VH

Valarie Hays, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Consumer, and Employment

Partner

Chicago, IL

Practicing business in Chicago since 2000.

26+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Valarie Hays is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Employment. Valarie has over 26 years of legal experience.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 26 years
Known for
Business · Consumer · Employment
  • Handles Business, Consumer, and Employment matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Valarie Hays: Valarie Hays is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Employment. Valarie has over 26 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Valarie takes on

Valarie concentrates on business, consumer, employment, litigation, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Valarie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valarie 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 Valarie agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valarie takes consumer 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 Valarie agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valarie takes employment 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 Valarie agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valarie 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 Valarie agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valarie takes securities 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 Valarie agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Valarie Hays — business lawyer in Chicago

Valarie Hays is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Employment. Valarie has over 26 years of legal experience.

Valarie Hays is a lawyer practicing tax fraud / tax evasion, securities / investment fraud, litigation and 3 other areas of law. Valarie received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1997, and has been licensed for 26 years. Valarie practices at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP in Chicago, IL.

How Valarie handles business matters

Valarie Hays is a lawyer practicing tax fraud / tax evasion, securities / investment fraud, litigation and 3 other areas of law. Valarie received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1997, and has been licensed for 26 years. Valarie practices at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Valarie takes

Valarie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, consumer, and employment matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard Law School

    J.D. · 2000

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    B.A. · 1997

Jurisdictions

Valarie's state bar admissions

  • Illinois U.S. Court

    2000 · ACTIVE

Valarie studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Law school and academic background

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

Locations

Valarie Hays's office in Chicago

Valarie's primary office is at Three First National Plaza, 70 W. Madison Street, Suite 2900, Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Three First National Plaza, 70 W. Madison Street, Suite 2900

Chicago, IL 60602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Valarie Hays

Valarie 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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Hiring guide

How to hire Valarie Hays — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Valarie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Valarie'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; Valarie 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 Valarie

Valarie 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. Valarie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Valarie'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 Valarie Hays

  • How much does it cost to hire Valarie for a business case?

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

  • Does Valarie offer a free consultation?

    Valarie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Valarie's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Valarie'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. Valarie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Valarie 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 — Valarie 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 Valarie?

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

  • Is Valarie accepting new business clients right now?

    Valarie'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

Valarie 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

If Valarie'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.