How much does it cost to hire Michelle for a estate litigation case?

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

Does Michelle offer a free consultation?

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

How long do estate litigation cases in Illinois typically take?

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

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

Michelle 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 — Michelle 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 Michelle?

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

Is Michelle accepting new estate litigation clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michelle M. Huhnke, Estate Litigation Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratSugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing estate litigation in Chicago since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Estate Litigation Estate Planning Estate Tax Family Law General Probate +2 more →

Are you Michelle M. Huhnke?

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

Michelle M. Huhnke is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Michelle has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Estate Litigation · Estate Planning · Estate Tax

Handles Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michelle takes on

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

Estate Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes estate 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Estate Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle takes estate 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michelle 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 Michelle agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michelle M. Huhnke — estate litigation lawyer in Chicago

Michelle M. Huhnke is a lawyer practicing trusts, estate planning, federal estate and gift taxation and 13 other areas of law. Michelle received a B.A. degree from Barnard College in 1989, and has been licensed for 31 years. Michelle practices at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP in Chicago, IL.

Michelle's approach to estate litigation cases

Clients Michelle works with

Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate litigation, estate planning, and estate tax matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

George Washington University
J.D. · 1995
Barnard College
B.A. · 1989

Jurisdictions

Michelle's state bar admissions

Illinois
2007 · ACTIVE
Maryland
2005 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1996 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1995 · ACTIVE

Michelle studied at J.D. in George Washington University and B.A. in Barnard College.

Law school and academic background

Michelle completed J.D. in George Washington University and B.A. in Barnard College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michelle M. Huhnke's office in Chicago

Michelle's primary office is at 30 North La Salle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP

30 North La Salle Street, Suite 3000

Chicago, IL 60602

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michelle M. Huhnke — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michelle. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate litigation 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 Michelle M. Huhnke claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michelle M. Huhnke — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a estate litigation attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate litigation 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 Michelle

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate litigation 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. Michelle confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michelle M. Huhnke

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

Areas served

Estate Litigation attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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