NS

Nancy Spain, Trusts Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL

Trusted trusts attorney serving Chicago.

2
Bar admissions

Practices in

Are you Nancy Spain?

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.

Claim this profile — free

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.

Main office

200 West Madison Street, Suite 2700

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Nancy Spain

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

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Nancy Spain can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring 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

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.