Cecilia Hynes Griffin, Adoption Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatGriffin McCarthy & Rice LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing adoption in Chicago since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Cecilia Hynes Griffin?
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Quick answer
Cecilia Hynes Griffin is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody. Cecilia has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Child Custody
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Cecilia Hynes Griffin: Cecilia Hynes Griffin is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody. Cecilia has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Cecilia's practice areas in Chicago
Cecilia concentrates on adoption, adr, child custody, divorce, and paternity. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cecilia handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Child Custody
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Divorce
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Paternity
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Adoption cases in Chicago, Illinois
Cecilia 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 Cecilia agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois
Cecilia takes adr 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 Cecilia agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois
Cecilia 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 Cecilia agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois
Cecilia 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 Cecilia agrees to represent you.
Paternity cases in Chicago, Illinois
Cecilia takes paternity 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 Cecilia agrees to represent you.
Biography
Cecilia Hynes Griffin, adoption attorney serving Chicago
Cecilia Hynes Griffin is a principal based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody. Cecilia has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Cecilia works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on adoption matters across the region.
Cecilia Hynes Griffin is a lawyer practicing child custody, mediation, divorce and 2 other areas of law. Cecilia received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Cecilia practices at Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP in Chicago, IL.
Cecilia's approach to adoption cases
Cecilia Hynes Griffin is a lawyer practicing child custody, mediation, divorce and 2 other areas of law. Cecilia received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Cecilia practices at Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP in Chicago, IL.
Clients Cecilia works with
Cecilia reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and child custody matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Cecilia studied and practices
Loyola University School of Law
J.D. · 1990
University of Notre Dame
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Cecilia's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1990 · ACTIVE
Cecilia studied at J.D. in Loyola University School of Law and B.A. in University of Notre Dame.
Law school and academic background
Cecilia completed J.D. in Loyola University School of Law and B.A. in University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cecilia runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Cecilia's legal honors and published work
Cecilia has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Cecilia's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago, Illinois State (Member, Family Law Section) and American (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Cecilia Hynes Griffin's office in Chicago
Cecilia's primary office is at 55 W. Monroe St., Ste. 990, Chicago, IL, 60603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP
55 W. Monroe St., Ste. 990
Chicago, IL 60603
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Cecilia Hynes Griffin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Cecilia. 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 Cecilia Hynes Griffin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Cecilia Hynes Griffin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cecilia usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cecilia charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cecilia'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; Cecilia 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 Cecilia
Cecilia 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. Cecilia confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cecilia'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 Cecilia Hynes Griffin
How much does it cost to hire Cecilia for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cecilia walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cecilia offer a free consultation?
Cecilia charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cecilia's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Cecilia'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. Cecilia gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cecilia take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Cecilia 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 — Cecilia 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 Cecilia?
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. Cecilia will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cecilia accepting new adoption clients right now?
Cecilia'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
Cecilia 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
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Illinois
If Cecilia'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.