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Peter Coorlas, Trusts Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Peck Ritchey LLC

Chicago, IL

Trusted trusts attorney serving Chicago.

Practices in

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Quick answer

Peter Coorlas is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Peck Ritchey LLC.

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 Peter Coorlas: Peter Coorlas is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Peck Ritchey LLC.

Areas of practice

Peter's practice areas in Chicago

Peter concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Trusts cases in Chicago, Illinois

Peter 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

Peter Coorlas, trusts attorney serving Chicago

Peter Coorlas is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Peck Ritchey LLC. Peter works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on trusts matters across the region.

Peter S. Coorlas is a senior associate of the Chicago law firm Peck Ritchey, LLC. Peter was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County for 30 years, serving in the Special Litigation and Municipal Litigation Sections of the Civil Actions Bureau. Although Peter served in various areas while at the State’s Attorneys Office, he has primarily represented the interests of Cook County in probate matters, spending much of his time on contested litigation, including will contests, contested heirships, presumptions of death and estate claims. Peter has argued cases in front of the Appellate and Supreme Court of Illinois, and tried numerous jury trials to verdict. Peter is named by Leading Lawyers Magazine as a Leading Lawyer in Elder Law and Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law.

  • Advises individuals and banks charged with the administration of estates and trusts. Guides fiduciaries through the probate process, appearing in court as required, assisting with the transfer of assets, and resolution of claims, as well as the implementation of the decedent’s estate plans.
  • Vigorously represents all parties in will contests and contested guardianships, including minors and disabled adults.

Working with Peter on a trusts matter

Peter S. Coorlas is a senior associate of the Chicago law firm Peck Ritchey, LLC . Peter was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County for 30 years, serving in the Special Litigation and Municipal Litigation Sections of the Civil Actions Bureau. Although Peter served in various areas while at the State’s Attorneys Office, he has primarily represented the interests of Cook County in probate…

Who Peter represents

Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Peter studied and practices

  • DePaul University

    J.D. · 1974

Peter studied at J.D. in DePaul University.

Law school and academic background

Peter completed J.D. in DePaul University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Peter's legal honors and published work

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

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).

Locations

Peter Coorlas's office in Chicago

Peter's primary office is at 321 South Plymouth Court, 6th Floor, Chicago, Illinois, 60604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Peck Ritchey LLC

321 South Plymouth Court, 6th Floor

Chicago, Illinois 60604

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Coorlas

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Coorlas — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Coorlas

  • How much does it cost to hire Peter for a trusts case?

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

  • Does Peter offer a free consultation?

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

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

    Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?

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

  • Is Peter accepting new trusts clients right now?

    Peter'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

Peter 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 Peter'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.