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Carolyn M. Passen, Trademark Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL

Trusted trademark attorney serving Chicago.

Practices in

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Quick answer

Carolyn M. Passen is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trademark.

Based in
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Trademark
  • Handles Trademark matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026).

About Carolyn M. Passen: Carolyn M. Passen is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trademark.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Carolyn takes on

Carolyn concentrates on trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case Carolyn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Trademark cases in Chicago, Illinois

Carolyn takes trademark 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 Carolyn agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Carolyn M. Passen — trademark lawyer in Chicago

Carolyn M. Passen is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trademark.

Carolyn M. Passen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law.

Carolyn M., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carolyn M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carolyn's approach to trademark cases

Carolyn M. Passen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Carolyn M., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carolyn M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clients Carolyn works with

Carolyn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trademark matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • DePaul University

    J.D. · 2004

Carolyn studied at J.D. in DePaul University.

Law school and academic background

Carolyn completed J.D. in DePaul University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Carolyn runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Carolyn has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law (2026).

Locations

Carolyn M. Passen's office in Chicago

Carolyn's primary office is at 525 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60661-3693. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

525 West Monroe Street

Chicago, Illinois 60661-3693

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Carolyn M. Passen

Carolyn 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 Carolyn M. Passen — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a trademark attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many trademark 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 Carolyn

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every trademark 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. Carolyn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Carolyn M. Passen

  • How much does it cost to hire Carolyn for a trademark case?

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

  • Does Carolyn offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do trademark cases in Illinois typically take?

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

  • Can Carolyn take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    Carolyn 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 — Carolyn 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 Carolyn?

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

  • Is Carolyn accepting new trademark clients right now?

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

Areas served

Trademark attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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