JW

Jane Wells May, Entertainment Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMcdermott Will Emery Llp

Chicago, IL

Practicing entertainment in Chicago since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you Jane Wells May?

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Quick answer

Jane Wells May is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and Government. Jane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Entertainment · General · Government
  • Handles Entertainment, General, and Government matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Jane Wells May: Jane Wells May is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and Government. Jane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Jane Wells May

Jane concentrates on entertainment, general, government, irs, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Entertainment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jane 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 Jane agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jane 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 Jane agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jane takes government 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 Jane agrees to represent you.

IRS cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jane takes irs 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 Jane agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jane 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 Jane agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Jane Wells May — Over 40 years of Illinois entertainment experience

Jane Wells May is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and Government. Jane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Jane Wells May is a lawyer practicing private client, state, local and municipal law, athlete representation and 6 other areas of law. Jane received a B.A. degree from Wittenberg University in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Jane practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Chicago, IL.

How Jane handles entertainment matters

Jane Wells May is a lawyer practicing private client, state, local and municipal law, athlete representation and 6 other areas of law. Jane received a B.A. degree from Wittenberg University in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Jane practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who Jane represents

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

Credentials

Jane Wells May's legal education and bar admissions

  • Vanderbilt University Law School

    J.D. · 1986

  • Wittenberg University

    B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Jane's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1986 · ACTIVE

Jane studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in Wittenberg University.

Law school and academic background

Jane completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in Wittenberg University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jane runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Jane Wells May

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Jane's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations Christian Legal Society

    membership

Locations

Jane Wells May's office in Chicago

Jane's primary office is at 444 West Lake St., Ste. 4000, Chicago, IL, 60606-0029. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mcdermott Will Emery Llp

444 West Lake St., Ste. 4000

Chicago, IL 60606-0029

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jane Wells May — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Jane. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing entertainment 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 Jane Wells May claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jane Wells May — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment 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 Jane

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every entertainment 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. Jane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jane Wells May

  • How much does it cost to hire Jane for a entertainment case?

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

  • Does Jane offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do entertainment cases in Illinois typically take?

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

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

    Jane 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 — Jane 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 Jane?

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

  • Is Jane accepting new entertainment clients right now?

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

Areas served

Entertainment attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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