Michael John Maher, Environmental Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratSwanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing environmental in Chicago since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael John Maher?
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Quick answer
Michael John Maher is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Litigation · Personal Injury
- Handles Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael John Maher: Michael John Maher is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael John Maher
Michael concentrates on environmental, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Environmental cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes environmental 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes personal injury 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael John Maher — Over 41 years of Illinois environmental experience
Michael John Maher is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael John Maher is a lawyer practicing environmental law, toxic tort litigation. Michael received a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP in Chicago, IL.
How Michael handles environmental matters
Michael John Maher is a lawyer practicing environmental law, toxic tort litigation. Michael received a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, litigation, and personal injury matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Michael John Maher's legal education and bar admissions
Northern Illinois University College of Law
J.D. · 1985
Northern Illinois University
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
1989 · ACTIVE
Florida
1986 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1985 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Northern Illinois University College of Law and B.A. in Northern Illinois University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Northern Illinois University College of Law and B.A. in Northern Illinois University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael John Maher
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Michael John Maher's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at 330 N. Wabash, Ste. 3300, Chicago, IL, 60611-3604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
330 N. Wabash, Ste. 3300
Chicago, IL 60611-3604
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael John Maher — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental 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 Michael John Maher claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael John Maher — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael John Maher
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple environmental 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new environmental clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Michael handles environmental matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Illinois
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





