Franklin Allen Chanen, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 69 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatSidley Austin LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1957.
- 69+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Franklin Allen Chanen?
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
Franklin Allen Chanen is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Tax. Franklin has over 69 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 69 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Tax
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Tax matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 69 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Franklin Allen Chanen: Franklin Allen Chanen is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Tax. Franklin has over 69 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Franklin takes on
Franklin concentrates on business, estate planning, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Franklin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Tax
View other Tax attorneys
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Franklin 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 Franklin agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Franklin takes estate planning 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 Franklin agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Franklin takes tax 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 Franklin agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Franklin Allen Chanen — business lawyer in Chicago
Franklin Allen Chanen is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Tax. Franklin has over 69 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Franklin Allen Chanen is a lawyer practicing taxation and corporate law, estate planning law. Franklin received a B.B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1954, and has been licensed for 69 years. Franklin practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.
Franklin's approach to business cases
Franklin Allen Chanen is a lawyer practicing taxation and corporate law, estate planning law. Franklin received a B.B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1954, and has been licensed for 69 years. Franklin practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Franklin takes
Franklin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and tax matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Northwestern University
J.D. · 1957
Northwestern University
B.B.A. · 1954
Jurisdictions
Franklin's state bar admissions
Illinois
1957 · ACTIVE
Franklin studied at J.D. in Northwestern University and B.B.A. in Northwestern University.
Law school and academic background
Franklin completed J.D. in Northwestern University and B.B.A. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Franklin runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Franklin has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Franklin Allen Chanen's office in Chicago
Franklin's primary office is at One S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL, 60603-2302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Franklin Allen Chanen — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Franklin. 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 Franklin Allen Chanen claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Franklin Allen Chanen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Franklin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Franklin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Franklin'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; Franklin 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 Franklin
Franklin 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. Franklin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Franklin'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 Franklin Allen Chanen
How much does it cost to hire Franklin for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Franklin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Franklin offer a free consultation?
Franklin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Franklin's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Franklin'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. Franklin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Franklin take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Franklin 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 — Franklin 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 Franklin?
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. Franklin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Franklin accepting new business clients right now?
Franklin'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
Franklin 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
Other top-rated business attorneys in Illinois
If Franklin'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.





