Joseph Nye Welch II, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Copyright, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratPattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 8
- Bar admissions
Are you Joseph Nye Welch II?
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Quick answer
Joseph Nye Welch II is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Copyright, and General. Joseph has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Business · Copyright · General
- Handles Business, Copyright, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joseph Nye Welch II: Joseph Nye Welch II is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Copyright, and General. Joseph has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joseph takes on
Joseph concentrates on business, copyright, general, ip, and litigation. 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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Copyright
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Trademark
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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.
Copyright cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph takes copyright 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.
IP cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph takes ip 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.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joseph Nye Welch II — business lawyer in Chicago
Joseph Nye Welch II is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Copyright, and General. Joseph has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Joseph Nye Welch II is a lawyer practicing business, copyright infringement, intellectual property and 5 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from Harvard College in 1976, and has been licensed for 42 years. Joseph practices at Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with Joseph on a business matter
Joseph Nye Welch II is a lawyer practicing business, copyright infringement, intellectual property and 5 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from Harvard College in 1976, and has been licensed for 42 years. Joseph practices at Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP in Chicago, IL.
Who Joseph represents
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, copyright, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Northwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1984
Harvard College
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
United States Court
2003 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1993 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1993 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1991 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1989 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1984 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1984 · ACTIVE
Supreme Court of Ill
1984 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.A. in Harvard College.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.A. in Harvard College. 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
Recognition and thought leadership
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
for outstanding service in the profession, learned contributions to the profession and highest standards of ethical conduct · 2006 Law & Politics: An Illinois "Super Lawyer"
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subject of the feature article "The Lawyer With a Song in His Heart," in Super Lawyer Magazine · 2005 Law & Politics: An Illinois "Super Lawyer" in Intellectual Property Law · 2005 Law Bulletin Publishing Company: Selected as a "Leading Lawyer" in Intelle
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confidential settlement) (Trademark Infringement) · BSH Home Appliances, et al v. Distribution Direct, et al, Case No. 2:2002cv00306 (D. Utah 2005, Judge Benson) (Trademark Infringement) · Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH v. Dana Corporation,
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see also 890 F.Supp. 1559 (N.D. Ga. 1994, Judge Camp) (Summary Judgment, Trademark Infringement) · Avon Products, Inc. v. S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., 984 F.Supp. 768 (S.D.N.Y. 1997) ( BENCH TRIAL -complaint and counterclaims dismissed) (Advertising Promoti
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Member, 2010-2012 · American Bar Association Advisory Panel: Member · American Bar Foundation: Fellow · Chicago Intellectual Property Alliance: President · Chicago Intellectual Property Alliance: Director · American Intellectual Property Law Association:
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on-line edition (2013, Lexis Nexis) · Trademarks and Unfair Competition (law school casebook on trademark and unfair competition law), co-author (with Pattishall McAuliffe partners David C. Hilliard and Uli Widmaier) (9th ed. 2012)
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Supplement to 9th edition and Teachers Manual (2012, Lexis Nexis) · Co-Author of Hilliard, Welch and Widmaier Lexis Analysis, "Trade Dress and the Boundaries of Trademark Protection" (102 pages) (2012) · "Crash Dummies, Cyber-Ads, and the Internet Troika:
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Locations
Joseph Nye Welch II's office in Chicago
Joseph's primary office is at 200 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP
200 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joseph Nye Welch II — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph Nye Welch II claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Nye Welch II — 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 Nye Welch II
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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