Joseph A. Zarlengo, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
PartneratLawrence Kamin, LLC
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 15 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Joseph A. Zarlengo?
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Quick answer
Joseph A. Zarlengo is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Joseph has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawrence Kamin, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joseph A. Zarlengo: Joseph A. Zarlengo is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Joseph has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawrence Kamin, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Joseph's practice areas in Chicago
Joseph concentrates on business, estate planning, general, irs, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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General
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IRS
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Tax
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph takes estate planning 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
IRS cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Joseph A. Zarlengo, business attorney serving Chicago
Joseph A. Zarlengo is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Joseph has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawrence Kamin, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews. Joseph works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
Joseph is known for his ability to make sophisticated legal issues and tax planning understandable and is highly regarded for his devotion and commitment to the diverse needs of business clients. Joseph represents corporations, partnerships and tax-exempt entities, as well as family-owned and other closely-held businesses, and their owners. He also represents high net worth individuals, lottery winners and professionals, including doctors, lawyers, accountants and wealth management advisors.
Joseph advises his corporate and business clients on critical financial, tax and business matters, including entity structure and formation, and asset ownership for asset protection and tax savings. He also assists closely-held and family-owned businesses and their owners with business succession planning for wealth preservation and to transition the business/ownership to younger generations and key employees. Joseph offers his individual clients a full range of estate, trust and tax planning services, from the drafting of wills, complex trust agreements and advanced wealth-preservation plans, to the formation of family foundations and other philanthropic entities to accomplish charitable objectives.
In addition to income and estate tax planning, a significant portion of Joseph's tax practice involves representing individual, business and corporate clients in administrative tax-controversy matters before the Internal Revenue Service and the Illinois Department of Revenue. Joseph is frequently asked by banks and financial consultants in the Chicago area to speak on wealth preservation, tax and estate planning, and business succession.
When not finding solutions to meet his clients' needs, Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and children Dominic, Gianna, Mia, Isabella and Vincent.
Experience
Lawrence, Kamin, Saunders & Uhlenhop LLC
- Partner: 2010-Present
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.
- Principal: 2003-2010
Zarlengo & Planera, P.C.
- Partner: 1998-2003
O'Brien, Somer, Zarlengo & Planera
- Partner: 1992-1998
Horwood, Marcus & Braun Chartered
- Associate: 1989-1992
Levenfeld, Eisenberg, Janger, Glassberg &
- Samotney, Associate: 1986-1989
Honors
The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1985, High Distinction; Law Review Honors; National Moot Court Competitor; Mugel Tax Competition-4th best brief, 1985 Quarterfinals
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
South Suburban Estate Planning Council,
- 1992-present
Society of Trust and Estate Planning Practitioners (STEP),
- 2011-present
Community Service
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Member
- 1992-present
Knights of Columbus Council, No. 9770
- Presently - Co-Chair of Annual Fund Raising
- for Special Needs Citizens.
- Previously held position - Grand Knight
Joseph's approach to business cases
Joseph is known for his ability to make sophisticated legal issues and tax planning understandable and is highly regarded for his devotion and commitment to the diverse needs of business clients. Joseph represents corporations, partnerships and tax-exempt entities, as well as family-owned and other closely-held businesses, and their owners. He also represents high net worth individuals, lottery…
Clients Joseph works with
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Joseph studied and practices
The John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1985
California State University
B.A. New · 1982
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
Illinois United Stat
1985 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in The John Marshall Law School and B.A. New in California State University.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in The John Marshall Law School and B.A. New in California State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Joseph's legal honors and published work
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Joseph A. Zarlengo's office in Chicago
Joseph's primary office is at 300 South Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joseph A. Zarlengo — 5.0/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
15 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph A. Zarlengo claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph A. Zarlengo — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Joseph
Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph A. Zarlengo
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business 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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new business clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Joseph handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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