Stephen Laurence Hoffman

Car accident Attorney at Chicago, IL

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Stuck by my side the entire time!

In August 2017 when I was hit by an uninsured and unlicensed driver, I thought my biggest issue was the tens of thousands of dollars damage to my brand new car. After the initial shock wore off, the amount of pain experienced in both my neck and back set my mind racing in a different direction. After visits to the doctor along with starting physical therapy, I reluctantly sought advice from friends and family regarding the road I had ahead of me. Although litigious is not a word I would ever describe myself as, my insurance company was all too quick dismiss my concerns and downplay the required road to recovery. After speaking with Stephen he reassured me of one simple fact… Although I had insurance, and as much as they were appearing to help and be on my side, I needed an advocate to monitor the situation while I focused on just getting better. After 5 long years (way longer than I ever imagined) of therapy, injections, acupuncture, dry needling, two spinal fusions, and more and more therapy, Stephen stayed by my side and kept my spirits up and paperwork in order. He advocated on my behalf at every step, and especially when it mattered the most at the end, he used every tool at his disposal to make sure I was represented properly and my health and lifetime of recovery was considered in our final settlement. Stephen obtained the best possible outcome for me and for the first time in five long years I was able to be at peace and finally start to put all of this behind me. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate, and highly recommend Stephen as the lawyer you want to have in your corner.

He is a great lawyer

About Stephen

Learn Stephen’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Car accident

50%

Individuals injured in automobile collisions often do not know their rights and have nobody to whom they can turn in this stressful time. My goal is to be both an advocate and a sounding board for injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, sheparding them through what is often a traumatic time.
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33 years
Personal injury

20%

I have over two decades of litigation experience handling all areas of personal injury from inception of the injury through the jury verdict. My aim is to treat each client with the respect and compassion they deserve and to obtain the fairest result possible.
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33 years
Medical malpractice

10%

Frequently, people who are injured as a result of medical negligence do not know what the standard of care is and therefore, are not even aware that they have rights to pursue. While the vast majority of doctors are wonderful professionals, when negligence occurs, it is my goal to obtain fair and reasonable compensation for the injured patient.
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33 years
Slip and fall accident

10%

The law applied to slips and falls is extremely complex and ever-changing. It takes an experienced practitioner to properly evaluate whether a slip and fall is likely compensable. I am to assist the injured person in obtaining compensation for them if warranted by the facts and the law.
... Read more
33 years
Workers compensation

10%

Most often the people most in need of help following a work-related accident are the least informed of their rights. My advocacy for injured workers attempts to obtain for them what they are entitled to under the Workers' Compensation Act: medical benefits, temporary total disability benefits (TTD), and Permanent Partial Disability benefits (PPD), also known as "lump sum" settlement.
... Read more
33 years

PUTTING CLIENTS FIRST SINCE 1990. 33 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN INJURY LAW.

I am an avid athlete, who, prior to many injuries, competed in running road races as well as cycling and biathlon/triathlon races. For many years, in my spare time, I taught as a Certified Spinning Instructor, hoping that my intensity and sense of humor will transfer to my students. It's a great social outlet and a superb way to relieve stress and connect with people! Now, I take my intensity out on the roads with my bike, competing regularly in time trials (races against the clock).

My life experiences are diverse and have included travel and even the experience of being a teacher in an impoverished area.

Additionally, I currently serve as the Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Solo and Small Practitioner's Committee. I am also an appointed member of the Chicago Bar Association Chicago Bar Foundation Task Force on Sustainable Practic of Law and Innovation.

I reside in the Ravenswood Manor neighborhood of Chicago with my wife and our dog, Islay, and our cat, Wilson, all of whom allow me to share space with them.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 32 years

State IL

Status Active and Authorized to Practice Law

Acquired 1990

Updated 01/05/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Stephen

Law Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC - By Appointment - No Mail

(773) 299-8967 Office

33 North Dearborn Street

Suite 2330

Chicago, IL, 60602

www.hofflawyer.com

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Law Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC

(773) 299-8967 Office

3712 North Broadway, Suite 149

Chicago, IL, 60613

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

71 customer reviews

5 Star

99%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Adnan | August 9, 2022

Stuck by my side the entire time!

