How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a adr case?

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

Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple adr 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?

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

Is Stephen accepting new adr clients right now?

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

Stephen Curtis Carlson, ADR Attorney in Chicago

Quick answer

Stephen Curtis Carlson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Stephen has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: ADR · Appellate · Business

Handles ADR, Appellate, and Business matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Stephen's practice areas in Chicago

Stephen concentrates on adr, appellate, business, class action, and consumer. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois

Stephen takes adr 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Chicago, Illinois

Stephen takes consumer 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Stephen Curtis Carlson, adr attorney serving Chicago

Stephen Curtis Carlson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Stephen has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Stephen works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on adr matters across the region.

Stephen Curtis Carlson is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation and 19 other areas of law. Stephen received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Stephen practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

How Stephen handles adr matters

Stephen Curtis Carlson is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation and 19 other areas of law. Stephen received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Stephen practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who Stephen represents

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and business matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices

Yale University
J.D. · 1976
Princeton University
A.B. · 1973

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
2006 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1977 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1977 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in Yale University and A.B. in Princeton University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Stephen's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Stephen Curtis Carlson's office in Chicago

Stephen'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 Stephen Curtis Carlson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr 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 Stephen Curtis Carlson claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Curtis Carlson — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Stephen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen Curtis Carlson

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

Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona
What Should I Do If Mediation Fails In Minnesota?
I've been trying to mediate a separation agreement in Minneapolis, MN, but it feels like we’re not making any progress. If mediation fails, I’m worried about what my next steps sho
1 verified answer · ADR · Minnesota

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

Stephen Curtis Carlson, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Quick answer