How much does it cost to hire Bernard for a adoption case?

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

Does Bernard offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple adoption 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. Bernard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Bernard 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 — Bernard 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 Bernard?

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

Is Bernard accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

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Bernard Barasa Rinella, Adoption Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 65 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatRinella and Rinella, Ltd.

Chicago, IL

Practicing adoption in Chicago since 1961.

65+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Divorce DV Defense Family Law General +4 more →

Are you Bernard Barasa Rinella?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Bernard Barasa Rinella is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce. Bernard has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rinella and Rinella, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 65 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Divorce

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 65 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Bernard's practice areas in Chicago

Bernard concentrates on adoption, child custody, divorce, dv defense, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Bernard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Chicago, Illinois

Bernard takes adoption 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 Bernard agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

Bernard takes child custody 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 Bernard agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

Bernard takes divorce 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 Bernard agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

Bernard takes dv defense 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 Bernard agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Bernard 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 Bernard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Bernard Barasa Rinella, adoption attorney serving Chicago

Mr. Bernard Barasa Rinella is a lawyer practicing family law, premarital agreements, postnuptial agreements and 7 other areas of law. Bernard received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1958, and has been licensed for 65 years. Bernard practices at Rinella and Rinella, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.

How Bernard handles adoption matters

The kind of cases Bernard takes

Bernard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and divorce matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Bernard studied and practices

DePaul University College of Law
J.D. · 1961
University of Michigan
B.A. Pre · 1958

Jurisdictions

Bernard's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
2009 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1961 · ACTIVE

Bernard studied at J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.A. Pre in University of Michigan.

Law school and academic background

Bernard completed J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.A. Pre in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Bernard runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Bernard's legal honors and published work

Bernard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Bernard's professional memberships and bar associations

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Member, 1961—, Board of Governors, National Chapter, 1982-1984
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Counsel to National Chapter, 1986
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Member, 1990—
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Member of Council, 1986—
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President, Illinois Chapter, 1981-1983)
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation (Member, 1990—
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President, 2000-2002)
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International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Member, 1990—
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Council American Chapter, 1998)
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American College of Family Trial Lawyers (Member, 1994-2000)
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Locations

Bernard Barasa Rinella's office in Chicago

Bernard's primary office is at One North La Salle Street, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL, 60602-4004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rinella and Rinella, Ltd.

One North La Salle Street, Suite 3400

Chicago, IL 60602-4004

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Bernard Barasa Rinella — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Bernard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption 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 Bernard Barasa Rinella claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Bernard Barasa Rinella — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Bernard

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Bernard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Bernard Barasa Rinella

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

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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