Richard Hanus

Richard Hanus

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 37 years

Immigration Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Immigration

161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL

About Richard

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 37 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1988

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Richard Hanus

161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL, 60601-3272

Law Offices of Richard Hanus

920 Davis Road, Suite 100, Elgin, IL, 60123

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Richard Hanus's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

126 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (126) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Natalya | February 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

The best immigration lawyer

I will highly recommend anyone to Richard Hanus and his firm. Richard is the best immigration attorney, and with success in complex cases. We were referred to him from a lawyer we respected and after other lawyers and agencies tried to solve our immigration problem. I think of one of best choices ...we ever made was to hire Richard. He is so professional, we felt right away he knew what he is doing, especially in our complicated case. Richard is also very honest and he understands the law and the way the system works. Just as important he understands his clients, and he will do everything in his power to help you. Thank you again Richard for everything. Best regards from Natalya and Jose.

Posted by Mike | December 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Honest and prompt

Richard Hanus and his team exceeded our expectation in every way. First, Attorney Hanus is extremely dedicated to pursue the best possible outcome, treating your case with the same care and attention he would give to a family member. He gives clear, honest guidance, explains your options in a stra...ightforward way, and will tell you the truth about your case rather than just what you want to hear. We had come to know about the Richard Hanus law office from our social media feeds, and after many years of careful consideration, we decided to reinitiate the application to petition for my husband once again, a process that had faced complications during a previous attempt. Recognizing that we lack the necessary expertise to proceed confidently and ensure we are following the correct process to achieve our goal, we chose Richard Hanus as the professional to represent us. I am pleased to say that Attorney Hanus helped us reach our goal! My husband was approved for his permanent green card, and we are so grateful to be able to reach this important milestone in our lives, one we eagerly awaited for so many years.

Posted by Magdalena Kobel | April 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Best immigration lawyer

We couldn't have found a better place to address our immigration issues, especially after trying to fix our situation on our own and a bad experience with a previous immigration lawyer.  Richard Hanus came highly recommended from a friend who used his services and we quickly came to learn first hand ...why our friend spoke so highly of him.  Mr. Hanus is very knowledgeable, respectable, reputable, and well-known at the immigration office.  Mr. Hanus gave us the most important information, answered all our questions, and accompanied us during the interview. Our case was resolved favorably, in a very short time, and within a few months, we were able to renew our green card, and additionally, on the same interview, get approved for citizenship. Contact with the office was really easy and efficient. An online platform or in-person visit was available to drop off all required documentation, and we were confident we were in good hands.   If you are looking for an immigration lawyer, he is the best!

Posted by Anghely Leal S. | April 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Experienced and effective lawyer

My husband and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Richard Hanus and each member of his team for their exceptional service, support and dedication. Richard’s expertise and professionalism made the entire process smooth and stress-free. His in-depth understanding of the law and the U.S. i...mmigration system, as well as his impressive analytical skills were invaluable to us throughout my immigration journey. Richard’s attention to detail and inquisitive nature led him to ask the necessary questions and provide effective guidance.  Just as important was his firm’s dedication to communication, always providing prompt responses to our emails, calls, and concerns and giving us peace of mind.   We came to know about Richard and his firm through the strong recommendation of legal counsel from my former employer.   My partner and I had been dating for several years, and we started discussing the future of our relationship. Once we decided on settling in the U.S., we came to rely on Richard and his firm. I am happy to report we have successfully and quickly received approval for all the applications and documentation we submitted. We couldn't have done it without Richard and his team’s assistance, and we are so grateful we had him as our lawyer.

Posted by Miralyn | March 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Immigrant Visa Goal Achieve

Hiring Richard Hanus was the best decision I ever made because he not only cleared my name, reopened my case but also he got my application, and my family’s, approved for adjustment to Permanent Residency/green card status. I have been applying for a change of Status from TN visa to Permanent Resi...dence since 2020 and have been denied multiple times. I found out after I applied that I had a deportation order years before I even entered the US. I don't know how it happened but I knew it all stemmed from a terrible government error and this caused a whole lot of problems for me and my family. I had been working with a lawyer but despite their help there were still no results and my future was left hanging. During those trying times and not having hope that my cousin referred me to Attorney Hanus who had helped her husband who was about to be deported and was able to help him in a matter of just days. At first, I was very hesitant to take the risk but I then called his office and booked a virtual appointment. Hiring a lawyer is very difficult but with Attorney Richard Hanus everything is transparent. He gives you the plans, executes plans in the most timely manner and keeps you well updated to everything you may expect including the things that may be unexpected. I am also glad to work with his paralegal Ms. Ana who is very efficient at her job. She also made it easier for me to understand and be guided to the very complicated immigration process. I hope Attorney Richard Hanus will continue to help others like me and my family achieve their American dream. He did make it possible to resolve my case in approximately less than a year as compared to my long and unnecessary wait of 4 years. When it comes to cost, I would say that it was worth it. When you add all the emotional turmoil, stress, fear, sadness, hopelessness, heartaches, frustrations that also affected your physical strength and decreased your motivation, it sums everything that you have. Just listen to your instinct like I did because Richard is an expert in his field. He will for sure not give you false hopes and he will do everything that he can to help achieve your goals.

