
Patrick Semrad, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, and Chapter 7
PrincipalatThe Semrad Law Firm, LLC
Chicago, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Patrick Semrad is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, and Chapter 7. Patrick has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Semrad Law Firm, LLC.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Chapter 13 · Chapter 7
- Handles Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, and Chapter 7 matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Patrick Semrad: Patrick Semrad is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, and Chapter 7. Patrick has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Semrad Law Firm, LLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Patrick takes on
Patrick concentrates on bankruptcy, chapter 13, chapter 7, contracts, and debt settlement. Each area below outlines the kind of case Patrick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Chapter 13
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Chapter 7
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Contracts
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Debt Settlement
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Foreclosure
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Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Patrick takes bankruptcy 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.
Chapter 13 cases in Chicago, Illinois
Patrick takes chapter 13 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.
Chapter 7 cases in Chicago, Illinois
Patrick takes chapter 7 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.
Contracts cases in Chicago, Illinois
Patrick takes contracts 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.
Debt Settlement cases in Chicago, Illinois
Patrick takes debt settlement 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 Semrad — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago
Patrick Semrad is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, and Chapter 7. Patrick has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Semrad Law Firm, LLC.
Patrick Semrad is the Managing Partner of The Semrad Law Firm, doing business as DebtStoppers, the largest consumer law firm in the United States. Since 2004 he has grown the firm from four attorneys in Chicago to over 85 attorneys across five states and offices in Europe. Pat concentrates on providing affordable bankruptcy representation regardless of income and sees consumer bankruptcy as a unique way to make an immediate positive impact. He supports professional development across the firm, volunteers with the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and Together for Childhood Network, and advises The Balance Project. He is admitted to the Illinois and Florida Bars and the General Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, graduated magna cum laude from DePaul College of Law (DePaul Law Review), and holds a B.S. in Finance from DePaul. He is active in YPO, his Highland Park community, woodworking, sailing, paddle, and the Union League Club of Chicago.
Working with Patrick on a bankruptcy matter
Patrick Semrad is the Managing Partner of The Semrad Law Firm, doing business as DebtStoppers, the largest consumer law firm in the United States. Since 2004 he has grown the firm from four attorneys in Chicago to over 85 attorneys across five states and offices in Europe. Pat concentrates on providing affordable bankruptcy representation regardless of income and sees consumer bankruptcy as a…
Who Patrick represents
Patrick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, chapter 13, and chapter 7 matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
DePaul College of Law
J.D. · 2004
DePaul University
B.S. Finance · 2001
Jurisdictions
Patrick's state bar admissions
Florida
2015 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2004 · ACTIVE
Patrick studied at J.D. in DePaul College of Law and B.S. Finance in DePaul University.
Law school and academic background
Patrick completed J.D. in DePaul College of Law and B.S. Finance in DePaul 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
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
membership
Locations
Patrick Semrad's office in Chicago
Patrick's primary office is at 414 N. Orleans Street, Suite 810, Chicago, IL, 60654. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Semrad Law Firm, LLC
414 N. Orleans Street, Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60654
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Client reviews of Patrick Semrad
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Patrick Semrad — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Patrick Semrad
How much does it cost to hire Patrick for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Patrick's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Patrick handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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If Patrick's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





