Sonja Ruth Johnson, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Estate Tax, and Real Estate
Chicago, IL
Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Sonja Ruth Johnson?
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Quick answer
Sonja Ruth Johnson is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Estate Tax, and Real Estate. Sonja has over 45 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Estate Tax · Real Estate
- Handles Appellate, Estate Tax, and Real Estate matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Sonja Ruth Johnson: Sonja Ruth Johnson is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Estate Tax, and Real Estate. Sonja has over 45 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Sonja takes on
Sonja concentrates on appellate, estate tax, real estate, tax, and tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sonja handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Estate Tax
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Tax Litigation
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Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sonja takes appellate 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 Sonja agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sonja 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 Sonja agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sonja 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 Sonja agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sonja 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 Sonja agrees to represent you.
Tax Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Sonja takes tax 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 Sonja agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Sonja Ruth Johnson — appellate lawyer in Chicago
Sonja Ruth Johnson is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Estate Tax, and Real Estate. Sonja has over 45 years of legal experience.
Sonja Ruth Johnson is a lawyer practicing real estate taxation, property tax assessments, property tax appeals. Sonja received a B.A. degree from Trinity College in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Sonja practices in Chicago, IL.
Working with Sonja on a appellate matter
Sonja Ruth Johnson is a lawyer practicing real estate taxation, property tax assessments, property tax appeals. Sonja received a B.A. degree from Trinity College in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Sonja practices in Chicago, IL.
Clients Sonja works with
Sonja reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, estate tax, and real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
DePaul University
J.D. · 1981
Trinity College
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Sonja's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1981 · ACTIVE
Sonja studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in Trinity College.
Law school and academic background
Sonja completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in Trinity College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sonja runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Sonja's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago
Member, Real Estate Taxation, Finance and Entertainment Committees) and Illinois State Bar Associations Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW · membership
Locations
Sonja Ruth Johnson's office in Chicago
Sonja's primary office is at 191 North Wacker Drive Suite 1800, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Sonja Ruth Johnson
Sonja has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sonja Ruth Johnson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sonja usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sonja charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sonja'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; Sonja will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Sonja
Sonja discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Sonja confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sonja's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sonja Ruth Johnson
How much does it cost to hire Sonja for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sonja walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sonja offer a free consultation?
Sonja charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sonja's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Sonja's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Sonja gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sonja take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Sonja 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 — Sonja 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 Sonja?
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. Sonja will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sonja accepting new appellate clients right now?
Sonja's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Sonja handles appellate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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