SE

Scott Evan Saef, Real Estate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Real Estate, Tax, and Zoning · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratSidley Austin LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing real estate in Chicago since 1992.

34+
Years practicing
2.9 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

Are you Scott Evan Saef?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Scott Evan Saef is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Real Estate, Tax, and Zoning. Scott has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 34 years
Known for
Real Estate · Tax · Zoning
  • Handles Real Estate, Tax, and Zoning matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with CV Notable.

About Scott Evan Saef: Scott Evan Saef is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Real Estate, Tax, and Zoning. Scott has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Scott's practice areas in Chicago

Scott concentrates on real estate, tax, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Scott handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Scott takes real estate 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois

Scott takes tax 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Scott takes zoning 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

Biography

Scott Evan Saef, real estate attorney serving Chicago

Scott Evan Saef is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Real Estate, Tax, and Zoning. Scott has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review. Scott works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on real estate matters across the region.

Scott Evan Saef is a lawyer practicing land use & zoning, real estate, land use and government relations and 1 other area of law. Scott received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1986, and has been licensed for 34 years. Scott practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Scott on a real estate matter

Scott Evan Saef is a lawyer practicing land use & zoning, real estate, land use and government relations and 1 other area of law. Scott received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1986, and has been licensed for 34 years. Scott practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who Scott represents

Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate, tax, and zoning matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Scott studied and practices

  • Northwestern University School of Law

    J.D. · 1992

  • Harvard University

    B.A. · 1986

Jurisdictions

Scott's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1992 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1992 · ACTIVE

Scott studied at J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.A. in Harvard University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Scott's legal honors and published work

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

  • CV Notable

Legal awards and honors

CV Notable.

Locations

Scott Evan Saef's office in Chicago

Scott's primary office is at One S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL, 60603-2302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sidley Austin LLP

One S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL 60603-2302

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Scott Evan Saef — 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

2.9

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Scott Evan Saef — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 Scott

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every real estate 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. Scott confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Scott Evan Saef

  • How much does it cost to hire Scott for a real estate case?

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

  • Does Scott offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do real estate cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple real estate 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. Scott gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Scott 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 — Scott 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 Scott?

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

  • Is Scott accepting new real estate clients right now?

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

Areas served

Real Estate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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