Mary Kruit McWilliams

Mary Kruit McWilliams, Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General · 4.8/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews

Practicing estate planning in Chicago since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
4.8 ★
20 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Mary Kruit McWilliams is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. Mary has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Family Law · General
  • Handles Estate Planning, Family Law, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Mary Kruit McWilliams: Mary Kruit McWilliams is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. Mary has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Mary Kruit McWilliams

Mary concentrates on estate planning, family law, general, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois

Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Chicago, Illinois

Mary takes trusts 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Mary Kruit McWilliams — Over 31 years of Illinois estate planning experience

Mary Kruit McWilliams is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. Mary has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.

Mary Kruit McWilliams is a lawyer practicing not-for-profit and planned giving, religious organizations, wealth and succession planning and 4 other areas of law. Mary received a B.A. degree from Trinity International University in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. Mary practices at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C. in Chicago, IL.

How Mary handles estate planning matters

Mary Kruit McWilliams is a lawyer practicing not-for-profit and planned giving, religious organizations, wealth and succession planning and 4 other areas of law. Mary received a B.A. degree from Trinity International University in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. Mary practices at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C. in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Mary takes

Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, family law, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Mary Kruit McWilliams's legal education and bar admissions

  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law

    J.D. · 1995

  • Trinity International University

    B.A. · 1989

Jurisdictions

Mary's state bar admissions

  • Wisconsin

    2012 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois United Stat

    1995 · ACTIVE

Mary studied at J.D. in Loyola University Chicago School of Law and B.A. in Trinity International University.

Law school and academic background

Mary completed J.D. in Loyola University Chicago School of Law and B.A. in Trinity International University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Kruit McWilliams

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Mary's professional memberships and bar associations

  • of Chicago, Illinois

    food pantry and poverty assistance in Logan Square) •Past director and officer of National Christian Foundation Greater Chicago (donor advised fund charity) •Past women's coordinator, Pinnacle Forum's Emerging Leaders Initiative (mentorship program for ne · membership

Locations

Mary Kruit McWilliams's office in Chicago

Mary's primary office is at 22nd Floor, 330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611-3607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.

22nd Floor, 330 North Wabash Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611-3607

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mary Kruit McWilliams — 4.8/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews

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

4.8

20 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Kruit McWilliams claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mary Kruit McWilliams — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Mary

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Mary Kruit McWilliams

  • How much does it cost to hire Mary for a estate planning case?

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

  • Does Mary offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do estate planning cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple estate planning 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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?

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

  • Is Mary accepting new estate planning clients right now?

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

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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