Chicago Federal Criminal Law Office
Located in the heart of the Chicago Loop, Leonard Trial Lawyers provides aggressive, high-stakes criminal defense for clients throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. From our headquarters at 120 North LaSalle, we defend individuals and businesses facing the full weight of the government—whether that is the U.S. Attorney’s Office or the Cook County State’s Attorney.
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, proximity and local experience matter. We are not a satellite office; we are a Chicago-based firm with a nationally recognized track record of securing not guilty verdicts right here in the Northern District of Illinois and the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Defending Clients in the Northern District of Illinois
Our office is strategically located just blocks away from the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse (219 S. Dearborn St), home to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
This proximity allows our team to respond immediately to developments in your case, whether it involves a grand jury investigation, a sudden arrest by the FBI or DEA, or an emergency detention hearing. We possess a deep familiarity with the local legal landscape, including the tendencies of the local federal judges and the tactics employed by Chicago-based federal prosecutors.
We regularly represent Chicago business professionals, public officials, and private citizens in complex federal matters, including:
- White Collar Defense: Bank fraud, wire fraud, and embezzlement.
- Healthcare Fraud: Defending doctors and providers against Medicare/Medicaid allegations.
- Public Corruption: RICO violations and bribery charges.
- Federal Investigations: Pre-indictment representation for targets of the FBI, IRS, and DEA.
Aggressive Defense in Illinois State Courts
In addition to our federal practice, we are a premier trial firm for serious state-level felonies. Our office at 120 North LaSalle is directly across the street from City Hall and the Richard J. Daley Center, and we regularly litigate at the George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building (26th and California).
While many lawyers look to plead cases out, we prepare every case for trial. We have secured complete not guilty verdicts for clients facing the most severe charges under Illinois law. We defend clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake Counties against charges including:
- Violent Crimes: First-degree murder, attempted murder, and vehicular manslaughter.
- Sex Crimes: Sexual assault, abuse allegations, and internet-based sex offenses.
- Weapons Offenses: Aggravated discharge, unlawful use of a weapon (UUW), and armed habitual criminal charges.
- Assault & Battery: Aggravated battery, domestic battery, and felony assault.
- Theft & Property Crimes: Burglary, robbery, and high-value retail theft rings.
Our Chicago Trial Team
When you hire Leonard Trial Lawyers, you are hiring a team that is in the courtroom, not just behind a desk.
Mike Leonard Partner
Mike Leonard is a fixture in the Chicago legal community. He is believed to be the only currently practicing attorney to have obtained six or more complete not guilty jury verdicts on all counts in Federal criminal trials brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. He serves as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Matthew Chivari Partner
Matthew Chivari represents clients in high-stakes criminal and civil litigation across Chicago and the collar counties. He is known for his meticulous preparation and aggressive courtroom advocacy in both state and federal proceedings.
How to Find Our Office
Leonard Trial Lawyers
120 North LaSalle Street
Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60602
312-815-6572
We are located at the intersection of LaSalle and Randolph, directly across from City Hall.
Public Transportation (‘L’ Train)
We are easily accessible via the CTA. Our building is steps away from the Clark/Lake station, which serves the Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines. We are also a short walk from the LaSalle/Van Buren station.
Parking Information
For clients driving to our office, street parking is limited in the Loop. We recommend the following nearby parking garages:
- 200 W Randolph Self Park: Located just around the corner from our building.
- 172 W Madison Street: A valet garage located two blocks south.
What Our Chicago Clients Are Saying
“He is the best. Hands down. He wins cases for his clients by being knowledgeable, well prepared and aggressive… He leaves his opposition speechless. Case closed.” — James Schlenker, 5-Star Google Review
“As a former general counsel, I had the privilege to retain Leonard Trial lawyers for several litigation matters, all of which resolved favorably… Mike Leonard and his team are the best of the best.” — J Lichterman, 5-Star Google Review
Schedule Your Confidential Consultation
Do not wait to build your defense. Whether you have been charged in Cook County Circuit Court or indicted in Federal Court, time is of the essence.
Maps & Directions