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Richard Wade Cosby, Environmental Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatCosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C.

Chicago, IL

Practicing environmental in Chicago since 1968.

58+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

Are you Richard Wade Cosby?

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Quick answer

Richard Wade Cosby is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Richard has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 58 years
Known for
Environmental · General · Litigation
  • Handles Environmental, General, and Litigation matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Richard Wade Cosby: Richard Wade Cosby is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Richard has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Richard's practice areas in Chicago

Richard concentrates on environmental, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Environmental cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Richard Wade Cosby, environmental attorney serving Chicago

Richard Wade Cosby is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Richard has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Richard works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on environmental matters across the region.

Richard Wade Cosby is a lawyer practicing environmental law, civil litigation, state administration law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of North Carolina in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. Richard practices at Cosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C. in Chicago, IL.

How Richard handles environmental matters

Richard Wade Cosby is a lawyer practicing environmental law, civil litigation, state administration law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of North Carolina in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. Richard practices at Cosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C. in Chicago, IL.

Who Richard represents

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Richard studied and practices

  • University of Illinois

    J.D. · 1968

  • University of North Carolina

    B.A. · 1965

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1968 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1968 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of North Carolina.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of North Carolina. 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.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Richard's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago (Chair: Environmental Law Committee, 1977-1978 Professional Responsibility Committee, 1988-1989 Lawyer Regulation Committee, 1994-1995) and Illinois State Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Richard Wade Cosby's office in Chicago

Richard's primary office is at 77 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cosby, Oltman & Bell, P.C.

77 W. Washington St.

Chicago, IL 60602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard Wade Cosby — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. 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 Richard Wade Cosby claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Richard Wade Cosby — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new environmental 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 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 Richard

Richard 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. 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Richard Wade Cosby

  • How much does it cost to hire Richard for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. 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 environmental 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

Environmental attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Richard 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

If Richard'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.