VJ

Valerie Johnston, Real Estate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 13 years of legal practice · focused on Real Estate and Zoning

Chicago, IL

Practicing real estate in Chicago since 2013.

13+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Valerie Johnston is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning. Valerie has over 13 years of legal experience.

Based in
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Experience
over 13 years
Known for
Real Estate · Zoning
  • Handles Real Estate and Zoning matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
  • Over 13 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026).

About Valerie Johnston: Valerie Johnston is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning. Valerie has over 13 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Valerie's practice areas in Chicago

Valerie concentrates on real estate and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Valerie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valerie takes real estate 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 Valerie agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Valerie takes zoning 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 Valerie agrees to represent you.

Biography

Valerie Johnston, real estate attorney serving Chicago

Valerie Johnston is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning. Valerie has over 13 years of legal experience. Valerie works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on real estate matters across the region.

Valerie Johnston is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law.

Valerie, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Valerie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

How Valerie handles real estate matters

Valerie Johnston is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Valerie, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Valerie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Who Valerie represents

Valerie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate and zoning matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Valerie studied and practices

  • Marquette University

    J.D. · 2013

Jurisdictions

Valerie's state bar admissions

  • Illinois, Illinois S

    2023 · ACTIVE

  • Wisconsin, State Bar

    2013 · ACTIVE

Valerie studied at J.D. in Marquette University.

Law school and academic background

Valerie completed J.D. in Marquette University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Valerie runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Valerie's legal honors and published work

Valerie has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).

Locations

Valerie Johnston's office in Chicago

Valerie's primary office is at 110 North Wacker Drive, 34th Floor, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

110 North Wacker Drive, 34th Floor

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Valerie Johnston

Valerie 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 Valerie Johnston — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Valerie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Valerie'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; Valerie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 Valerie

Valerie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every real estate 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. Valerie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Valerie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Valerie Johnston

  • How much does it cost to hire Valerie for a real estate case?

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

  • Does Valerie offer a free consultation?

    Valerie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Valerie's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Valerie's current terms during booking.

  • How long do real estate cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple real estate 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. Valerie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Valerie 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 — Valerie 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 Valerie?

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

  • Is Valerie accepting new real estate clients right now?

    Valerie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Real Estate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Valerie handles real estate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Valerie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.