Paula Jacobi

Paula Jacobi, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratBarnes & Thornburg LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 1977.

49+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review

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Quick answer

Paula Jacobi is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights. Paula has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 49 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Creditor Rights
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Paula Jacobi: Paula Jacobi is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights. Paula has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Paula takes on

Paula concentrates on bankruptcy, business, creditor rights, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paula handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois

Paula 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Paula 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Paula takes creditor rights 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Paula takes general 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Paula 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Paula Jacobi — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago

Paula Jacobi is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights. Paula has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Paula Jacobi is a lawyer practicing corporate, bankruptcy and restructurings, finance, insolvency and restructuring and 12 other areas of law. Paula received a B.Ed. degree from University of Michigan in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. Paula practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL.

How Paula handles bankruptcy matters

Paula Jacobi is a lawyer practicing corporate, bankruptcy and restructurings, finance, insolvency and restructuring and 12 other areas of law. Paula received a B.Ed. degree from University of Michigan in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. Paula practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Paula takes

Paula reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and creditor rights matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Northwestern University School of Law

    J.D. · 1977

  • University of Michigan

    B.Ed. · 1972

Paula studied at J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.Ed. in University of Michigan.

Law school and academic background

Paula completed J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.Ed. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paula runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Paula has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Paula Jacobi's office in Chicago

Paula's primary office is at One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4400, Chicago, IL, 60606-2841. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4400

Chicago, IL 60606-2841

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Paula Jacobi — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Paula. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Paula Jacobi claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Paula Jacobi — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Paula charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paula'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; Paula 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 Paula

Paula 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. Paula confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Paula'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 Paula Jacobi

  • How much does it cost to hire Paula for a bankruptcy case?

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

  • Does Paula offer a free consultation?

    Paula charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paula's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Paula'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. Paula gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Paula 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 — Paula 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 Paula?

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

  • Is Paula accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

    Paula'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

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

More counsel

If Paula'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.