
Michael Philip Tone, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, General, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratWilson Elser
Chicago, IL
Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael Philip Tone?
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Quick answer
Michael Philip Tone is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Insurance. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson Elser. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Appellate · General · Insurance
- Handles Appellate, General, and Insurance matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Philip Tone: Michael Philip Tone is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Insurance. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson Elser. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Philip Tone
Michael concentrates on appellate, general, insurance, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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General
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Insurance
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes real estate 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Philip Tone — Over 52 years of Illinois appellate experience
Michael Philip Tone is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Insurance. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson Elser. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Philip Tone is a lawyer practicing insurance, real estate, accountants and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Denison University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Michael practices at Wilson Elser in Chicago, IL.
Michael's approach to appellate cases
Michael Philip Tone is a lawyer practicing insurance, real estate, accountants and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Denison University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Michael practices at Wilson Elser in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, general, and insurance matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Michael Philip Tone's legal education and bar admissions
University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1974
Denison University
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Illinois U.S. Distri
1974 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in Denison University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in Denison University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Philip Tone
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships & Affiliations American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Michael Philip Tone's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at 120 N. La Salle Street, 26th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60602-2412. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Philip Tone — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate 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 Michael Philip Tone claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Philip Tone — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael 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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael Philip Tone
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michael'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
Michael handles appellate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Illinois
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





