How much does it cost to hire Michael for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do contracts cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple 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. 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 contracts clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael Sylvester Melbinger, Contracts Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Contracts, Employment, and Employment Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratWinston & Strawn LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing contracts in Chicago since 1983.

43+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Contracts Employment Employment Contracts Securities Tax Consumer

Are you Michael Sylvester Melbinger?

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.

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Quick answer

Michael Sylvester Melbinger is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Contracts, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Winston & Strawn LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Contracts · Employment · Employment Contracts

Handles Contracts, Employment, and Employment Contracts matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on contracts, employment, employment contracts, securities, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Contracts cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment Contracts cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes securities 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.

Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes tax 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

Meet Michael Sylvester Melbinger — contracts lawyer in Chicago

Michael Sylvester Melbinger is a lawyer practicing tax, securities offerings, contracts & agreements and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Michael on a contracts matter

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for contracts, employment, and employment contracts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Illinois
J.D. · 1983
University of Notre Dame
B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Illinois
1983 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of Notre Dame. 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

Recognition and thought leadership

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

American Bar Association American College of Employee Benefit Counsel
membership

Locations

Michael Sylvester Melbinger's office in Chicago

Michael's primary office is at 35 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601-9703. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Winston & Strawn LLP

35 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60601-9703

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Sylvester Melbinger — 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 contracts 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 Sylvester Melbinger claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Sylvester Melbinger — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new contracts 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 contracts attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many 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 Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in contracts practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every 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. 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 contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Sylvester Melbinger

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do contracts cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple 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. 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 contracts 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

Contracts attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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