Atty. Thomas J. Handler
Thomas J. Handler is a lawyer practicing corporate law, entertainment law, franchises/dealership and 7 other areas of law.
Corporate Law & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL · 43+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Thomas J. Handler at a Glance
Thomas J. Handler is a Chair, Advanced Planning & Family Office Practice Group based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Handler Thayer Llp. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on family law, estate planning, business, tax, and entertainment. Admitted to practice in Illinois (1983) and U.S. Tax Court (1985). Educated at DePaul University School of Law (J.D., 1983) and University of Illinois (B.S. Accountancy, 1979). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Thomas J. Handler
- Thomas J. Handler is a lawyer practicing corporate law, entertainment law, franchises/dealership and 7 other areas of law
- Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years
- Thomas practices at Handler Thayer, LLP in Chicago, IL
Practice Areas Explained
Thomas J. Handler's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas J. Handler handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Family Law in Chicago
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Thomas J. Handler is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Illinois →
Estate Planning & Probate in Chicago
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Thomas J. Handler is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Illinois →
Business & Corporate Law in Chicago
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Thomas J. Handler is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →
Tax Law in Chicago
Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.
Thomas J. Handler is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in Illinois →
Entertainment & Sports Law in Chicago
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
Thomas J. Handler is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment 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
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Thomas J. Handler
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 Thomas J. Handler's practice in the field of family law, estate planning, business, tax, and entertainment.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Thomas J. Handler brings 43+ 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 Illinois and U.S. Tax Court, Thomas J. Handler can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering family law, estate planning, and business, Thomas J. Handler 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 Thomas J. Handler 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 Thomas J. Handler Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Thomas J. Handler 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 Thomas J. Handler directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Thomas J. Handler Online
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Thomas J. Handler's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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