Engelberg & Smith

For individuals and businesses across Illinois, navigating the complexities of the legal system often requires experienced and dedicated guidance. Whether you're dealing with corporate legalities, family matters, estate planning, or civil disputes, having a knowledgeable legal partner by your side can make all the difference. In the bustling heart of Chicago, Engelberg & Smith stands as a law firm with a rich history spanning over four decades, committed to providing high-quality and affordable legal services to the middle class, individuals, and businesses.

Founded on the principle of bridging the gap between expensive corporate legal services and limited legal aid for the poor, Engelberg & Smith has consistently aimed to offer accessible and effective legal solutions. The firm's founders, Steve Engelman and Mark Smith, set out to provide quality legal services at reasonable rates, a mission they continue to uphold. Their approach is characterized by a thorough investigation of facts, diligent research of the law, and a collaborative spirit, working closely with clients to understand their needs and formulate goals. This client-centric philosophy ensures that clients are kept abreast of developments, receive candid assessments of their case, and are empowered to make informed decisions.

This article will delve into what makes Engelberg & Smith a suitable choice for Illinois residents seeking legal assistance. We'll explore their convenient downtown Chicago location, the diverse range of services they offer, what sets them apart as highlights, and how to get in touch. If you're looking for legal guidance that combines extensive experience with a modern, client-focused approach and a commitment to affordability, you'll find valuable information here.

Engelberg & Smith is strategically located at 20 N Clark St Ste. 30, Chicago, IL 60602, USA. This address places the firm in a highly accessible and central part of downtown Chicago, making it exceptionally convenient for clients throughout Illinois. The location on North Clark Street is within Chicago's vibrant Loop, a key commercial and legal district.

The firm's downtown Chicago location offers excellent connectivity via the city's extensive public transportation network. Multiple CTA 'L' train lines are within a short walking distance, including the Blue Line (Monroe-Blue station is a 2-minute walk), Red Line (Monroe-Red station is a 5-minute walk), and the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines (via the Washington/Wells station, a 6-minute walk). Numerous bus routes also serve the immediate area, with stops on Dearborn & Monroe, Madison & Dearborn/State, and Adams & Clark, making it easy for clients from various Chicago neighborhoods, suburban areas, and other Illinois communities to reach the office for consultations and meetings.

For those who prefer to drive, there are various parking garages in the surrounding blocks, offering options for visitors, though it's always advisable to consider typical city traffic and parking availability. Being situated in a major legal hub ensures Engelberg & Smith is well-positioned to interact with courts, government agencies, and other professional entities, which can be advantageous for clients. The office environment provides a professional and comfortable setting for discussing legal matters, reflecting the firm's dedication to client convenience and accessibility.

Engelberg & Smith is a versatile law firm with over four decades of experience, offering a broad spectrum of legal services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses in Illinois. Their practice areas cover various critical aspects of civil law, ensuring comprehensive and knowledgeable representation:

• Corporate Law and Commercial Law: The firm provides extensive legal counsel for businesses, ranging from small entrepreneurial formations to more established corporations. This includes advising on corporate governance, commercial transactions, contracts, and general business management. They aim to provide preventative law, helping businesses anticipate and avoid problems.

• Civil Litigation: Engelberg & Smith has significant experience in civil litigation, representing clients in various disputes. This includes complex commercial litigation, real estate disputes, and other civil claims. Mark Smith, one of the firm's members, has a strong background in trying numerous jury and bench trials in both state and federal courts, with a notable million-dollar-plus jury verdict to his credit. They are prepared to litigate fiercely while also being adept at mediation and settlement discussions.

• Family Law and Domestic Relations: Mark Smith has concentrated his practice in Family Law for the past twenty years, accepting new cases on referral. This includes handling divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, property division, and other domestic relations matters, providing compassionate and effective representation during sensitive personal issues.

• Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Probate: Steve Engelman, a founding member, concentrates his practice in estate planning, guardianship, and probate administration and litigation. This involves assisting clients with drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential documents to ensure asset protection and efficient distribution according to their wishes. They also guide families through the probate process, handling the legal administration of an estate after a loved one's passing.

• Residential and Commercial Real Estate: Steve Engelman specializes in real estate, including acquisition, leasing, financing, zoning, development, litigation, and sale of both residential and commercial properties. This provides comprehensive legal support for individuals buying or selling homes, as well as developers and businesses involved in property transactions.

• Federal Taxation: The firm also has expertise in federal taxation, offering advice and representation on tax-related matters that impact individuals and businesses, often integrated with their estate planning and corporate law services.

Engelberg & Smith distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its long-standing commitment to client success and legal excellence:

• Decades of Experience and Established Reputation: Founded almost forty years ago, Engelberg & Smith has a significant history of serving the Illinois community. This longevity speaks to their stability, deep understanding of the legal landscape, and enduring commitment to their founding principles. Their history includes assisting in the creation of the Evanston Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, a national model, showcasing their impact beyond individual cases.

• Commitment to Quality and Affordability: A core mission of the firm has been to provide "quality legal services at reasonable and affordable rates" for the middle class. This commitment to accessibility is a key highlight, ensuring that high-caliber legal representation is not out of reach due to exorbitant fees, distinguishing them from many larger firms.

