Aaron Charles Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratLocke Lord LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Aaron Charles Smith?
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Quick answer
Aaron Charles Smith is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and General. Aaron has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Civil Rights · General
- Handles Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Aaron Charles Smith: Aaron Charles Smith is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and General. Aaron has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Aaron's practice areas in Chicago
Aaron concentrates on bankruptcy, civil rights, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Aaron handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Civil Rights
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General
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Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Aaron takes bankruptcy 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 Aaron agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois
Aaron 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 Aaron agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Aaron 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 Aaron agrees to represent you.
Biography
Aaron Charles Smith, bankruptcy attorney serving Chicago
Aaron Charles Smith is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and General. Aaron has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Aaron works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Aaron Charles Smith is a lawyer practicing civil rights, bankruptcy, restructuring and 1 other area of law. Aaron received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1995, and has been licensed for 26 years. Aaron practices at Locke Lord LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with Aaron on a bankruptcy matter
Aaron Charles Smith is a lawyer practicing civil rights, bankruptcy, restructuring and 1 other area of law. Aaron received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1995, and has been licensed for 26 years. Aaron practices at Locke Lord LLP in Chicago, IL.
Clients Aaron works with
Aaron reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, civil rights, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Aaron studied and practices
University of Iowa
J.D. · 1999
University of Iowa
B.A. · 1995
Jurisdictions
Aaron's state bar admissions
Illinois
2004 · ACTIVE
Missouri
2000 · ACTIVE
Aaron studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
Aaron completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Aaron runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Aaron's legal honors and published work
Aaron has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Aaron Charles Smith's office in Chicago
Aaron's primary office is at 111 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606-4302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Aaron Charles Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Aaron. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy 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 Aaron Charles Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Aaron Charles Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Aaron usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Aaron charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Aaron'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; Aaron will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Aaron
Aaron discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Aaron confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Aaron's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Aaron Charles Smith
How much does it cost to hire Aaron for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Aaron walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Aaron offer a free consultation?
Aaron charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Aaron's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Aaron's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Aaron gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Aaron take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Aaron 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 — Aaron 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 Aaron?
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. Aaron will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Aaron accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Aaron's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Aaron handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois
If Aaron's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.