How much does it cost to hire Susan for a estate litigation case?

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

Does Susan offer a free consultation?

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

How long do estate litigation cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple estate litigation 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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?

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

Is Susan accepting new estate litigation clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Susan Gail Berman, Estate Litigation Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and General

AssociateatReed Smith LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing estate litigation in Chicago since 2006.

20+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Estate Litigation Estate Planning General Litigation Probate

Are you Susan Gail Berman?

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Quick answer

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 20 years
Known for: Estate Litigation · Estate Planning · General

Handles Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Susan's practice areas in Chicago

Susan concentrates on estate litigation, estate planning, general, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Susan takes estate 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Susan 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Susan takes general 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Susan 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Susan takes probate 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Biography

Susan Gail Berman, estate litigation attorney serving Chicago

Susan Gail Berman is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and General. Susan has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Susan works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on estate litigation matters across the region.

Susan Gail Berman is a lawyer practicing probate, wealth planning, charitable foundations & non-profits and 5 other areas of law. Susan received a B.B.A. degree from Emory University in 2003, and has been licensed for 20 years. Susan practices at Reed Smith LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Susan on a estate litigation matter

Clients Susan works with

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate litigation, estate planning, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Susan studied and practices

Loyola University of Chicago School of Law
J.D. · 2006
Emory University
B.B.A. Finance · 2003

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

Illinois U.S. Distri
2006 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Loyola University of Chicago School of Law and B.B.A. Finance in Emory University.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in Loyola University of Chicago School of Law and B.B.A. Finance in Emory University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Susan Gail Berman's office in Chicago

Susan's primary office is at 10 S. Wacker Dr., 40th Fl., Chicago, IL, 60606-7453. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Reed Smith LLP

10 S. Wacker Dr., 40th Fl.

Chicago, IL 60606-7453

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan Gail Berman

Susan 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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Hiring guide

How to hire Susan Gail Berman — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a estate litigation attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate litigation 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 Susan

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate litigation 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. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Susan Gail Berman

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

Areas served

Estate Litigation attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

If Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate litigation attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.