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Navigating the complexities of residential evictions in Chicago has become increasingly challenging, especially with the new ordinances introduced by the City Council. These changes, particularly under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act and the Fair Notice Act of June 2020, have introduced stricter rules regarding termination notices, rent increases, and payments. These intricacies underscore the importance of having a skilled eviction lawyer by your side. They also increase the likelihood that a homeowner will add to their legal fees with costly mistakes. The question on many landlords’ minds is, “How much does an eviction lawyer cost?” The answer to legal fees isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. You can read through the rest of this article to understand why we charge what we charge, or just use the free tool at the bottom of the page below:
(This Article Last Updated August 2025)
Why Pay the Eviction Lawyer’s Fees Instead of Doing it Yourself?
First off, drafting a termination notice is a critical step in the eviction process. Specific legal standards exist for this document, and any misstep could lead to your case being dismissed. I offer assistance in crafting a legally compliant termination notice for an affordable flat rate. This initial step is crucial in setting the stage for a successful eviction proceeding.
When it’s time to proceed with filing for eviction, my services are available at a competitive rates. This comprehensive fee includes several key services:
- Case Review: Ensuring your eviction process complies with all relevant statutes and ordinances. We check everything from the type of notice, the content of the notice, the process of process service, verifying the account balances and making sure everything complies with both existing law and ordinance.
- Document Preparation: Drafting and filing all necessary paperwork. We made every form we commonly use available for you for free. This firm has it down to a science and can make sure everything is where it needs to be.
- Court Filings and Legal Fees for Eviction: Managing the submission of documents to the court. If you put your property into the above quoting process, this is where we pay those $300-500 of legal fees for the eviction.
- Service of Process: Overseeing the proper delivery of court notices to tenants. We already linked you the resources for notice, but we sitll have to hire the services of a court officer to tell the tenant to show up in Court. Think of it this way, there’s one round that says “Get out of my house” and another that says “Come to Court.” We do both for you.
- Court Representation: Advocating on your behalf at all required hearings leading up to the trial. When you consider how much are legal fees for eviction, you need to understand I’m saving you hours and hours of your time by being in court for you, as well.
To fully answer you on how much does an eviction lawyer cost, we’ll have to know all the court fees. Most of the time, a single unit, single adult eviction is $1530 total. It can be a little bit more in Chicago due to the extensive nature of litigation in the city. It might be more or less depending on your case, but if you need to take ONE answer out of this article, take that one.
How Much Does NOT Hiring an Eviction Lawyer Cost?
Professional legal guidance streamlines the eviction process. We can ensure accurate and efficient management of all steps. Lawyers are adept at navigating the evolving legal landscape, particularly with new ordinances that complicate eviction proceedings. This expertise minimizes the risk of common, yet avoidable errors.
Errors that Cost Landlords Money
- Incorrectly Drafted (or Delivered!) Notices: Missing crucial details or failing to meet specific requirements can invalidate your eviction notice, delaying the process. Even at the very last step, a bad notice can reset your clock to zero! As of August 2025, we have lost only one case ever – and it was because the person who delivered the notice did not come to Court! Please, if you want to keep your eviction legal fees down, don’t put the notice on the door.
- Missed Deadlines: Each phase of the eviction process is time-sensitive. A lawyer ensures that everything comes in on time, preventing unnecessary delays. If you abandon your case for thirty or more days, you might have to start over!
- Improper Filing: If you submit paperwork to the wrong court, or fail to follow procedural rules, the court can throw out your case – which again, costs you time and money. I’ve seen dozens of homeowners have to start from scratch and increase their legal fees in eviction by double for completely preventable errors.
- Service of Process Errors: If you don’t notify your tenants of the eviction in the right way, you can’t even prosecute. We legal professionals manage this process do it correctly. My office works with only the best of the best to make sure your tenants are served professionally and efficiently.
By avoiding these errors, a lawyer not only saves you time and money but also alleviates the stress associated with eviction proceedings. Instead of asking how much does an eviction lawyer cost, ask yourself how much you will waste by not hiring someone! Instead of asking how much are legal fees in an eviction, ask “how much more rent will I lose by struggling to do this myself!”
Do You Ever Charge More Legal Fees for Evictions?
Please note that our flat fee mentioned applies exclusively to the areas in which we have quoted you. Additional costs, such as court fees, service charges, and enforcement expenses, are separate from the attorneys’ fee. Should your case advance to trial, a further fee of $250 is necessary for trial preparation and representation. We also absolutely cannot do a jury case at this rate. For simple traffic tickets, it’s not unreasonable to see $2,000 of fees for a jury. Evictions are more complicated, and we would go broke taking jury cases on an $895 flat rate. This is a specific carve out in the contract, and we only get a handful of jury trials a year. I can keep legal fees down for everyone as long as I make sure that the legal fees for the jury clients go to those clients only.
Do You Ever Give Refunds?
We also do offer partial refunds. If the case settles before I file the Complaint, we cut the fee to $300.00 flat. If it settles on its first court appearance, in Cook County, we cut the legal fees to $650. If it settles in Cook County before trial assignment, there might be even further discounts. I am only trying to get paid for the work I actually do, so I can form years of fair business relationships with my clients.
Why Spend the Money on an Eviction Lawyer’s Legal Fees?
By investing in experienced legal representation, you make sure that your eviction process is handled efficiently and properly. Don’t let the fear of costs deter you from seeking the professional support you need during these complex proceedings. Above all else, take my quote for eviction legal fees and shop it anywhere you want. You’ll find cheaper quotes and pricier quotes, but I hope to win your business by being the most transparent attorney you speak with.