
Theodore Lee Banks, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and International · 4.9/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
PartneratScharf Banks Marmor LLC
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 14 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Theodore Lee Banks?
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Quick answer
Theodore Lee Banks is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and International. Theodore has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Business · General · International
- Handles Business, General, and International matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Theodore Lee Banks: Theodore Lee Banks is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and International. Theodore has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Theodore takes on
Theodore concentrates on business, general, international, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Theodore handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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International
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M&A
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Theodore 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Theodore 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.
International cases in Chicago, Illinois
Theodore takes international 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Theodore takes m&a 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Theodore Lee Banks — business lawyer in Chicago
Theodore Lee Banks is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and International. Theodore has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Theodore Lee Banks is a lawyer practicing international law, business, mergers & acquisitions and 3 other areas of law. Theodore received a B.A. degree from Beloit College, and has been licensed for 50 years. Theodore practices at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC in Chicago, IL.
How Theodore handles business matters
Theodore Lee Banks is a lawyer practicing international law, business, mergers & acquisitions and 3 other areas of law. Theodore received a B.A. degree from Beloit College, and has been licensed for 50 years. Theodore practices at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Theodore takes
Theodore reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and international matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Denver
J.D. · 1975
Beloit College B.A.
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Jurisdictions
Theodore's state bar admissions
Colorado
1976 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1976 · ACTIVE
Theodore studied at J.D. in University of Denver and — in Beloit College B.A..
Law school and academic background
Theodore completed J.D. in University of Denver and — in Beloit College B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Theodore runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Theodore has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Theodore Lee Banks's office in Chicago
Theodore's primary office is at 333 W. Wacker Dr., Ste. 450, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Theodore Lee Banks — 4.9/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Theodore. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chicago.
4.9
14 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Theodore Lee Banks claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Theodore Lee Banks — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Theodore usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Theodore charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Theodore'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; Theodore 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 Theodore
Theodore 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. Theodore confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Theodore'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 Theodore Lee Banks
How much does it cost to hire Theodore for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Theodore walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Theodore offer a free consultation?
Theodore charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Theodore's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Theodore'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. Theodore gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Theodore take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Theodore 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 — Theodore 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 Theodore?
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. Theodore will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Theodore accepting new business clients right now?
Theodore'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
Theodore handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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If Theodore'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.





