How much does it cost to hire Zane for a civil rights case?

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

Does Zane offer a free consultation?

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

How long do civil rights cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple civil rights 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. Zane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Zane 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 — Zane 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 Zane?

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

Is Zane accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Zane David Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment

MemberatZane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd.

Chicago, IL

Practicing civil rights in Chicago since 1983.

43+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Civil Rights Class Action Employment Formation Franchise General +4 more →

Are you Zane David Smith?

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Quick answer

Zane David Smith is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment. Zane has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd..

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Class Action · Employment

Handles Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Zane's practice areas in Chicago

Zane concentrates on civil rights, class action, employment, formation, and franchise. Each area below outlines the kind of case Zane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Zane takes civil rights 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 Zane agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Zane 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 Zane agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Zane takes employment 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 Zane agrees to represent you.

Formation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Zane takes formation 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 Zane agrees to represent you.

Franchise cases in Chicago, Illinois

Zane takes franchise 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 Zane agrees to represent you.

Biography

Zane David Smith, civil rights attorney serving Chicago

Zane David Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, real estate, corporate & incorporation and 11 other areas of law. Zane received a B.A. degree from Southern Illinois University in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Zane practices at Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.

How Zane handles civil rights matters

The kind of cases Zane takes

Zane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, class action, and employment matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Zane studied and practices

John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1983
Southern Illinois University
B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Zane's state bar admissions

Illinois
1983 · ACTIVE

Zane studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Southern Illinois University.

Law school and academic background

Zane completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Southern Illinois University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Zane runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Zane's professional memberships and bar associations

Chicago, Cook County, Kane County, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Zane David Smith's office in Chicago

Zane's primary office is at 415 N. LaSalle Dr., Ste. 300, Chicago, IL, 60610. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd.

415 N. LaSalle Dr., Ste. 300

Chicago, IL 60610

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Zane David Smith

Zane 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 Zane David Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Zane

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Zane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Zane David Smith

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

What rights do I have if I’m harassed at work in Illinois?
I recently started working at a retail store in Chicago, IL, and my supervisor has been making inappropriate comments about my race. I've felt uncomfortable reporting it because I
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Illinois
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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

Zane David Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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