Hale & Monico, LLC

On our "Nearby Lawyers" platform, we aim to connect local users with legal professionals who offer specialized services and goods for sale, addressing a wide range of legal needs. Today, we are spotlighting Hale & Monico, LLC, a notable law firm situated at 53 W Jackson Blvd Ste. 334, Chicago, IL 60604, USA. This central Chicago location ensures convenient access for residents and businesses across the city. For direct contact, you can reach them by phone at (312) 341-9646 or via mobile at +1 312-341-9646.

Hale & Monico, LLC positions itself as a law firm passionate about the pursuit of justice for its clients. Their primary focus areas are civil rights and personal injury litigation. This means they are dedicated to representing individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others, or whose constitutional rights have been violated. Their practice areas are broad and include, but are not limited to, medical malpractice, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, rideshare accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, wrongful death, and sexual abuse cases. Notably, their civil rights practice often involves cases where state actors, such as police officers, are accused of depriving citizens of their constitutional rights.

A significant feature of Hale & Monico, LLC, as highlighted on their official presence and through client testimonials, is their approach as "trial attorneys." They emphasize that their lawyers are experienced in trial law and will not hesitate to take a case to trial if necessary to obtain a just result for their clients. This distinguishes them from firms that might primarily seek quick settlements. This trial-ready mindset suggests a commitment to fighting for maximum possible compensation and justice, even if it means prolonged litigation. Their team is known for taking a creative and unconventional approach in case investigations and litigation, often employing innovative technologies and presentation methods to substantiate claims.

The firm's environment is described as professional and client-centric, with a strong emphasis on advocacy. They are committed to fighting for their clients' rights and providing professional legal counsel in complex cases that demand extensive preparation, powerful negotiating skills, and the ability to present a compelling case to a jury. The firm's partners, including Brian Hale and Brian Monico, are at the forefront of their practice, with founding partner Andy Hale bringing over 30 years of experience in civil rights and commercial litigation, including notable work on wrongful conviction cases and documentary film production.

Promotional information from Hale & Monico, LLC highlights their history of successful verdicts and jury awards, totaling tens of millions of dollars. This success, they assert, is a direct result of their dedication to clients, thorough case preparation, and comprehensive research. They offer free, confidential initial consultations, underscoring their accessibility and willingness to discuss potential cases without obligation. This initial consultation can be a crucial first step for individuals seeking legal guidance, as it allows them to understand their options and the firm's approach. They are also willing to visit clients at home, in the hospital, or other convenient locations, showcasing a dedication to client comfort and accessibility during difficult times.

Client reviews, as provided, offer a mixed but insightful perspective on the firm's services. One client provided a highly positive testimonial, stating that Hale & Monico Law Firm "performed exceptionally well" on their family case. This client specifically lauded Attorneys Brian Hale and Shawn Barnett for their "utmost professionalism," securing a "decisive verdict" in their favor. The responsiveness and thoroughness in addressing inquiries were also highlighted, leading this client to express no hesitation in engaging their services again. This review paints a picture of a dedicated, professional, and effective legal team that delivers positive outcomes for clients.

However, another client review presents a contrasting experience, focusing on a contingency fee case. This client reported significant issues with the firm's contract, specifically concerning "open-ended 'fees'" that could potentially exceed the standard 33% contingency fee typically seen in Illinois for pre-trial settlements, and 40% if the case goes to trial. The client stated that the firm "wanted to take the case" and offered a contingency contract, but the terms regarding fees, which they perceived as allowing the firm to receive more than the standard percentage through "reasonable fees," led to a week of "wasted time" in negotiations. The client even offered to increase the total to 40% of the settlement, but this was reportedly "not good enough" for the firm. The client expressed concern that the firm might be primarily "after settling and taking all of the settlement in 'fee's' to themselves and not at all making sure their client is properly compensated." This review also mentioned an attempt by the firm to change the contract from contingency to fee-based when the client wouldn't agree to their preferred settlement terms. The client strongly advised reading contracts carefully and noted that "any attorney trying to have open ended 'fee's' with no cap is a huge red flag," and also mentioned another review alleging the firm was "dodging them for their settlement." This critical feedback highlights potential issues with transparency in fee structures and client-attorney alignment on compensation goals.

In Illinois, contingency fees are common in personal injury cases, typically ranging from 33.3% for settlements before trial to 40% if a case goes to trial. It is also standard for case-related costs (like filing fees, deposition transcripts, or expert witness fees) to be separate from the attorney's fee and typically deducted from any recovered compensation. The concerns raised in the negative review about open-ended fees without a cap should prompt potential clients to thoroughly review any proposed contingency fee agreement and seek clarification on all terms, especially regarding how fees and costs are calculated and deducted from a settlement or award.

In conclusion, Hale & Monico, LLC, offers dedicated legal services in civil rights and personal injury, backed by experienced trial attorneys. Their commitment to pursuing justice and their willingness to take cases to trial are strong points. For local users seeking legal representation in Chicago, it is advisable to consider their practice areas, their trial-oriented approach, and to engage in a thorough review of their fee agreements during the initial consultation to ensure complete understanding and comfort with the terms of representation.