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Response from Stephen Hoffman August 12, 2022

Adnan, I'm so pleased you were as happy working with me as I was with you. A long slog to justice, but so glad things worked out for you. Thank you again.

Posted by Sara | March 16, 2022

He is a great lawyer

He is an amazing lawyer and honest and help me out about my Daughter school issue

Posted by O | December 12, 2021

Prompt and thoughtful.

Mr. Hoffman was prompt and thoughtful with his responses. And what's even more unexpected...is that in the area of law I am inquiring about, he doesn't really practice in, yet it was not above him to still extend a courtesy and still help a brother out with some knowledge. That is selfess and was not necessarily something he had to do. So, Mr. Hoffman...thank you for going the extra step. You're a swell fella. :)

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Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2021

STRESS-Free / HASSLE-Free

I hired Stephen as a personal injury attorney because I was struck by a car while biking on the Salt Creek Trail at the RT 83 intersection, the great news is I wasn’t critically hurt but I never had to deal with personal injury issues in my life. When I spoke to Stephen the very first time, I told him my story, he told me not to worry because he would care for everything, and make sure I received a fair equitable settlement for my injuries. Stephen did just that, I never needed to follow up with me regarding status because he was on top of my case as if this was the most important case to him, which was done quickly with a fair equitable settlement outcome, I hope to NEVER get into a personal injury incident again but if I do, Stephen will be my first phone call, and he should be yours as well. JGA

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Posted by Sean | April 28, 2021

An excellent, personable lawyer!

Stephen was fantastic to work with. He helped us with a personal injury case and made the process infinitely smoother than we would've imagined. Both in terms of just getting all the paperwork sorted, as well as advising us on dealing with the legal system overall and their lawyers in particular. He kept a positive attitude despite all the roadblocks they threw up, and was very concerned and considerate of doing right by us. We would've settled for much less and had many more ulcers if not for Stephen!

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Posted by Jm and M | March 20, 2021

Outstanding Lawyer

Stephen Hoffman is an awesome lawyer. A master negotiator. Sincere in his concern about his client's well being. Always accessible. Consistently keeps his client abreast on his progress. We were lucky to find him. No one was interested in our case. One lawyer bluntly told us we didn't have a case at all. Others were more polite and said it was not the kind of case that interested them. In our moment of being totally discouraged, someone suggested we call Stephen Hoffman. We made that call, and he began to work on our behalf immediately. We are so pleased and grateful. He is a rare and exceptional person who brings those qualities into his practice. He worked his magic of negotiating skills against settlement offers that were embarrassingly low. He was patient and persistent in pursuing what ultimately resulted in great settlements for us. We are so grateful and pleased that he took us as clients. If you need a great lawyer to help ease your anxiety and maneuver you through a difficult auto injury, call Stephen Hoffman.

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Response from Stephen Hoffman March 21, 2021

JM and M (I know who you are!): Thank you so very much for making my day with this wonderful review. I worked hard for two very good people and things worked out just fine. I'm proud that you appreciate my personal touch and my efforts. Thank you again for letting me serve you!

Posted by Cindy | January 15, 2021

High Praise

I'm very pleased to give only high praise for Stephen. Recovering from injuries sustained in a rear-end car accident was all I could deal with. It was a relief to know that Stephen was working on my case in a professional and timely manner. His personal interest in my recovery gave me extra support, going through this ordeal. I have complete confidence in his expertise and would recommend him to anyone needing help with a personal injury case. I hope I won't need to, but I'll go to him again, if necessary.

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Posted by Geoffrey | August 19, 2020

The beat decision I made

I had my first car accident this year and I didn’t have a clue to what I should do. It’s a good thing that my friend recommended Stephen to me as he helped me all the way since day 1. He is always available to answer any question and would guide you properly on the whole entire process. Thanks to him handling my case everything turned out well.

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Posted by Amber | July 7, 2020

Best Attorney you could ask for!

