Sherwin Hayes Leff, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 59 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatLeff & Cohen, Ltd.
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1967.
- 59+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Sherwin Hayes Leff?
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Quick answer
Sherwin Hayes Leff is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Sherwin has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leff & Cohen, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 59 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Estate Tax
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 59 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Sherwin Hayes Leff: Sherwin Hayes Leff is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Sherwin has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leff & Cohen, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Sherwin's practice areas in Chicago
Sherwin concentrates on business, estate planning, estate tax, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sherwin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sherwin 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 Sherwin agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sherwin 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 Sherwin agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sherwin takes estate 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 Sherwin agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sherwin takes m&a 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 Sherwin agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sherwin 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 Sherwin agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sherwin Hayes Leff, business attorney serving Chicago
Sherwin Hayes Leff is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Sherwin has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leff & Cohen, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Sherwin works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
Sherwin Hayes Leff is a lawyer practicing closely held business law, closely held business taxation, real estate tax assessment and 4 other areas of law. Sherwin received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962, and has been licensed for 59 years. Sherwin practices at Leff & Cohen, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Sherwin's approach to business cases
Sherwin Hayes Leff is a lawyer practicing closely held business law, closely held business taxation, real estate tax assessment and 4 other areas of law. Sherwin received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962, and has been licensed for 59 years. Sherwin practices at Leff & Cohen, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Clients Sherwin works with
Sherwin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and estate tax matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sherwin studied and practices
John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1967
University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S. · 1962
Jurisdictions
Sherwin's state bar admissions
Illinois
1967 · ACTIVE
Sherwin studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Law school and academic background
Sherwin completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in University of Wisconsin-Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sherwin runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Sherwin's legal honors and published work
Sherwin has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Sherwin Hayes Leff's office in Chicago
Sherwin's primary office is at 300 S. Wacker Dr., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL, 60606-6769. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Sherwin Hayes Leff — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Sherwin. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Sherwin Hayes Leff claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Sherwin Hayes Leff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sherwin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sherwin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sherwin'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; Sherwin 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 Sherwin
Sherwin 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. Sherwin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sherwin'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 Sherwin Hayes Leff
How much does it cost to hire Sherwin for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sherwin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sherwin offer a free consultation?
Sherwin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sherwin's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Sherwin'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. Sherwin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sherwin take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Sherwin 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 — Sherwin 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 Sherwin?
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. Sherwin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sherwin accepting new business clients right now?
Sherwin'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
Sherwin 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
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If Sherwin'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.





