Patrick Cella, Elder Law Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 24 years of legal practice
PrincipalatKitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook
Chicago, IL
Practicing elder law in Chicago since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Patrick Cella?
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.
Quick answer
Patrick Cella is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Elder Law. Patrick has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- Elder Law
- Handles Elder Law matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Patrick Cella: Patrick Cella is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Elder Law. Patrick has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Patrick takes on
Patrick concentrates on elder law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Patrick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Patrick takes elder law 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 Patrick agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Patrick Cella — elder law lawyer in Chicago
Patrick Cella is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Elder Law. Patrick has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook.
Patrick Cella is a principal in the firm’s Chicago office. Mr. Cella is an experienced trial lawyer, focusing on the defense of claims of professional and general negligence in the senior living and overall healthcare setting. In addition to his healthcare trial services, he has assisted clients in administrative hearings, state and federal investigations, premises liability claims, product liability claims, real estate malpractice, and contract disputes.
Throughout his career, Mr. Cella has aimed to provide the best defense possible to his clients, while also planning for the future, providing risk management counseling and advice. He has presented at healthcare industry symposiums and round-table discussions with the goal of limiting the exposure of potential litigation. He has also provided client-specific training and investigation assistance to a host of senior living clients.
Mr. Cella is admitted to practice law in the Illinois State Courts and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Mr. Cella received his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Arts from Miami University (Ohio) in 1999.
Mr. Cella is a member of the Defense Research Institute, a national organization of defense counsel and insurance professional. He is also a 2011 graduate of the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Trial Academy at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
Publications
Panel Member, Long Term Care Conference, “Managing Risk During Mergers & Acquisitions in Long Term Care,” LTC Risk Legal Committee, Chicago, Illinois, August 4, 2016
Webinar: “HIPAA 2013: How the Final Rule Will Impact Your Organization,” May 30, 2014
“Online Investigation Roadmap,” Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel 2013 Spring Symposium, March 15, 2013
“Nursing Home Documentation: The Importance of Accurate and Appropriate Charting, Illinois Health Care Association 62nd Annual Trade Show and Convention, September 12, 2012
Insights & News
January, 2024 - Recent Highlights
Patrick Cella Joins Nursing Home & Senior Living Litigation Practice Leadership as Co-Chair in Chicago
September, 2023 - Recent Highlights, Legal Updates
CMS Releases Proposed Minimum Staffing Standards
June, 2023 - Recent Highlights, Special Publications, Legal Updates
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Residents Right to Sue State-Owned Nursing Homes Under Federal Nursing Home Reform Act
Patrick's approach to elder law cases
Patrick Cella is a principal in the firm’s Chicago office. Mr. Cella is an experienced trial lawyer, focusing on the defense of claims of professional and general negligence in the senior living and overall healthcare setting. In addition to his healthcare trial services, he has assisted clients in administrative hearings, state and federal investigations, premises liability claims, product…
Clients Patrick works with
Patrick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
DePaul University College of Law
J.D. · 2002
Miami University
B.S. · 1999
Jurisdictions
Patrick's state bar admissions
Illinois
2002 · ACTIVE
Patrick studied at J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.S. in Miami University.
Law school and academic background
Patrick completed J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.S. in Miami University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Patrick runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Patrick's professional memberships and bar associations
Defense Research Institute
membership
Locations
Patrick Cella's office in Chicago
Patrick's primary office is at 20 North Clark Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook
20 North Clark Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60602
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Patrick Cella
Patrick 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 Patrick Cella can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Patrick Cella — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Patrick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Patrick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patrick'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; Patrick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law 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 Patrick
Patrick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law 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. Patrick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Patrick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Patrick Cella
How much does it cost to hire Patrick for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Patrick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Patrick offer a free consultation?
Patrick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patrick's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Patrick's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple elder law 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. Patrick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Patrick take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Patrick 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 — Patrick 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 Patrick?
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. Patrick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Patrick accepting new elder law clients right now?
Patrick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Patrick handles elder law matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Illinois
If Patrick's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
