Stephanie H. Denby, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Family Law, and Trusts
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Stephanie H. Denby?
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Quick answer
Stephanie H. Denby is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Trusts. Stephanie has over 38 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Business · Family Law · Trusts
- Handles Business, Family Law, and Trusts matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026).
About Stephanie H. Denby: Stephanie H. Denby is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Trusts. Stephanie has over 38 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Stephanie H. Denby
Stephanie concentrates on business, family law, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephanie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Family Law
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Trusts
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie 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 Stephanie agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie 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 Stephanie agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie takes trusts 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 Stephanie agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Stephanie H. Denby — Over 38 years of Illinois business experience
Stephanie H. Denby is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Trusts. Stephanie has over 38 years of legal experience.
Stephanie advises on complex tax issues, investment structures, acquisitions and sales of special assets, trust and probate administration and charitable giving. She serves as a fiduciary consultant on litigation matters for corporate fiduciaries and interfamily disputes. Stephanie also represents taxpayers on contested tax matters, including federal and state audits and administrative appeals.
Stephanie’s clients include high net worth individuals, family offices and corporate fiduciaries, serving as long-term counsel and advising them as their wealth grows and estate planning needs evolve. Having worked with many of her clients for years, Stephanie utilizes her in-depth understanding of their objectives to tackle a wide array of issues.To achieve the best results, Stephanie works collaboratively with her clients and they appreciate that she listens to their goals and then designs solutions to achieve that end. Stephanie is the ultimate problem solver for legal challenges facing her clients, and is committed to creating the right structure to improve and simplify her clients’ lives.She has been a frequent lecturer at professional organizations and training institutes.
Stephanie's approach to business cases
Stephanie advises on complex tax issues, investment structures, acquisitions and sales of special assets, trust and probate administration and charitable giving. She serves as a fiduciary consultant on litigation matters for corporate fiduciaries and interfamily disputes. Stephanie also represents taxpayers on contested tax matters, including federal and state audits and administrative appeals.…
The kind of cases Stephanie takes
Stephanie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, family law, and trusts matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Stephanie H. Denby's legal education and bar admissions
University of Michigan
J.D. · 1988
University of Chicago
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Stephanie's state bar admissions
Illinois
1988 · ACTIVE
Stephanie studied at J.D. in University of Michigan and B.A. in University of Chicago.
Law school and academic background
Stephanie completed J.D. in University of Michigan and B.A. in University of Chicago. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephanie runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephanie H. Denby
Stephanie has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
Office locations for Stephanie H. Denby in Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie's primary office is at Chicago, Illinois, 60606-2833. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephanie H. Denby
Stephanie 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 Stephanie H. Denby — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephanie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephanie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephanie'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; Stephanie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Stephanie
Stephanie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Stephanie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephanie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephanie H. Denby
How much does it cost to hire Stephanie for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephanie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephanie offer a free consultation?
Stephanie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephanie's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephanie's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business 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. Stephanie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephanie take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Stephanie 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 — Stephanie 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 Stephanie?
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. Stephanie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephanie accepting new business clients right now?
Stephanie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Stephanie handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Stephanie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





