How much does it cost to hire Julie for a adoption case?

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

Does Julie offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?

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

Can Julie take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

Julie 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 — Julie 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 Julie?

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

Is Julie accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Julie Picard Brett, Adoption Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Divorce, and Elder Law · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AssociateatFischel & Kahn, Ltd.

Chicago, IL

Practicing adoption in Chicago since 1987.

39+: Years practicing
4.5 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Divorce Elder Law Family Law POA Prenup

Are you Julie Picard Brett?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Julie Picard Brett is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Divorce, and Elder Law. Julie has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fischel & Kahn, Ltd.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: Adoption · Divorce · Elder Law

Handles Adoption, Divorce, and Elder Law matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Julie Picard Brett

Julie concentrates on adoption, divorce, elder law, family law, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Julie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Chicago, Illinois

Julie takes adoption 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 Julie agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

Julie takes divorce 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 Julie agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Julie takes elder law 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 Julie agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Julie takes family law 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 Julie agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Chicago, Illinois

Julie takes poa 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 Julie agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Julie Picard Brett — Over 39 years of Illinois adoption experience

Julie Picard Brett is a lawyer practicing family law, guardianship, adoption and 2 other areas of law. Julie received a B.A. degree from Tufts University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Julie practices at Fischel & Kahn, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.

Working with Julie on a adoption matter

Who Julie represents

Julie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, divorce, and elder law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Julie Picard Brett's legal education and bar admissions

State University of New York at Buffalo
J.D. · 1987
Tufts University
B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Julie's state bar admissions

Massachusetts
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1987 · ACTIVE

Julie studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in Tufts University.

Law school and academic background

Julie completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in Tufts University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Julie runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Julie Picard Brett

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Julie's professional memberships and bar associations

Chicago Bar Association
membership

Locations

Julie Picard Brett's office in Chicago

Julie's primary office is at 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1950, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Fischel & Kahn, Ltd.

155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1950

Chicago, IL 60606

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Julie Picard Brett — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Julie. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Chicago.

4.5

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Julie Picard Brett claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Julie Picard Brett — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Julie

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Julie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Julie Picard Brett

How much does it cost to hire Julie for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Julie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Julie offer a free consultation?
Julie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Julie's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Julie's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Julie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Julie take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Julie 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 — Julie 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 Julie?
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. Julie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Julie accepting new adoption clients right now?
Julie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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