How much does it cost to hire Marie for a legal case?

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

Does Marie offer a free consultation?

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

How long do legal cases in Illinois typically take?

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

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

Marie 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 — Marie 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 Marie?

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

Is Marie accepting new legal clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Marie Elayne Smuda — Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 41 years of legal practice

Asst. State's Atty.

Chicago, IL

Practicing law in Chicago since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Are you Marie Elayne Smuda?

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Quick answer

Marie Elayne Smuda is an asst. state's atty. based in Chicago, IL. Marie has over 41 years of legal experience.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: legal services

Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

Marie Elayne Smuda, legal attorney serving Chicago

Marie Elayne Smuda is an asst. state's atty. based in Chicago, IL. Marie has over 41 years of legal experience. Marie works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on legal matters across the region.

Marie Elayne Smuda is a lawyer. Marie received a B.S.C. degree from DePaul University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Marie practices in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Marie takes

Marie reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Marie studied and practices

DePaul University
J.D. · 1985
DePaul University
B.S.C. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Marie's state bar admissions

Illinois
1985 · ACTIVE

Marie studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.S.C. in DePaul University.

Law school and academic background

Marie completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.S.C. in DePaul University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marie runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Marie Elayne Smuda's office in Chicago

Marie's primary office is at 33 N Dearborn St Ste 1501, Chicago, IL, 60602-3872. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

33 N Dearborn St Ste 1501

Chicago, IL 60602-3872

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Marie Elayne Smuda

Marie has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Marie Elayne Smuda — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a legal attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 Marie

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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. Marie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Marie Elayne Smuda

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