RD

Renee Deborah Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Partner

Chicago, IL

Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
5
Bar admissions

Are you Renee Deborah Smith?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Renee Deborah Smith is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Renee has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Renee Deborah Smith: Renee Deborah Smith is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Renee has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Renee takes on

Renee concentrates on bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, class action, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Renee handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois

Renee takes bankruptcy 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 Renee agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Renee takes business 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 Renee agrees to represent you.

Chapter 11 cases in Chicago, Illinois

Renee takes chapter 11 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 Renee agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Renee takes class action 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 Renee agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Renee 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 Renee agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Renee Deborah Smith — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago

Renee Deborah Smith is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Renee has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Renee Deborah Smith is a lawyer practicing class action, mass tort & toxic tort litigation, bankruptcy / chapter 11, commercial litigation and 2 other areas of law. Renee received a B.A. degree from Miami University in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Renee practices at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, IL.

Renee's approach to bankruptcy cases

Renee Deborah Smith is a lawyer practicing class action, mass tort & toxic tort litigation, bankruptcy / chapter 11, commercial litigation and 2 other areas of law. Renee received a B.A. degree from Miami University in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Renee practices at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, IL.

Clients Renee works with

Renee reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard Law School

    J.D. · 1995

  • Miami University

    B.A. · 1992

Jurisdictions

Renee's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court

    2009 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    2006 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    2003 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    1995 · ACTIVE

Renee studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Miami University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Renee Deborah Smith's office in Chicago

Renee's primary office is at 300 North LaSalle St., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL, 60654-3406. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

300 North LaSalle St., Ste. 2400

Chicago, IL 60654-3406

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Renee Deborah Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Renee. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy 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 Renee Deborah Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Renee Deborah Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Renee

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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. Renee confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Renee Deborah Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Renee for a bankruptcy case?

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

  • Does Renee offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?

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

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

    Renee 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 — Renee 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 Renee?

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

  • Is Renee accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

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

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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