
Thomas J. Handler, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning
Chair, Advanced Planning & Family Office Practice GroupatHandler Thayer Llp
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas J. Handler?
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Quick answer
Thomas J. Handler is a chair, advanced planning & family office practice group based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning. Thomas has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Handler Thayer Llp.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Business · Entertainment · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas J. Handler: Thomas J. Handler is a chair, advanced planning & family office practice group based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning. Thomas has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Handler Thayer Llp.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in Chicago
Thomas concentrates on business, entertainment, estate planning, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Entertainment
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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International
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Tax
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas takes entertainment 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas takes family law 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Thomas J. Handler, business attorney serving Chicago
Thomas J. Handler is a chair, advanced planning & family office practice group based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning. Thomas has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Handler Thayer Llp. Thomas works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
Thomas J. Handler is a lawyer practicing corporate law, entertainment law, franchises/dealership and 7 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Thomas practices at Handler Thayer, LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with Thomas on a business matter
Thomas J. Handler is a lawyer practicing corporate law, entertainment law, franchises/dealership and 7 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Thomas practices at Handler Thayer, LLP in Chicago, IL.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and estate planning matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
DePaul University School of Law
J.D. · 1983
University of Illinois
B.S. Accountancy · 1979
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1985 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1983 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in DePaul University School of Law and B.S. Accountancy in University of Illinois.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in DePaul University School of Law and B.S. Accountancy in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Thomas J. Handler's office in Chicago
Thomas's primary office is at 191 N. Wacker Dr., 23rd Fl., Chicago, IL, 60606-1633. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas J. Handler
Thomas 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 Thomas J. Handler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas 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 Thomas
Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas'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 Thomas J. Handler
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new business clients right now?
Thomas'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
Thomas handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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