Nancy Spain, Trusts Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted trusts attorney serving Chicago.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Nancy Spain?
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Quick answer
Nancy Spain is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trusts.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
About Nancy Spain: Nancy Spain is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trusts.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Nancy takes on
Nancy concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Nancy handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases in Chicago, Illinois
Nancy takes trusts 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 Nancy agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Nancy Spain — trusts lawyer in Chicago
Nancy Spain is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trusts.
Partner Nancy M. Spain, a founder of the firm, Spain, Spain & Varnet P.C., which joined Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP in 2022, focuses her career in general and probate-related law. She began her legal career in Cleveland, prior to relocating to Chicago in 1981 where she first worked in the trust department of the former Lake Shore Bank, prior to practicing law at Spain, Spain & Varnet P.C.
Throughout her career, Nancy has been actively involved in drafting legislation and working with state and local bar committees and state legislators to affect the passage of legislation involving probate and guardianship issues. She is often an invited speaker on the topics of guardianship and trust matters before local bar and bankers’ associations and special needs support groups in surrounding communities and school districts.
Nancy earned her undergraduate degree, with distinction, from Connecticut College, and her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law. She also completed several courses in estate planning in the LL.M. program at John Marshall Law School. Nancy is a member of the Chicago and Illinois Bar Associations.
An active volunteer in the Chicago community, she is involved with several organizations that are working to enhance the lives of local residents.
In addition to speaking on guardianship and trust matters before local bar and bankers’ associations, Nancy counsels Chicago area corporate entities regarding their duties as legal guardians of a disabled person or as Trustee in the administration of Special Needs Trusts. She has also authored chapters on multiple topics in handbooks for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Nancy is admitted to practice in Illinois and Ohio and is currently licensed in Illinois.
Working with Nancy on a trusts matter
Partner Nancy M. Spain, a founder of the firm, Spain, Spain & Varnet P.C., which joined Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP in 2022, focuses her career in general and probate-related law. She began her legal career in Cleveland, prior to relocating to Chicago in 1981 where she first worked in the trust department of the former Lake Shore Bank, prior to practicing law at Spain, Spain & Varnet P.C. Throughout…
Who Nancy represents
Nancy reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Case Western Reserve University
J.D.
Connecticut College
B.A.
Jurisdictions
Nancy's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
ACTIVE
Ohio, Ohio State Bar
ACTIVE
Nancy studied at J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and B.A. in Connecticut College.
Law school and academic background
Nancy completed J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and B.A. in Connecticut College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nancy runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Nancy has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Trusts and Estates, 2026
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America (2026). Best Lawyers in America — , Trusts and Estates, 2026 (2026).
Locations
Nancy Spain's office in Chicago
Nancy's primary office is at 200 West Madison Street, Suite 2700, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Nancy Spain
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Nancy Spain — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Nancy usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Nancy charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nancy'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; Nancy will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts 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 Nancy
Nancy discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts 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. Nancy confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Nancy's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Nancy Spain
How much does it cost to hire Nancy for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Nancy walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Nancy offer a free consultation?
Nancy charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nancy's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check Nancy's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple trusts 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. Nancy gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Nancy take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Nancy 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 — Nancy 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 Nancy?
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. Nancy will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Nancy accepting new trusts clients right now?
Nancy's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Trusts attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Nancy handles trusts matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified trusts attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated trusts attorneys in Illinois
If Nancy's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these trusts attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





