Sergio E. Acosta, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation
Chicago, IL
Trusted business attorney serving Chicago.
Practices in
Are you Sergio E. Acosta?
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
Sergio E. Acosta is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · Litigation
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About Sergio E. Acosta: Sergio E. Acosta is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Sergio's practice areas in Chicago
Sergio concentrates on business, criminal defense, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sergio handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
White Collar
View other White Collar attorneys
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sergio takes business 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 Sergio agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sergio takes criminal defense 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 Sergio agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sergio 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 Sergio agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sergio takes white collar 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 Sergio agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sergio E. Acosta, business attorney serving Chicago
Sergio E. Acosta is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Sergio works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
Sergio Acosta is Co-Chair of Akerman’s White Collar Crime and Government Investigations Practice. A former federal prosecutor and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers with over 70 jury trials to his credit, he has extensive experience defending companies and individuals in criminal and regulatory proceedings, conducting internal investigations, and counseling clients on compliance programs and related issues.
Sergio represents companies and individuals in regulatory, civil, and criminal proceedings initiated by government agencies for alleged wrongdoing, and proactively counsels clients on enforcement and other litigation matters, including allegations of bribery, alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Anti-Kickback Statute; financial and regulatory fraud (e.g., False Claims Act, securities, tax, bankruptcy, and federal programs fraud); violations of export / import laws and regulations; and violations of internal corporate policy. He has conducted numerous internal investigations for various state and local governmental entities.
A fluent Spanish speaker, Sergio has served as lead counsel in corporate internal investigations and represented individual corporate executives in Latin America. He also counsels and represents companies involved in the gaming industry in Illinois and elsewhere.
Sergio served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for approximately eighteen years, including seven years as Chief of the General Crimes Section for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. During his tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Sergio supervised and handled hundreds of investigations and prosecutions of complex federal criminal cases involving bank fraud, health care fraud, tax fraud, racketeering, violent crime, embezzlement, weapons violations, political corruption, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and terrorism. He also served as the Office’s Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator, leading the team of prosecutors and FBI agents that indicted notorious former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge.
From 1999-2001, Sergio served as Administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board, the agency responsible for regulating all aspects of the Illinois casino gambling industry. Sergio started his career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami – Dade County, Florida, where he held several supervisory positions under then-State’s Attorney Janet Reno.
Sergio's approach to business cases
Sergio Acosta is Co-Chair of Akerman’s White Collar Crime and Government Investigations Practice. A former federal prosecutor and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers with over 70 jury trials to his credit, he has extensive experience defending companies and individuals in criminal and regulatory proceedings, conducting internal investigations, and counseling clients on compliance…
Clients Sergio works with
Sergio reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sergio studied and practices
The George Washington University
J.D. · 2008
Sergio studied at J.D. in The George Washington University.
Law school and academic background
Sergio completed J.D. in The George Washington University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sergio runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Sergio's legal honors and published work
Sergio has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Gaming Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Gaming Law (2026).
Locations
Sergio E. Acosta's office in Chicago
Sergio's primary office is at 71 South Wacker Drive, 47th Floor, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Sergio E. Acosta
Sergio has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Sergio E. Acosta can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sergio E. Acosta — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sergio usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sergio charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sergio'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; Sergio will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, 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 Sergio
Sergio 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. Sergio confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sergio'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 Sergio E. Acosta
How much does it cost to hire Sergio for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sergio walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sergio offer a free consultation?
Sergio charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sergio's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Sergio'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. Sergio gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sergio take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Sergio 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 — Sergio 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 Sergio?
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. Sergio will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sergio accepting new business clients right now?
Sergio'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 Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Sergio handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Illinois
If Sergio's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
