Jennifer M. Cerven

Jennifer M. Cerven, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and General

Staff AttorneyatBarnes & Thornburg LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing civil rights in Chicago since 1996.

30+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Jennifer M. Cerven is a staff attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Jennifer has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 30 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Employment · General
  • Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Jennifer M. Cerven: Jennifer M. Cerven is a staff attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Jennifer has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Jennifer takes on

Jennifer concentrates on civil rights, employment, general, litigation, and ssd. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jennifer handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jennifer takes civil rights 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jennifer takes employment 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jennifer 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jennifer takes litigation 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.

SSD cases in Chicago, Illinois

Jennifer takes ssd 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 Jennifer agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Jennifer M. Cerven — civil rights lawyer in Chicago

Jennifer M. Cerven is a staff attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Jennifer has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Jennifer M. Cerven is a lawyer practicing general practice, accessibility and disability, disability, leave and medical issues and 7 other areas of law. Jennifer received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University, and has been licensed for 30 years. Jennifer practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL.

How Jennifer handles civil rights matters

Jennifer M. Cerven is a lawyer practicing general practice, accessibility and disability, disability, leave and medical issues and 7 other areas of law. Jennifer received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University, and has been licensed for 30 years. Jennifer practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Jennifer takes

Jennifer reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Illinois, College of Law

    J.D. · 1996

  • Northwestern University B.S.

Jurisdictions

Jennifer's state bar admissions

  • Illinois U.S. Court

    1996 · ACTIVE

Jennifer studied at J.D. in University of Illinois, College of Law and — in Northwestern University B.S..

Law school and academic background

Jennifer completed J.D. in University of Illinois, College of Law and — in Northwestern University B.S.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jennifer runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Jennifer M. Cerven's office in Chicago

Jennifer'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

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jennifer M. Cerven

Jennifer has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Jennifer M. Cerven — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Jennifer

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Jennifer confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jennifer M. Cerven

  • How much does it cost to hire Jennifer for a civil rights case?

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

  • Does Jennifer offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do civil rights cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple civil rights 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. Jennifer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Jennifer 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 — Jennifer 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 Jennifer?

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

  • Is Jennifer accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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