Michael Toussaint, Real Estate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted real estate attorney serving Chicago.
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Practices in
Are you Michael Toussaint?
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Quick answer
Michael Toussaint is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Currently practicing at Gould & Ratner.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
About Michael Toussaint: Michael Toussaint is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Currently practicing at Gould & Ratner.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Chicago
Michael concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
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
Michael Toussaint, real estate attorney serving Chicago
Michael Toussaint is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Currently practicing at Gould & Ratner. Michael works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on real estate matters across the region.
Michael Toussaint offers clients straightforward solutions to their real estate challenges, even around very technical legal or regulatory requirements. No matter how intricate or complex the real estate transaction, he mixes practical advice with unwavering advocacy, always customized to suit each client’s unique needs.
Working closely with commercial landlords and tenants, industrial property developers and investors, property management companies, business owners navigating real estate acquisitions, dispositions and lease agreements, and corporations requiring sophisticated counsel on property-related matters, Michael’s approach to handling real estate disputes is purposeful. He excels at translating complex legal concepts into actionable solutions for his clients, ensuring every deal is structured to align with their strategic goals while mitigating risks.
Michael handles matters relating to virtually all aspects of real estate law, including commercial real estate transactions, financing, leasing, zoning, land use and entitlement issues. Several notable career highlights include:
- Represented a developer in structuring a joint venture for a large-scale land development and homebuilding portfolio.
- Handles lease negotiations and lease administration matters for a national discount supermarket chain.
- Represents one of the nation’s largest drugstore retailers in leasing, acquisition, and disposition of assets.
- Represents a single-family development in acquiring and entitling land for complex horizontal developments.
- Advised investor in the acquisition of a shopping center and negotiation of long term triple-net retail leases with national tenants.
Prior to joining Gould & Ratner, Michael was Corporate Counsel for a Chicago-based private real estate investment firm. While in law school, Michael served as an editor for the DePaul Journal of Art, Technology and Intellectual Property.
Working with Michael on a real estate matter
Michael Toussaint offers clients straightforward solutions to their real estate challenges, even around very technical legal or regulatory requirements. No matter how intricate or complex the real estate transaction, he mixes practical advice with unwavering advocacy, always customized to suit each client’s unique needs. Working closely with commercial landlords and tenants, industrial property…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Illinois - Chicago
B.A.
DePaul University
J.D. · 2019
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
ACTIVE
Michael studied at B.A. in University of Illinois - Chicago and J.D. in DePaul University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed B.A. in University of Illinois - Chicago and J.D. in DePaul 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
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
Locations
Michael Toussaint's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at 222 North LaSalle, Suite 300, Chicago, Illinois, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Toussaint
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Toussaint — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate 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 real estate attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate 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 real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Toussaint
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a real estate 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 real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple real estate 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 real estate 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
Real Estate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Michael handles real estate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated real estate attorneys in Illinois
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
