Donal Maurice O'Brien, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Consumer, and M&A · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Partner
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Donal Maurice O'Brien?
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.
Quick answer
Donal Maurice O'Brien is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and M&A. Donal has over 28 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Business · Consumer · M&A
- Handles Business, Consumer, and M&A matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Donal Maurice O'Brien: Donal Maurice O'Brien is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and M&A. Donal has over 28 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Donal Maurice O'Brien
Donal concentrates on business, consumer, m&a, real estate, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donal handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Consumer
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Securities
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Bankruptcy
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Donal 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 Donal agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Chicago, Illinois
Donal takes consumer 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 Donal agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Donal takes m&a 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 Donal agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Donal takes real estate 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 Donal agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Chicago, Illinois
Donal takes securities 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 Donal agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Donal Maurice O'Brien — Over 28 years of Illinois business experience
Donal Maurice O'Brien is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and M&A. Donal has over 28 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Donal Maurice O'Brien is a lawyer practicing mergers / acquisitions, securities / investment fraud, banking, business and public finance and 2 other areas of law. Donal received a B.A. degree from University College Dublin in 1995, and has been licensed for 28 years. Donal practices at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP in Chicago, IL.
Donal's approach to business cases
Donal Maurice O'Brien is a lawyer practicing mergers / acquisitions, securities / investment fraud, banking, business and public finance and 2 other areas of law. Donal received a B.A. degree from University College Dublin in 1995, and has been licensed for 28 years. Donal practices at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Donal takes
Donal reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, consumer, and m&a matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Donal Maurice O'Brien's legal education and bar admissions
Loyola University
J.D. · 1998
University College Dublin
B.A. · 1995
Jurisdictions
Donal's state bar admissions
Illinois
1998 · ACTIVE
Donal studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in University College Dublin.
Law school and academic background
Donal completed J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in University College Dublin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donal runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Donal Maurice O'Brien's office in Chicago
Donal's primary office is at 161 N. Clark St., Ste. 4300, Chicago, IL, 60601-3315. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Donal Maurice O'Brien — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Donal. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chicago.
4.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donal Maurice O'Brien claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Donal Maurice O'Brien — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donal usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donal charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donal'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; Donal 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 Donal
Donal 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. Donal confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donal'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 Donal Maurice O'Brien
How much does it cost to hire Donal for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donal walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donal offer a free consultation?
Donal charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donal's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Donal'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. Donal gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donal take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Donal 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 — Donal 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 Donal?
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. Donal will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donal accepting new business clients right now?
Donal'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
Donal 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
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If Donal'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.





