smolens is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Mark F. Smolens.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
General
  • Handles General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Mark Frederick Smolens: Mark Frederick Smolens is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Mark F. Smolens.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Mark takes on

Mark concentrates on general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Mark 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Mark Frederick Smolens — general lawyer in Chicago

Mark Frederick Smolens is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Mark F. Smolens.

Mark Frederick Smolens is a lawyer practicing general practice. Mark received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1979, and has been licensed for 41 years. Mark practices at Law Office of Mark F. Smolens in Chicago, IL.

How Mark handles general matters

Mark Frederick Smolens is a lawyer practicing general practice. Mark received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1979, and has been licensed for 41 years. Mark practices at Law Office of Mark F. Smolens in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Mark takes

Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • John Marshall Law School

    J.D. · 1985

  • Northwestern University

    B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Mark's state bar admissions

  • Illinois Indiana

    1985 · ACTIVE

Mark studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

Mark completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Northwestern 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.

Affiliations

Mark's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago and American Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Mark Frederick Smolens's office in Chicago

Mark's primary office is at 300 S. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1700A, Chicago, IL, 60606-6722. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of Mark F. Smolens

300 S. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1700A

Chicago, IL 60606-6722

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mark Frederick Smolens

Mark 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 Mark Frederick Smolens can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Mark Frederick Smolens — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 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 Mark

Mark 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. 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Mark Frederick Smolens

  • How much does it cost to hire Mark for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. 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 general 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

General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Mark handles general matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Mark's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.