Robert Dumas Shutts, Business Attorney in Joliet, Illinois
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatShutts, Shutts and Portlock
Joliet, IL
Practicing business in Joliet since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Robert Dumas Shutts?
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Quick answer
Robert Dumas Shutts is a member based in Joliet, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. Robert has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts, Shutts and Portlock. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Joliet, IL
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Joliet, IL.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Robert Dumas Shutts: Robert Dumas Shutts is a member based in Joliet, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. Robert has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts, Shutts and Portlock. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Robert's practice areas in Joliet
Robert concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Estate Litigation
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Business cases in Joliet, Illinois
Robert takes business matters in Joliet, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Joliet, Illinois
Robert takes estate planning matters in Joliet, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Joliet, Illinois
Robert takes probate matters in Joliet, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Joliet, Illinois
Robert takes real estate matters in Joliet, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Joliet, Illinois
Robert takes trusts matters in Joliet, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Robert Dumas Shutts, business attorney serving Joliet
Robert Dumas Shutts is a member based in Joliet, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. Robert has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts, Shutts and Portlock. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Robert works from Joliet, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
Robert Dumas Shutts is a lawyer practicing probate & estate planning, real estate, trusts and estates and 2 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of Kansas in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Robert practices at Shutts, Shutts and Portlock in Joliet, IL.
Working with Robert on a business matter
Robert Dumas Shutts is a lawyer practicing probate & estate planning, real estate, trusts and estates and 2 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of Kansas in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Robert practices at Shutts, Shutts and Portlock in Joliet, IL.
Who Robert represents
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Joliet and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Robert studied and practices
University of Kansas
J.D. · 1974
University of Kansas
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
Illinois
1974 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in University of Kansas and B.A. in University of Kansas.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in University of Kansas and B.A. in University of Kansas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Robert's legal honors and published work
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Robert's professional memberships and bar associations
Will County Bar Association
membership
Locations
Robert Dumas Shutts's office in Joliet
Robert's primary office is at 323 Springfield Avenue, Joliet, IL, 60435. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert Dumas Shutts — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Joliet.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert Dumas Shutts claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert Dumas Shutts — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Joliet, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Robert
Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert Dumas Shutts
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Joliet?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new business clients right now?
Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Joliet, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Robert handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Joliet handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





