Richard U. S. Howell P.C., Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Chicago.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Richard U. S. Howell P.C. is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Bankruptcy
- Handles Bankruptcy matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026).
About Richard U. S. Howell P.C.: Richard U. S. Howell P.C. is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.
Areas of practice
Richard's practice areas in Chicago
Richard concentrates on bankruptcy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Richard U. S. Howell P.C., bankruptcy attorney serving Chicago
Richard U. S. Howell P.C. is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Richard works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Richard “Rush” Howell is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Chicago office. Recognized as a trial lawyer companies call when the issues are too important not to fight, Rush has significant experience serving as trial counsel for companies in high-profile restructuring and product liability cases and representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in a wide array of business disputes. His practice spans commercial litigation, restructuring, data security and privacy, energy, and products liability disputes.
Rush has first chaired or co-led multiple trials for Linn Energy and Patriot Coal Corporation, and he has first-chaired arbitrations for clients including Payment Alliance Holdings. He has also successfully handled important litigation for Energy Future Holdings, Madison Dearborn, Emerald Oil, and Southcross Holdings, among others. Turnaround Management Association awarded Rush’s team the 2016 “Mega Deal of the Year” Honor for their work on the Patriot Coal restructuring.
Rush graduated cum laude from Princeton University and received his law degree from University of Virginia Law School. Between his studies, he spent several years doing improv theater, including at the renowned Improv Olympic and Second City Theatres. Rush’s clients benefit from his improv background, which, combined with his extensive trial experience, has enhanced his ability to read an audience and to relate and speak convincingly to judges and juries alike.
Working with Richard on a bankruptcy matter
Richard “Rush” Howell is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Chicago office. Recognized as a trial lawyer companies call when the issues are too important not to fight, Rush has significant experience serving as trial counsel for companies in high-profile restructuring and product liability cases and representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in a wide array of business…
Who Richard represents
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Richard studied and practices
University of Virginia
J.D. · 2006
Richard studied at J.D. in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Richard's legal honors and published work
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026).
Locations
Richard U. S. Howell P.C.'s office in Chicago
Richard's primary office is at 333 West Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, 60654. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard U. S. Howell P.C.
Richard 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Richard U. S. Howell P.C. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard 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 Richard
Richard 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard'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 Richard U. S. Howell P.C.
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Richard'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
Richard handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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If Richard'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.





