Richard Lyons Freeman, Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 68 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Chicago, IL
Practicing estate planning in Chicago since 1958.
- 68+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Richard Lyons Freeman?
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
Richard Lyons Freeman is a chicago volunteer legal services based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Richard has over 68 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 68 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning and Probate matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 68 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Lyons Freeman: Richard Lyons Freeman is a chicago volunteer legal services based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Richard has over 68 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Richard's practice areas in Chicago
Richard concentrates on estate planning and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Richard takes estate planning 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Richard takes probate 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Richard Lyons Freeman, estate planning attorney serving Chicago
Richard Lyons Freeman is a chicago volunteer legal services based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Richard has over 68 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Richard works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
Richard Lyons Freeman is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning. Richard received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1954, and has been licensed for 68 years. Richard practices in Chicago, IL.
Working with Richard on a estate planning matter
Richard Lyons Freeman is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning. Richard received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1954, and has been licensed for 68 years. Richard practices in Chicago, IL.
Clients Richard works with
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning and probate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Richard studied and practices
Yale University
LL.B. · 1957
Harvard University
A.B. · 1954
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Illinois
1958 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at LL.B. in Yale University and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed LL.B. in Yale University and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Richard's legal honors and published work
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Richard Lyons Freeman's office in Chicago
Richard's primary office is at 100 N La Salle St Ste 900, Chicago, IL, 60602-3543. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard Lyons Freeman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning 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 Richard Lyons Freeman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Lyons Freeman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Lyons Freeman
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple estate planning 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Richard handles estate planning matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Illinois
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





