JG

Joel Gerald Chefitz, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Class Action, and Entertainment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMcdermott Will Emery Llp

Chicago, IL

Practicing adr in Chicago since 1976.

50+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Joel Gerald Chefitz is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Class Action, and Entertainment. Joel has over 50 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 50 years
Known for
ADR · Class Action · Entertainment
  • Handles ADR, Class Action, and Entertainment matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Joel Gerald Chefitz: Joel Gerald Chefitz is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Class Action, and Entertainment. Joel has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Joel takes on

Joel concentrates on adr, class action, entertainment, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois

Joel takes adr 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 Joel agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Joel takes class action 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 Joel agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Joel Gerald Chefitz — adr lawyer in Chicago

Joel Gerald Chefitz is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Class Action, and Entertainment. Joel has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Joel Gerald Chefitz is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, antitrust & competition, antitrust litigation and 9 other areas of law. Joel received a A.B. degree from Boston University in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. Joel practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Joel on a adr matter

Joel Gerald Chefitz is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, antitrust & competition, antitrust litigation and 9 other areas of law. Joel received a A.B. degree from Boston University in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. Joel practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Chicago, IL.

Clients Joel works with

Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, class action, and entertainment matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Boston University School of Law

    J.D. · 1976

  • Boston University

    A.B. · 1972

Jurisdictions

Joel's state bar admissions

  • Illinois U.S. Suprem

    1976 · ACTIVE

Joel studied at J.D. in Boston University School of Law and A.B. in Boston University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Joel's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago, Seventh Circuit and American Bar Associations

    membership

  • American Bar Foundation

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Joel Gerald Chefitz's office in Chicago

Joel'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

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Joel Gerald Chefitz — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Joel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr 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 Joel Gerald Chefitz claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Joel Gerald Chefitz — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Joel

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joel Gerald Chefitz

  • How much does it cost to hire Joel for a adr case?

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

  • Does Joel offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?

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

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

    Joel 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 — Joel 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 Joel?

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

  • Is Joel accepting new adr clients right now?

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

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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