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Catalina J. Sugayan, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and General · 4.9/5 rating from 11 verified client reviews

PartneratSedgwick LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing civil rights in Chicago since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
11 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Catalina J. Sugayan is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Catalina has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sedgwick LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 11 client reviews.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Employment · General
  • Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Catalina J. Sugayan: Catalina J. Sugayan is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Catalina has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sedgwick LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 11 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Catalina's practice areas in Chicago

Catalina concentrates on civil rights, employment, general, insurance, and sexual harassment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Catalina handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Catalina 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 Catalina agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Catalina 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 Catalina agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Catalina 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 Catalina agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois

Catalina takes insurance 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 Catalina agrees to represent you.

Sexual Harassment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Catalina takes sexual harassment 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 Catalina agrees to represent you.

Biography

Catalina J. Sugayan, civil rights attorney serving Chicago

Catalina J. Sugayan is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Catalina has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sedgwick LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 11 client reviews. Catalina works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on civil rights matters across the region.

Catalina J. Sugayan is a lawyer practicing public entity liability, insurance coverage, insurance litigation and 5 other areas of law. Catalina received a A.B. degree from University of Michigan in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Catalina practices at Sedgwick LLP in Chicago, IL.

Catalina's approach to civil rights cases

Catalina J. Sugayan is a lawyer practicing public entity liability, insurance coverage, insurance litigation and 5 other areas of law. Catalina received a A.B. degree from University of Michigan in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Catalina practices at Sedgwick LLP in Chicago, IL.

Clients Catalina works with

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

Credentials

Credentials — where Catalina studied and practices

  • Boston University

    J.D. · 1985

  • University of Michigan

    A.B. Economics · 1982

Jurisdictions

Catalina's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1985 · ACTIVE

Catalina studied at J.D. in Boston University and A.B. Economics in University of Michigan.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Catalina's legal honors and published work

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Catalina's professional memberships and bar associations

  • American Bar Association Association of Professional Insurance Women

    membership

Locations

Catalina J. Sugayan's office in Chicago

Catalina's primary office is at One North Wacker Dr., 42nd Fl., Chicago, IL, 60606-2807. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sedgwick LLP

One North Wacker Dr., 42nd Fl.

Chicago, IL 60606-2807

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Catalina J. Sugayan — 4.9/5 rating from 11 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Catalina. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Chicago.

4.9

11 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Catalina J. Sugayan claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Catalina J. Sugayan — 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 Catalina usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Catalina charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Catalina'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; Catalina 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 Catalina

Catalina 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. Catalina confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Catalina'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 Catalina J. Sugayan

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

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

  • Does Catalina offer a free consultation?

    Catalina charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Catalina's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Catalina'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. Catalina gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Catalina 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 — Catalina 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 Catalina?

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

  • Is Catalina accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Catalina 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 Catalina'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.