How much does it cost to hire Ryan for a civil rights case?

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

Does Ryan offer a free consultation?

Ryan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ryan's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Ryan's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple civil rights 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. Ryan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ryan take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

Ryan 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 — Ryan 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 Ryan?

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

Is Ryan accepting new civil rights clients right now?

Ryan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ryan Francis Stephan, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

MemberatStephan Zouras LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing civil rights in Chicago since 2000.

26+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 10 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Civil Rights Class Action Employment Litigation Medical Malpractice Personal Injury +2 more →

Are you Ryan Francis Stephan?

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.

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Quick answer

Ryan Francis Stephan is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment. Ryan has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephan Zouras LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 26 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Class Action · Employment

Handles Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Ryan Francis Stephan

Ryan concentrates on civil rights, class action, employment, litigation, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ryan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ryan takes civil 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ryan takes class action 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ryan takes employment 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ryan 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Chicago, Illinois

Ryan takes medical malpractice 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Ryan Francis Stephan — Over 26 years of Illinois civil rights experience

I am a founding partner of Stephan Zouras, LLP. I represent people from all walks of life in class and individual civil litigation. Specifically, I've helped thousands of clients recover damages in cases involving unpaid overtime, employment disputes, business litigation, products liability and personal injury. I have successfully tried cases to verdict including obtaining a $9,000,000 verdict on behalf of 200 employees who were misclassified and denied overtime pay. I have served as lead or co-lead counsel on numerous complex class and collective action cases involving wage and hour matters and have helped recover damages for tens of thousands of wronged employees. In these cases, I helped establish precedent in wage and hour law, forced major corporations to change unlawful employment practices and helped recover tens of millions of dollars in unpaid wages for clients. I have also led cases that have been featured on Good Morning America, Fortune, ESPN, Fox News, The Guardian, The New York Times, Think Progress, USA Today and Vice Sports. In addition, for the past six years, I have been recognized by Chicago Magazine’s Super Lawyer Section as a a Rising Star and Super Lawyer, a distinction given to no more than 5% of Illinois lawyers.

How Ryan handles civil rights matters

The kind of cases Ryan takes

Ryan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, class action, and employment matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Ryan Francis Stephan's legal education and bar admissions

Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. · 2000
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Ryan's state bar admissions

Illinois
2000 · ACTIVE

Ryan studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

Ryan completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ryan runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Ryan Francis Stephan

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Ryan Francis Stephan's office in Chicago

Ryan's primary office is at 205 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 2560, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stephan Zouras LLP

205 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 2560

Chicago, IL 60601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Ryan Francis Stephan — 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

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

5.0

10 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ryan Francis Stephan — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Ryan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ryan'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; Ryan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Ryan

Ryan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Ryan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ryan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ryan Francis Stephan

How much does it cost to hire Ryan for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ryan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ryan offer a free consultation?
Ryan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ryan's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Ryan's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Ryan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ryan take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Ryan 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 — Ryan 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 Ryan?
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. Ryan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ryan accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Ryan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Illinois residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like Ryan Francis Stephan. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What rights do I have if I’m harassed at work in Illinois?
I recently started working at a retail store in Chicago, IL, and my supervisor has been making inappropriate comments about my race. I've felt uncomfortable reporting it because I
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Illinois
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

If Ryan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Ryan Francis Stephan, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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