Dennis Michael McWilliams

Dennis Michael McWilliams, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatBarnes & Thornburg LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing business in Chicago since 1968.

58+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review

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Quick answer

Dennis Michael McWilliams is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and General. Dennis has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 58 years
Known for
Business · Entertainment · General
  • Handles Business, Entertainment, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Dennis Michael McWilliams: Dennis Michael McWilliams is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and General. Dennis has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Dennis Michael McWilliams

Dennis concentrates on business, entertainment, general, ip, and ip licensing. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dennis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dennis takes business 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dennis takes entertainment 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dennis 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.

IP cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dennis takes ip 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.

IP Licensing cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dennis takes ip licensing 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Dennis Michael McWilliams — Over 58 years of Illinois business experience

Dennis Michael McWilliams is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and General. Dennis has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Dennis Michael McWilliams is a lawyer practicing business, corporate, intellectual property and 17 other areas of law. Dennis received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame, and has been licensed for 58 years. Dennis practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Dennis on a business matter

Dennis Michael McWilliams is a lawyer practicing business, corporate, intellectual property and 17 other areas of law. Dennis received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame, and has been licensed for 58 years. Dennis practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL.

Clients Dennis works with

Dennis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Dennis Michael McWilliams's legal education and bar admissions

  • Loyola University

    J.D. · 1968

  • University of Notre Dame B.A.

Dennis studied at J.D. in Loyola University and — in University of Notre Dame B.A..

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Dennis Michael McWilliams

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Dennis Michael McWilliams's office in Chicago

Dennis's primary office is at One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4400, Chicago, IL, 60606-2841. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4400

Chicago, IL 60606-2841

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Dennis Michael McWilliams — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Dennis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Dennis Michael McWilliams claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Dennis Michael McWilliams — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Dennis

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Dennis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dennis Michael McWilliams

  • How much does it cost to hire Dennis for a business case?

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

  • Does Dennis offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?

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

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

    Dennis 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 — Dennis 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 Dennis?

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

  • Is Dennis accepting new business clients right now?

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

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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