Atty. Michael Allen Smith
Michael Allen Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, business law, railroad law and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a A.B. degree from University of California at Davis in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years.
Business Law & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL · 54+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Allen Smith at a Glance
Michael Allen Smith is an Attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Freeborn & Peters LLP. They have 54+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1972. Their practice focuses on business, m&a, litigation, and environmental. Admitted to practice in California (1972), U.S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth C (1972), and Illinois (1988). Educated at University of California at Davis (J.D. Political, 1971) and University of California at Davis (A.B. Political, 1968). Active member of Bar Association of San Francisco. Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Michael Allen Smith in Chicago
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About Michael Allen Smith
- Michael Allen Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, business law, railroad law and 4 other areas of law
- Michael received a A.B. degree from University of California at Davis in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years
- Michael practices at Freeborn & Peters LLP in Chicago, IL
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Allen Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Allen Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Business & Corporate Law in Chicago
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael Allen Smith is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →
Mergers & Acquisitions in Chicago
Michael Allen Smith is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Illinois →
Civil Litigation in Chicago
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael Allen Smith is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Illinois →
Environmental Law in Chicago
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Michael Allen Smith is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Michael Allen Smith
Where is Michael Allen Smith's law office located?
What practice areas does Michael Allen Smith handle?
How long has Michael Allen Smith practiced law?
Where did Michael Allen Smith go to law school?
How can I contact Michael Allen Smith for a consultation?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael Allen Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Allen Smith's practice in the field of business, m&a, litigation, and environmental.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Allen Smith brings 54+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in California, U.S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth C, and Illinois, Michael Allen Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, m&a, and litigation, Michael Allen Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Michael Allen Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael Allen Smith Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Allen Smith has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Allen Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael Allen Smith Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Chicago commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael Allen Smith.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael Allen Smith directly.
Michael Allen Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael Allen Smith
No reviews yet.