• Client-Centric and Collaborative Approach: The firm emphasizes establishing "enduring relationships with our clients." They adopt a "more collaborative approach," involving clients in thorough investigations and legal research. They commit to keeping clients "abreast of developments," providing "candid assessments," and exploring "alternative paths" so clients are "prepared to make educated decisions." This transparency and partnership are highly valued.

• Experienced and Versatile Attorneys: With both Steve Engelman and Mark Smith having over 40 years of experience, clients benefit from a wealth of knowledge. Steve's focus on civil law, real estate, and estate planning, and Mark's extensive litigation background and concentration in Family Law, provide a well-rounded and robust legal team capable of handling diverse and complex cases.

• Strong Litigation and Dispute Resolution Skills: Mark Smith's background as an adept litigator with successful jury verdicts, coupled with his training as a Mediator and Supreme Court-approved Arbitrator, highlights the firm's dual capability. They are prepared to try cases in court but are also skilled in seeking amicable settlements, always aiming for the best client outcome.

• Community Involvement: The firm has a strong history of giving back to the community, with its founders serving in various governmental, charitable, legal, and community service capacities. This deep roots in the community fosters trust and demonstrates a commitment beyond just legal practice.

As a professional legal services firm, Engelberg & Smith operates on a model focused on providing value through expertise and client-centered service rather than conventional "promotions" or "discounts." However, their foundational mission includes aspects that are inherently beneficial for individuals seeking legal assistance in Illinois:

• Affordable and Reasonable Rates: A defining characteristic of Engelberg & Smith since its inception has been its commitment to providing "quality legal services at reasonable and affordable rates." This core philosophy acts as a continuous "offer," making expert legal counsel accessible to the middle class, a significant advantage for many Illinois residents concerned about legal costs.

• Transparent Fee Structures: While specific fee structures are not detailed, the firm's emphasis on transparency and candid assessments implies that clients will receive clear information regarding costs. For certain practice areas like personal injury, contingency fee arrangements (where fees are only paid upon successful recovery) are common, which removes upfront financial barriers for injured clients.

• Initial Consultations: It is standard practice for reputable law firms to offer initial consultations. This allows prospective clients to discuss their legal matter, understand the firm's approach, and inquire about fee arrangements without immediate financial commitment. It is always recommended to contact Engelberg & Smith directly to ascertain their policy on initial consultations.

For potential clients in Illinois, the most significant "offer" from Engelberg & Smith is their long-standing dedication to providing expert, client-focused legal services at rates designed to be accessible, reflecting their original mission to serve the needs of the community effectively.

For individuals and businesses in Illinois seeking experienced and affordable legal counsel, reaching out to Engelberg & Smith is straightforward. Their contact details are as follows:

• Address: 20 N Clark St Ste. 30, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

• Phone: (312) 580-1239

Prospective clients are encouraged to call the firm during business hours to discuss their legal needs, inquire about specific services, or schedule an appointment. When making initial contact, providing a brief overview of your situation can help the firm direct your inquiry to the most appropriate attorney or staff member. The firm's commitment to responsiveness and clear communication suggests you can expect a helpful and informative initial interaction.

For individuals and businesses across Illinois, Engelberg & Smith presents itself as an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous choice for legal representation. Their suitability for locals is deeply rooted in their foundational principles, extensive experience, and client-centric approach, directly addressing the diverse legal needs of the Illinois community.

Firstly, the firm's core mission to provide "quality legal services at reasonable and affordable rates" is a significant draw for the middle class and other Illinois residents who may be hesitant about the cost of legal counsel. This commitment to accessibility ensures that expert legal guidance is not exclusive to those with deep pockets, making it a truly valuable resource for a broad spectrum of the population. This unique approach, established over nearly four decades, underscores their dedication to serving the community's financial realities.

Secondly, the comprehensive range of services offered by Engelberg & Smith, spanning corporate law, civil litigation, family law, estate planning, and real estate, means that individuals and businesses can find solutions for a multitude of legal challenges under one roof. This versatility eliminates the need to seek out different specialized firms for various legal needs, providing a seamless and consistent legal partnership throughout different stages of life or business operations. The combined expertise of Steve Engelman and Mark Smith, each with distinct but complementary concentrations, ensures well-rounded and effective representation.

Furthermore, the firm's client-centric philosophy, characterized by candid assessments, proactive communication, and a collaborative approach, builds strong trust and understanding. For Illinois locals navigating complex legal situations, knowing that their attorneys will keep them informed, explain nuances clearly, and involve them in strategy development can significantly reduce stress and empower them to make confident decisions. This commitment to transparency and partnership is highly valued by clients seeking reliable and supportive legal counsel.

Finally, the convenient and highly accessible location at 20 N Clark St in downtown Chicago is a practical advantage for clients across the entire state. Its proximity to major public transportation hubs ensures that high-quality legal representation is within easy reach, minimizing logistical burdens for those traveling from different parts of Illinois. This combination of affordability, comprehensive expertise, a client-first approach, and prime accessibility makes Engelberg & Smith an ideal and trusted legal partner for anyone in Illinois seeking dedicated and effective legal solutions.