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Michelle Ware Skinner, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Health Care, and IP

AttorneyatMaxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing business in Chicago since 2002.

24+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Michelle Ware Skinner is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Health Care, and IP. Michelle has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 24 years
Known for
Business · Health Care · IP
  • Handles Business, Health Care, and IP matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Michelle Ware Skinner: Michelle Ware Skinner is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Health Care, and IP. Michelle has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michelle Ware Skinner

Michelle concentrates on business, health care, ip, litigation, and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes business 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes health care 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

IP cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes ip 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes litigation 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Patent cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes patent 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michelle Ware Skinner — Over 24 years of Illinois business experience

Michelle Ware Skinner is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Health Care, and IP. Michelle has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP.

Michelle Ware Skinner is a lawyer practicing trademark infringement, patent application, intellectual property and 3 other areas of law. Michelle received a B.S. degree from The Ohio State University in 1988, and has been licensed for 24 years. Michelle practices at Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP in Chicago, IL.

How Michelle handles business matters

Michelle Ware Skinner is a lawyer practicing trademark infringement, patent application, intellectual property and 3 other areas of law. Michelle received a B.S. degree from The Ohio State University in 1988, and has been licensed for 24 years. Michelle practices at Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who Michelle represents

Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, health care, and ip matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Michelle Ware Skinner's legal education and bar admissions

  • Northwestern University School of Law

    J.D. · 2002

  • The Ohio State University

    B.S. Mechanical · 1988

Jurisdictions

Michelle's state bar admissions

  • Illinois registered

    2002 · ACTIVE

Michelle studied at J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.S. Mechanical in The Ohio State University.

Law school and academic background

Michelle completed J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.S. Mechanical in The Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Michelle Ware Skinner's office in Chicago

Michelle's primary office is at 77 W. Wacker Dr., Ste. 4500, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP

77 W. Wacker Dr., Ste. 4500

Chicago, IL 60601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michelle Ware Skinner

Michelle has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michelle Ware Skinner — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michelle charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle'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; Michelle will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Michelle confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michelle's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michelle Ware Skinner

  • How much does it cost to hire Michelle for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michelle walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michelle offer a free consultation?

    Michelle charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michelle's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple business 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. Michelle gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michelle take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    Michelle 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 — Michelle 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 Michelle?

    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. Michelle will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michelle accepting new business clients right now?

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

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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