Steven J. "Steve" Gavin, M&A Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
focused on M&A and Securities
Chicago, IL
Trusted m&a attorney serving Chicago.
Practices in
Are you Steven J. "Steve" Gavin?
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Quick answer
Steven J. "Steve" Gavin is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on M&A and Securities.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- M&A · Securities
- Handles M&A and Securities matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago) (2025).
About Steven J. "Steve" Gavin: Steven J. "Steve" Gavin is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on M&A and Securities.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steven takes on
Steven concentrates on m&a and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Chicago, Illinois
Steven takes securities 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Steven J. "Steve" Gavin — m&a lawyer in Chicago
Steven J. "Steve" Gavin is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on M&A and Securities.
Routinely honored as one of the country's top lawyers in M&A and private equity work, Steven advises clients on the full range of corporate finance transactions, counseling boards of directors and other key leaders on matters of governance, oversight and structure.
Please read more here: https://www.winston.com/en/who-we-are/professionals/gavin-steven-j.html
How Steven handles m&a matters
Routinely honored as one of the country's top lawyers in M&A and private equity work, Steven advises clients on the full range of corporate finance transactions, counseling boards of directors and other key leaders on matters of governance, oversight and structure. Please read more here: https://www.winston.com/en/who-we-are/professionals/gavin-steven-j.html
Who Steven represents
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for m&a and securities matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stanford University
J.D. · 1985
Steven studied at J.D. in Stanford University.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Steven has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law (2026).
Locations
Steven J. "Steve" Gavin's office in Chicago
Steven's primary office is at 300 N. LaSalle Drive, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois, 60654-3406. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Steven J. "Steve" Gavin
Steven 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 Steven J. "Steve" Gavin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new m&a attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a m&a attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many m&a 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 Steven
Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in m&a practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every m&a 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many m&a practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Steven J. "Steve" Gavin
How much does it cost to hire Steven for a m&a case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some m&a attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do m&a cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple m&a 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?
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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new m&a clients right now?
Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
M&A attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Steven handles m&a matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified m&a attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated m&a attorneys in Illinois
If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these m&a attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.