I've used Stephen on two separate occasions, and each time was just an absolute pleasure! He makes sure to keep you abreast on any new developments to your case. He really makes the entire process, which would normally be a headache and stressful, surprisingly pleasant! If you need an amazing personal injury or motor vehicle attorney, you can't get anyone better thank Stephen Hoffman!

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Posted by Gerry | June 9, 2020

Satisfaction

I found that Mr. Hoffman to live up to his Top Lawyer ratings He was very effective in the two cases that he handled for me being both aggressive and willing to listen to me at the same time. I have referred friends and family to his firm and will continue to do so. Gerry

Posted by Maribel | May 4, 2020

TOP PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY: #1. Stephen L. Hoffman (Chicago based P/I attorney)

I don’t wish an accident to happen to anyone but if this ever happens, I will not hesitate to recommend Atty Stephen L. Hoffman for assistance. He has excellent personal injury negotiating & leverage skills; a lost art in America Mr. Hoffmans blog is a relevant and timely source of information. He answers his phone and my questions promptly and with empathy for my situation. He skillfully navigated the entire process based upon his years of experience from the very first (counter-intuitive) phase to the final (Yipee!) outcome. Maribel M.

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Posted by Tara | March 27, 2020

Gets It Done

I was able to achieve great results with attorney Stephen Lawrence due to his efforts, attentiveness, professionalism, and above all his superb communication skills. Any question or concern I had along the way was promptly addressed and it was very easy putting my trust in him to achieve the desired outcome. My only regret is not finding him sooner.

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Posted by Keisha | October 13, 2019

Number 1 Injury Lawyer

Mr. Stephen Hoffman is very passionate and kind when it comes to taking care of his clients. He is thorough and timely with every case. He goes above and beyond to make a bad situation greatly improve. I definitely recommend him to anyone who is looking for an injury lawyer.

Response from Stephen Hoffman October 14, 2019

Keisha: It was my pleasure to serve you as well. Thank you for the great review and all the best to you in the future!

Posted by Paulina | August 31, 2019

Great, Knowledgable Lawyer! Would HIGHLY recommend

Stephen was referred to me through a mutual friend after I was rear-ended by a semi-truck and received a concussion. From the start, he was extremely communicative and he even jumped on a call with me to have a chat about my situation. He was extremely knowledgeable and walked me through every step of the process. There is absolutely no way I would have ever been able to achieve the same results without him. I would not have even known where to start. I highly recommend Stephen to everyone - and I've done so to all of my friends and relatives!

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Response from Stephen Hoffman September 2, 2019

So glad you were satisfied, Paulina! I know you will be a great addition to the profession too.

Posted by Tony | July 9, 2019

100% would recommend

I had a great experience with Stephen. He was thorough and transparent throughout the entire process and I am extremely satisfied. He is knowledgeable and very efficient. He recognized all relevant issues with my case and dealt with them. He explains things clearly and succinctly, which is an important quality you don't find in all attorneys. He was very prompt about returning my calls and I never felt like I had to chase him down to ask a question. He gets good results and I would definitely use him again.

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Response from Stephen Hoffman July 10, 2019

Tony, it is so gratifying when you put into words how you felt about my representation. You were a pleasure to work with and for and I'm glad we resolved things as expeditiously and favorably as we did. Love feeling appreciated!

Posted by Jennifer | March 25, 2019

Back crash

I would highly recommend Mr. Hoffman for any car accident case after the help he provided me. He was not only professional, but extremely empathic and caring. To get an email from your lawyer asking how your holding up is outstanding. I trusted him to win my case and he did. I would use him again (let's hope NOT), but would refer him to a friend.

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Posted by Thelma | October 10, 2018

Most satisfied client

I can't express enough how satisfied I am with Stephen's help. He was very prompt with his responses to any of my concerns and/or attempts to contact him. He was most informative throughout the process. He was understanding, kind, respectful, and most knowledgeable about everything. I would highly recommend him for anyone seeking an exceptional attorney.

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Response from Stephen Hoffman October 11, 2018

Thank you, Thelma. It was a pleasure working with you too!

