Joel J. Rhiner, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratStein Ray LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing general in Chicago since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joel J. Rhiner?
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Quick answer
Joel J. Rhiner is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Insurance. Joel has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stein Ray LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- General · Government · Insurance
- Handles General, Government, and Insurance matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joel J. Rhiner: Joel J. Rhiner is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Insurance. Joel has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stein Ray LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Joel's practice areas in Chicago
Joel concentrates on general, government, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Government
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Insurance
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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.
Government cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joel takes insurance 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
Joel J. Rhiner, general attorney serving Chicago
Joel J. Rhiner is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Insurance. Joel has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stein Ray LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Joel works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on general matters across the region.
Joel J. Rhiner is a lawyer practicing construction and design law, government contracts, complex insurance litigation and 1 other area of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Joel practices at Stein Ray LLP in Chicago, IL.
How Joel handles general matters
Joel J. Rhiner is a lawyer practicing construction and design law, government contracts, complex insurance litigation and 1 other area of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Joel practices at Stein Ray LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Joel takes
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and insurance matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Joel studied and practices
University of California at Los Angeles
J.D. · 1990
University of Iowa
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
Iowa
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1990 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. in University of California at Los Angeles and B.A. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. in University of California at Los Angeles and B.A. in University of Iowa. 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
Joel's legal honors and published work
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
American (Member, Construction Industry Forum), Chicago, Illinois and Iowa State Bar Associations Federal Trial Bar
membership
Locations
Joel J. Rhiner's office in Chicago
Joel's primary office is at 222 W. Adams St., Ste. 1800, Chicago, IL, 60606-5305. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joel J. Rhiner — 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 general 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 J. Rhiner claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joel J. Rhiner — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joel J. Rhiner
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple general 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 general 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
General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Joel handles general matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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