Lawyer of Firm Description

About Law Office of Michael C Goode — General Practice Chicago Illinois

General Practice Chicago clients turn to the Law Office of Michael C Goode for steady representation across Cook County’s busy court system. The firm handles a broad mix of civil and criminal matters from its Chicago base, working with individuals and small businesses who need a single point of contact for everyday legal issues. Because Cook County is the second-largest court system in the United States, having a local attorney who knows the Daley Center, Markham, and Skokie courthouses makes a measurable difference in how cases move forward.

The office offers initial consultations and takes a practical approach to fee structures, particularly for clients facing time-sensitive deadlines. Clients in neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, and the South Loop benefit from the firm’s familiarity with local procedures, as well as its referral network for matters outside its core scope. For attorneys in nearby ZIP codes, the Chicago attorney directory provides additional context on practice depth across the city.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe the firm as accessible and direct, with clear communication during what is often a stressful first consultation. Clients note that calls and emails are returned promptly, and that the attorney explains procedural steps in plain language. Several mention appreciating realistic outcome assessments rather than over-promised results.

General Practice Chicago — Practice Areas & Services

General civil litigation in Cook County Circuit Court — including landlord-tenant disputes and small-business contract matters.
Criminal defense for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies handled at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.
Family-related filings, including order-of-protection responses and basic divorce intake.
Estate and probate consultations for Chicago families navigating the loss of a loved one.
Document review, demand letters, and pre-litigation negotiation for small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical civil case take in Cook County Circuit Court?

Civil cases at the Daley Center frequently take 12 to 24 months from filing to trial because of high docket volume. Settlement conferences often shorten this timeline, and many matters resolve at a pretrial mediation. Mandatory arbitration cases (under $50,000) typically conclude faster.

What does a Chicago general-practice attorney charge for an initial consultation?

Many Chicago general-practice firms offer free 15- to 30-minute consultations, with hourly rates after retention typically ranging from $200 to $400. Flat fees are common for uncontested family-law matters and document drafting. Always confirm the fee structure in a written engagement agreement before work begins.

Where do most cases for Chicago residents get filed?

Cook County’s Richard J. Daley Center handles most civil matters, while the Leighton Criminal Court Building at 26th and California handles felony criminal cases. Suburban municipal districts in Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Markham handle local matters by geography. The First Municipal District covers most of the city itself.

Quick Facts: General Practice in Chicago, IL

Cook County caseload: The Circuit Court of Cook County is the second-largest unified court system in the U.S., handling roughly 1.2 million cases annually — Circuit Court of Cook County
Illinois attorney count: Illinois has more than 60,000 active licensed attorneys statewide — Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission
Chicago metro: The seven-county Chicago metropolitan area has a population of about 9.4 million — U.S. Census Bureau

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

The Law Office of Michael C Goode in Chicago, Illinois, is recognized for its expertise in legal matters, particularly in complex cases like divorce and federal lawsuits. While some clients have expressed frustrations regarding communication, many others commend Mr. Goode for his extensive knowledge of the law, diligent research, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Overall, those who have experienced his services often highlight his hard work and commitment, resulting in successful resolutions to challenging legal situations.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Beware of Mr. Goode and his retainer agreements! Also be aware that Mr. Goode has had his lawyer license suspended numerous times. Promises a lot and gets absolutely nothing done. Does not return phone calls or emails. Paid Mr. Goode a flat rate retainer of $150,000.00 and did not do absolutely nothing. When Mr. Goode does return phone calls it’s very short and ends with “will call you right back” but never does.

After giving up on the legal system, I found Michael Goode, one of the best attorneys I have encountered: knows the law, does extensive researching, is compassionate and very hard working. My case was a five-year divorce where life insurance was an issue. My previous attorneys did a horrible job but then Mr. Goode stepped in and we won!!!!

I humbly like to express my feelings about an attorney Mr. Michael C. Goode who helped me in a major federal lawsuit. I was indicted in a major mortgage fraud case in Chicago back in 2013. Mr. Goode represented me as my defense attorney. Right from the beginning, Mr. Goode figured out my involvement in the scheme and told me if we lose, I’m looking at 87 months of jail time, but I will try my best to reduce it to minimal. He researched and researched the entire case and fought it for 7.5 years. During these 7.5 years, he kept me away from the courtroom with the exception of 3 times. Finally, the sentencing day came.

Mike Goode is the most experienced and capable attorney I’ve ever met. He helped a family member of mine who was critically injured in by a drunk driver and he came through in a big way. I’ll admit he was hard to reach at times but I believe it was because he was so busy doing the much needed due diligence required to achieve the greatest outcomes for his clients. My family and I couldn’t be more grateful for him and his team!

I was hit by a young man several years ago and both of my legs were broken. Mr. Goode was the attorney in charge of filing against the vehicular insurance policy as well as the secondary insurance policy for lost wages. He held on to the settlement money for close to four months after it was settled. I finally found out that the settlement had actually been reached, via the medical professionals who had liens for care I received as a result of my injuries, not Mr. Goode. He never returned several hundred phone calls I made after he finally did send me my settlement money as to what the settlement was for the second policy. Somehow, Mr. Goode did not ever manage to contact me about what that settlement was. To this day, I have never heard a word. I even reported to the attorney disciplinary board, to find there were already 9 complaints ahead of me. I would not recommend Mr. Goode to walk my dog, because he would only go half way around the block and not return with the dog. I would not recommend him and can’t believe he is still a lawyer.

What Mike has done for me meant the world.I could never repay him. For some folks that complain he may not answer or return calls, probably cause you shouldn’t talk on the phone… Have faith, and let him work! That’s why you pay him. Just know he’s on your side! Pretty much say thank you and be on your merry way! PS thanks again Mike for the great job with my neice! She’s doing well! Thanks again love ya , chris

In court, very few are as good. Does not make mistakes and knows the law from years of experience. Won case that others lost.