Posted by Jennie | August 20, 2018

Call right away

Stephen Hoffman is an excellent attorney. Recommending to family and friends. He is determined, persistent, caring, honest, experienced& intelligent, he will call you back, is there for you, will fight for you, and I'm glad I chose him. Thanks Stephen.

Response from Stephen Hoffman August 21, 2018

Thank you so much Jennie!

Posted by Manuel | June 29, 2018

Very helpful

He helped me on what to do to keep my driving privliges and answered any questions I had. Would definitely recommend.

Response from Stephen Hoffman July 2, 2018

Thank you, Manuel. I appreciate the kind words and wish you luck to get your driving privileges straightened out.

Posted by Chrisitna | February 13, 2018

Fair, Kind and Knowledgeable

He walked me though the entire process.. he thoroughly explained things to me as they unfolded. He took time to speak to me.. I was not just another case. I highly recommend him.

Response from Stephen Hoffman February 14, 2018

This is a great way to start my day. Thank you for your kind words, Christina. I’m so glad I made your experience a great one!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Manager/Owner
Law Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC
2007 - Present

President/Owner
Stephen L. Hoffman & Associates, P.C.
1996 - 2007

Associate
David K. Kremin & Associates, P.C.
1993 - 1996

Associate
Friend, Levinson, Merkel, & Gonzalez, P.C.
1990 - 1993

View all work experience

Education

Washington University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1989

Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts
1986

Legal Cases

Prior Injury Aggravated
$120,000 settlement

Pregnant Women Run Over
Policy limits paid

Fall at Car Dealership
$85,000.00

View all legal cases

Associations

Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners Committee
Co-Chair
2013 - Present

Lawyers Connecting
Member
2010 - Present

Chicago Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation Committee
Board Member
2013 - 2014

Chicago Bar Association
Co-Chair Solo Small Practitioner Committee
2012 - 2013

Chicago Bar Association
Co-Chair Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
2011 - 2012

Chicago Bar Association
Co-Chair Small and Solo Practitioner Committee
2010 - 2011

Chicago Bar Association
Vice-Chair, Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
2009 - 2010

Chicago Bar Association
Chair, Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
2001 - 2002

Chicago Bar Association
Vice Chair of Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
1999 - 2000

Chicago Bar Association
Legislative Liasion, Tort Litigation Committee
1998 - 1999

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Semi-Finalist, Negotiation Competition
Washington University School of Law
1987

Fisse Scholarship
Washington University School of Law
1986

Publications

Trial Journal (ITLA)
Are You Being Taken For A Ride?
2015

Chicago Tribune
Letter to Chicago Tribune
2012

Illinois Bar Journal
To Tweet or Not To Tweet?
2011

What's Happening
Why You Should Care About Workers' Compensation
2011

Legal Update February 2010
Legal Update
2010

Illinois State Bar Journal
Asked and Answered
2010

Chicago Tribune
Letter to the Editor
2009

Illinois State Bar Journal
Asked and Answered
2008

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

YLS Career Services Committee
Reentering the Legal Market
2016

Tort Litigation Committeee
Tort Litigation and Liability Issues and Ride Shares
2016

Insurance Coverage Committee
Insurance Coverage Issues and Ride Shares
2016

YLS Tort Litigation Committee
Tort Litigation and Insurance Issues with Ride Shares
2016

YLS Insurance Coverage Committee
Insurance Coverage Gaps and Ride Shares
2016

Solo and Small Practitioner's Committee
Ride Shares and Regulation
2016

A Toolkit For Starting and Growing a Firm
Integrating Your Practice Into Your Life
2015

A Toolkit for Starting and Growing a Law Firm
A Toolkit for Starting and Growing a Law Firm.--Integrating Your Practice Into Your Life
2015

Building Your Practice Through Referals
Building Your Practice Through Referals
2014

Building Your Practice Through Referrals
Workers' Compensation
2014

Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners Committee
Healing Your Injured Client-Physically, Emotionally etc.
2013

DePaul College of Law
Investigating A Personal Injury Case
2013

Chicago Bar Association Solo and Small Practitioner Committee Seminar
What It Means to Be a Lawyer in 2012 and Beyond
2012

