John Merrill Heaphy III, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatHarrison LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John Merrill Heaphy III?
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Quick answer
John Merrill Heaphy III is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison LLP. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About John Merrill Heaphy III: John Merrill Heaphy III is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison LLP. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on bankruptcy, business, litigation, product liability, and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Employment
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Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
John takes bankruptcy 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 John agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Chicago, Illinois
John takes product liability 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 John agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Merrill Heaphy III — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago
John Merrill Heaphy III is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison LLP. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Merrill Heaphy III is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, reinsurance litigation and arbitration, bankruptcy litigation and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.S.E. degree from University of Michigan in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. John practices at Harrison LLP in Chicago, IL.
How John handles bankruptcy matters
John Merrill Heaphy III is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, reinsurance litigation and arbitration, bankruptcy litigation and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.S.E. degree from University of Michigan in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. John practices at Harrison LLP in Chicago, IL.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Michigan
J.D. Chem. · 1981
University of Michigan
B.S.E. Chem. · 1978
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1981 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. Chem. in University of Michigan and B.S.E. Chem. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. Chem. in University of Michigan and B.S.E. Chem. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Illinois State Bar Association
membership
Locations
John Merrill Heaphy III's office in Chicago
John's primary office is at 333 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Merrill Heaphy III — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Merrill Heaphy III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Merrill Heaphy III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Merrill Heaphy III
How much does it cost to hire John for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
John handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