See All Client Reviews

Richard Hanus's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Jeffrey R. Kulwin headshot
Jeffrey Kulwin

Immigration lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have witnessed Richard Hanus' dedication to his clients and his skill in navigating the complex field of immigration law. Rich is not only a highly skilled advocate but also a compassionate ally, consistently demonstrating both professional excellence and genuine care for his clients. As a respected thought leader in the immigration law community, he is my go-to resource when immigration-related matters arise in my practice. I wholeheartedly recommend Rich to anyone in need of an immigration lawyer."

Robert Thomas Carpenter headshot
Robert Carpenter

Immigration lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rich is an outstanding immigration lawyer. I've known him for 20+ years as a colleague, and a valued one at that; he is uniquely creative, aggressive but diplomatic, very bright, and extremely zealous. I would categorically recommend him to anyone as a top choice to consider when hiring an immigration lawyer."

Paul F. Serkland headshot
Paul Serkland

Immigration lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred many of my clients with criminal cases that are causing immigration problems to Rich. Rich has always gotten excellent results. I am very happy to endorse him."

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

Immigration lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Richard both personally and professionally for over a decade. His is extremely knowledgable and tirelessly puts that knowledge to work for his clients. Richard is a creative problem solver, and a consummate professional. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation."

Douglas M Werman headshot
Douglas Werman

Immigration lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is both highly ethical and an aggressive immigration lawyer. He has helped many clients who I've referred to his office. In particular, he and his office have excellent communication with his clients and he is always available to explain the status of their immigration issues. I highly recommend him for any immigration related issue."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey R. Kulwin headshot
Jeffrey Kulwin

Employment and labor lawyer

Robert Thomas Carpenter headshot
Robert Carpenter

Immigration lawyer

Steven J. Weinberg headshot
Steven Weinberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul F. Serkland headshot
Paul Serkland

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas M Werman headshot
Douglas Werman

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2006

Distinguished Service Award, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

1990

Distinguished Service Award, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

Work Experience

1990 - Present

Lawyer, Law Offices of Richard Hanus

Associations

2009 - Present

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Member

1992 - Present

American Immigration Law Foundation

Member

1991 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

1989 - Present

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

Volunteer Attorney

Sample of Legal Cases

Keathley V. Holder, 696 F.3d 644 (7th Cir. 2012)

Client Victory

See More Legal Cases

Education

1988

University of Illinois College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

Northwestern University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Waivers of Inadmissibility - Fraud and Misrepresentation U.S. Immigration, Advanced Topics

2014

What Every Criminal Lawyer Should Know About Immigration Law U.S. Immigration Law, Criminal Law

2014

What Every Criminal Lawyer Should Know About Immigration Law U.S. Immigration Law and Criminal Law

2014

Meeting the Needs of Children Under Immigration Law CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT-HOW IT CAN HELP KEEP IMMIGRANT FAMILIES INTACT

2014

Immigration Law Basics, and its Intersection with Corporate and Labor Law U.S. Immigration Law/Corporate Law/Labor Law

2013

Ethics/Client Relations in Immigration Ethics, Pro Bono and Immigration Workshops

2013

2013 Midwest Regional Conference

Marriage Based Potpourri, including U visas, False Claims to Citizenship and Unlawful Voting/Registration

2012

Midwest Regional Conference

Fraud Detection/National Security and its Impact on Issuance of Immigration Benefits

2011

Midwest Regional Conference

Interagency Governmental Panel Discussion

2010

Midwest Regional Conference

Affidavits of Support, Government Benefits, Tax Issues and Social Security Benefits

Publications

Languages

Spanish

Tagalog

Lithuanian

Hebrew

Russian

Activity

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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