Loyola University School of Law-Chicago
So You Want to Go Solo?
2012

Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners Committee
So You Get a Call--What You Need to Know About Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation
2012

Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners Committee
Using Technology to Promote Your Practice
2012

Introduction to Cloud Computing and the Virtual Law Office
Introduction to Cloud Computing and the Virtual Law Office
2011

Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
How to Implement Twitter, Blogging, and Social Networking Into Your Marketing, Networking, and Client Communication Strategy
2011

Lawyers Connecting Networking Group
Work/Life Balance--A Lawyer's Perspective
2010

Chicago Bar Association Solo Small Practitioner Committee
What You Need To Know Before You Refer A Case (Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation)
2010

Lawyers Connecting Networking Group
Elements of Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation case--Dos and Don'ts.
2010

Chicago Bar Association Solo Small Practitioner Committee
What You Need To Know Before You Refer A Case (Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation)
2010

Growing Your Business By Advancing Your Brand
Branding/Niche Marketing
2010

Decalogue Society
Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for the General Practitioner
1998

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (153)

Given (135)

Endorse Stephen

Steven Sigmond

Workers compensation Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen Hoffman is an outstanding lawyer who cares deeply about his clients. I have known Stephen for two decades as a colleague and respected member of the legal community. Stephen keeps current on legal decisions, trends in the law and technology. He always has time to help a colleague or member of the public and always has something valuable to offer. If you need an answer to a question or legal representation, you cannot do better than Stephen Hoffman."

Kenneth Levinson

Personal injury Attorney | Dec 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. Stephen is an extraordinarily diligent and thoughtful attorney. I have known Stephen for many years and have always been impressed."

Alphonse Talarico

Medical malpractice Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

George Svoboda

Car accident Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hoffman has a great deal of experience in personal injury and car accident injury cases."

Christopher Wright

Car accident Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Hoffman is an exceptional attorney. If you have any kind of personal injury, you should hire him to get the compensation you deserve."

Drew Ball

Unknown Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hoffman provides outstanding legal answers on Avvo for all who are looking for assistance. Mr. Hoffman is an asset to the legal profession that has undoubtedly earned the respect from his peers in the legal industry. I fully endorse Mr. Hoffman"

Jeremy Wang

Car accident Attorney | Sep 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hoffman has a deep understanding of multiple practice law areas and how it effects the outcomes of injury cases. An extremely knowledgeable and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

William Fitch

Car accident Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. This attorney provides sound legal advice throughout the AVVO legal community."

Omar Khan

Unknown Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hoffman is extremely knowledgeable. I endorse this lawyer."

Nicholas Peluso

Car accident Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hoffman is an exceptional attorney. He is quick to answer questions, while also giving thorough and well thought out answers. I enthusiastically endorse this attorney."

Colette Katz

Personal injury Attorney | Sep 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Franco

Workers compensation Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse, Mr. Hoffman. He is a top-notch lawyer in his area of practice and is always sharing his breadth of knowledge with others."

Mark Rowe

Car accident Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen Laurence Hoffman is well-known and well-respected by fellow attorneys across the country, and his clients sing his highest praises. He aggressively pursues every angle of a case on behalf of his clients. I would not hesitate to refer a client to him."

Matthew Turman

Car accident Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gary Anderson

Car accident Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen Laurence Hoffman is prompt, thorough, and dedicated to his clients. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for representation in a car accident law matter."

Kevin McKie

Car accident Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen Laurence Hoffman displays genuine concern in every question he answers on Avvo. His answers reflect a solid understanding of the law and a quick grasp of the applicable law in every situation. I enjoy reading his replies and appreciate his willingness to contribute his knowledge."

Ted Zink

Car accident Attorney | Mar 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen consistently provides concise, to the point, solid answers to all inquiries."

Channika Desilva

Personal injury Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney. His professionalism, remarkable knowledge and vast experience place Mr. Hoffman among the top notch lawyers in his areas of practice. With utmost dedication and quick critical thinking, he has successfully resolved an impressive number of cases over the course of his career. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation."