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Stephen Laurence Hoffman
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About Stephen
Biography
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.
For over a decade, I served as the Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Solo and Small Practitioner's Committee. I also served as 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, Skye, and our cat, Wilson, all of whom allow me to share space with them.
Putting Clients First Since 1990 - 33 years of experience in injury law.
Workers’ compensation cases involve injuries that occur while working. It is a very complicated system that only a seasoned legal practitioner can navigate for you. You need a lawyer to understand what is happening and to maximize the amount you collect. Fees are always contingent upon recovery.
Personal injury cases involve people who are injured due to the negligence of others. This category includes car crashes, premises cases, pedestrian, and bicycle cases. There is never a fee unless you collect money. Same thing for car accidents, personal injury etc.
Personal injury cases involve people who are injured due to the negligence of others. This category includes car crashes, premises cases, pedestrian, and bicycle cases. There is never a fee unless you collect money. Same thing for car accidents, personal injury etc.
Medical malpractice involves errors or oversights by healthcare professionals. The first step in determining whether you have a viable case is to contact a lawyer, who can obtain your medical records, and have them reviewed by an expert - We can help. Call Now!
Obtaining compensation for people injured in slip and falls and other premises cases for 30 years.
Dog bite cases are controlled by the Animal Control Act, and are generally strict liability. If you are injured or bitten by a dog, the owner or person in control of that animal will be responsible for your injuries.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Car Accident
40%
36 years
Personal Injury
20%
36 years
Animal and Dog Bites
10%
Medical Malpractice
10%
36 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 225-275 per hour
Contingency
20%-33%
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
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11
2021 2020 2018
...
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6
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 35 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC - By Appointment - No Mail
33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 2330, Chicago, IL, 60602
www.hofflawyer.comLaw Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC
3712 North Broadway, Suite 149, Chicago, IL, 60613
www.hofflawyer.comGallery
Stephen Laurence Hoffman's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
74 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Personal Injury (31)
Lawsuits & Disputes (22)
Workers Compensation (15)
Car Accidents (9)
Insurance (9)
Landlord & Tenant (2)
Trucking Accident (2)
Debt Settlement (1)
Education (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Litigation (1)
Medical Malpractice (1)
Real Estate (1)
Residential (1)
Slip and Fall Accident (1)
Social Security Disability (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
Trusts (1)
Showing 6 - 10 of 34 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Maribel | May 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
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 ...
Posted by Paulina | September 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
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 o...
Stephen Hoffman
Replied last September 02, 2019So glad you were satisfied, Paulina! I know you will be a great addition to the profession too.
Posted by Jennifer | March 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Car Accidents
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...
Posted by Alan Grudzien | December 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Happy client
I found Stephen on the Internet while looking for a lawyer downtown Chicago. I consider myself very lucky to find such a professional lawyer in all aspects from beginning to end. Every step always went 123 all the way tell Until the end, always being informed.
Stephen Hoffman
Replied last December 07, 2017Thank you. It was a pleasure serving you. Glad I met your expectations!
Posted by Daniel | November 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Glad I chose Stephen Hoffman
Stephen was recommended to me by a big time lawyer I knew but didn't handle worker's comp cases, which my case was. Even though I hadn't talked with him till after my injury, surgery, and 7 months of pysical therapy plus the workers comp agent denying any more PT. Stephen took the case,making sure I ...
Stephen Hoffman
Replied last November 17, 2017Daniel, I am so pleased that your experience with me was so positive. You were a pleasure to work with! Thank YOU!
Stephen Laurence Hoffman's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen is highly knowledgeable in his practice area."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hoffman has a great deal of experience in personal injury and car accident injury cases."
"Attorney Hoffman is an exceptional attorney. If you have any kind of personal injury, you should hire him to get the compensation you deserve."
"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"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. This attorney provides sound legal advice throughout the AVVO legal community."
"Mr. Hoffman is extremely knowledgeable. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen consistently provides concise, to the point, solid answers to all inquiries."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Judy Sternberg
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1987
Semi-Finalist, Negotiation Competition, Washington University School of Law
1986
Fisse Scholarship, Washington University School of Law
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Manager/Owner, Law Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC
1996 - 2007
President/Owner, Stephen L. Hoffman & Associates, P.C.
1993 - 1996
Associate, David K. Kremin & Associates, P.C.
1990 - 1993
Associate, Friend, Levinson, Merkel, & Gonzalez, P.C.
Associations
2010 - Present
Lawyers ConnectingMember
2013 - 2014
Chicago Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation CommitteeBoard Member
2013 - 2022
Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners CommitteeCo-Chair
2012 - 2013
Chicago Bar AssociationCo-Chair Solo Small Practitioner Committee
2011 - 2012
Chicago Bar AssociationCo-Chair Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
2010 - 2011
Chicago Bar AssociationCo-Chair Small and Solo Practitioner Committee
2009 - 2010
Chicago Bar AssociationVice-Chair, Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
2001 - 2002
Chicago Bar AssociationChair, Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
1999 - 2000
Chicago Bar AssociationVice Chair of Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
1998 - 1999
Chicago Bar AssociationLegislative Liasion, Tort Litigation Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Prior Injury Aggravated
$120,000 settlement
Pregnant Women Run Over
Policy limits paid
Fall at Car Dealership
$85,000.00
Family Injured--Other Driver Crossed Center Line
Obtained policy limit available for most seriously hurt; settled all 4 cases for near aggregate total of insurance available
Truck Rear Ender
Settled for $500,000.00
Sleepy Trucker Smashes into Car in Construction Zone
Settlement for $500,000
Cops Pay for Running Stop Sign
Client received payment and compensation without litigation for neck, back, and head injuries, lost wages, pain & suffering, and loss of a normal life.
Employer Shoulders Responsibility for Injury At Work
Client received a settlement in excess of $35,000.00
Clent Struck by Cart Receives Compensation
$14,000.00
Long Wait Is Worthwhile
Nearly $22,000.00 for Plaintiff.
Compensation for Burned Child
Nearly $100,000.00 for minor. Minor received majority of homeowner's insurance policy and some compensation from manufacturer or deep fryer.
Policy Limits/UIM
Settled for Full Policy Limits
Workers' Compensation
Settlement
$650,000.00 Settlement without trial
Settled for $650,000.00
Workers' Comp-2 bad shoulders
Settlement
Education
1989
Washington University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1986
Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
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
YLS Career Services Committee
Reentering the Legal Market
2016
Tort Litigation Committeee
Tort Litigation and Liability Issues and Ride Shares
2016
Solo and Small Practitioner's Committee
Ride Shares and Regulation
2016
Insurance Coverage Committee
Insurance Coverage Issues and Ride Shares
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
A Toolkit For Starting and Growing a Firm
Integrating Your Practice Into Your Life
2014
Building Your Practice Through Referrals
Workers' Compensation
2014
Building Your Practice Through Referals
Building Your Practice Through Referals
2013
DePaul College of Law
Investigating A Personal Injury Case
2013
Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners Committee
Healing Your Injured Client-Physically, Emotionally etc.
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
Chicago Bar Association Solo and Small Practitioner Committee Seminar
What It Means to Be a Lawyer in 2012 and Beyond
2011
Solo and Small Practitioner Committee
How to Implement Twitter, Blogging, and Social Networking Into Your Marketing, Networking, and Client Communication Strategy
2011
Introduction to Cloud Computing and the Virtual Law Office
Introduction to Cloud Computing and the Virtual Law Office
2010
Lawyers Connecting Networking Group
Work/Life Balance--A Lawyer's Perspective
2010
Lawyers Connecting Networking Group
Elements of Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation case--Dos and Don'ts.
2010
Growing Your Business By Advancing Your Brand
Branding/Niche Marketing
2010
Chicago Bar Association Solo Small Practitioner Committee
What You Need To Know Before You Refer A Case (Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation)
2010
Chicago Bar Association Solo Small Practitioner Committee
What You Need To Know Before You Refer A Case (Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation)
1998
Decalogue Society
Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for the General Practitioner
Publications
2015
Trial Journal (ITLA)
Are You Being Taken For A Ride?
2012
Chicago Tribune
Letter to Chicago Tribune
2011
Illinois Bar Journal
To Tweet or Not To Tweet?
2011
What's Happening
Why You Should Care About Workers' Compensation
2010
Legal Update February 2010
Legal Update
2010
Illinois State Bar Journal
Asked and Answered
2009
Chicago Tribune
Letter to the Editor
2008
Illinois State Bar Journal
Asked and Answered
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Stephen earned significant contribution points in 2025.
Legal Answers
Q&A
My new husband was just served a lawsuit from defaulting on a loan, am I liable too?
02 Apr 2026
Q&A
Is it mandatory for my attorney to appear at a withdraw hearing for opposing counsel?
02 Apr 2026
Q&A
What monies can be collected from the at-fault party?
23 Mar 2026
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Auto Crash Cases--What the Adjuster Knows that You Don't
29 Oct 2015
Legal Guide
Why You Cannot DIY for PI or WC
30 Jul 2015
Legal Guide
Auto Insurance Terms Explained
03 Mar 2014