Stephen Laurence Hoffman

PRO

Stephen Laurence Hoffman

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Car accident Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation ... +3 more

33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 2330, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Stephen

Biography

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%

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.

36 years

40%
Personal Injury 20%

I offer thirty five years of litigation experience handling all areas of personal injury, from injury onset through jury verdict. I treat each client with the respect and compassion they deserve and to obtain the fairest result possible.

36 years

20%
Animal and Dog Bites 10%

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.

10%
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.

36 years

10%
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.

36 years

10%
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.

36 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 225-275 per hour

Contingency

20%-33%

Awards

Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 11
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2018
...
+ 6

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 35 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1990

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

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.com

Law Office of Stephen L. Hoffman LLC

3712 North Broadway, Suite 149, Chicago, IL, 60613

www.hofflawyer.com

Stephen Laurence Hoffman's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

74 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by Sara | March 16, 2022 | Education

He is a great lawyer

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

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... (let's hope NOT), but would refer him to a friend.

Posted by Jennie | August 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney

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.

Stephen Hoffman

Replied last August 21, 2018

Thank you so much Jennie!

Posted by Anita M. Garza | October 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

Best lawyer I have found

"In May 2015, I came to Chicago to care for a 92 year-old, terminally ill father. He loved gardening, but was unable to do much of anything—just sit on his front porch, and gaze upon his beloved garden. Each year he would take my 89 year-old mother (who had Alzheimer’s) to a garden center to let her ...pick out annuals. Together, they would work in their garden to plant fresh flowers each year. Due to the terminal diagnosis, I knew he would never be able to do this ever again. Trying to lift my father’s spirits, I went shopping at a big box store’s garden center. While shopping, I fell and broke my arm in the garden center of that big box store. The bills from four ER visits started arriving. The first one was manageable, but the bills kept pouring in, eventually totaling near $10,000. There have been only two times in my life when I’ve had to use a lawyer. The first lawyer, was  a good lawyer and he successfully mediated my case to a resolution. But the second lawyer was Stephen Hoffman. He is beyond a “good” lawyer. Though I didn’t know it at the time, Stephen would play a crucial part in my life, not only as a lawyer, but my representative for everything I wasn’t accomplishing speaking to the company’s representative. My initial conversation was Stephen listening to my story from beginning to end. Personal problems and all. He was brutally honest as he explained in great detail, how these kinds of cases usually ended unsuccessfully. Despite that, and knowing what I was going through in my personal life, he agreed to take my case anyway. In the beginning Stephen had me get every single document relating to my fall, even the receipt for my merchandise. While I spent days in the hospital with my father, Stephen was hard at work, putting together the best possible case. He worked hard and in a timely manner, always aware and sensitive to my father’s worsening condition. Stephen was professional, attentive, prompt, communicative, patient, thorough, and empathetic to what I was going through with my dying father. He paid close attention to all the small details—things I would never, ever have thought of. I realized that hiring Stephen was the best thing I could have done in my situation, all the way around. As he continued to fight on my behalf, I was now spending 24 hours a day at my father’s side. I found it difficult to keep up with Stephen, as he aggressively began his fight for justice for me. He was diligent, yet always sensitive to my caring for my father. Every time he and I talked, we spent a great deal of time talking about my case. In the beginning, it was all about my case, but as time went on, Stephen began hearing me pour my heart out about my father. Eventually, my father died, but what started out as a lawyer client relationship, turned out to be a big part of my support team. His sensitivity was something completely unexpected. After all that happened in the following months, was a call from Stephen, with the news that he had successfully brought my case to resolution, not only for damages, but above and beyond what was initially expected. A lawyer who begins a conversation with you regarding a high rate of being unsuccessful, then calls you to give you the good news that justice had been served, goes beyond the uncertainty of an initial conversation, with a lawyer who had the integrity to be honest from the beginning. If I ever need another lawyer, Stephen is certainly the once for me.” Anita

Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

A great experience all around

We hired Stephen after a work-related head injury, and he exceeded expectation in every category. He was always on top of things, communicated clearly and professionally throughout, and the settlement was far more than we initially thought possible. Stephen was realistic throughout, never over-hy...ping the situation but always going the extra mile to make sure we got the best result possible. Went above and beyond out expectations and was accessible and accommodating throughout. It was a difficult case and I'm confident that Stephen got us the best result possible.

See All Client Reviews

Stephen Laurence Hoffman's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen
Steven A. Sigmond headshot
Steven Sigmond

Workers compensation lawyer | 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 Howard Levinson headshot
Kenneth Levinson

Personal injury lawyer | 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."

Judy M. Sternberg headshot
Judy Sternberg

Car accident lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen is highly knowledgeable in his practice area."

Alphonse A. Talarico headshot
Alphonse Talarico

Medical malpractice lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

George William Svoboda headshot
George Svoboda

Car accident lawyer | 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 Matt Robert Wright headshot
Christopher Wright

Car accident lawyer | 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 Robert Ball headshot
Drew Ball

Unknown lawyer | 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 headshot
Jeremy Wang

Car accident lawyer | 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 Stanley Fitch headshot
William Fitch

Car accident lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Omar Farooq Khan headshot
Omar Khan

Unknown lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Nicholas Peluso headshot
Nicholas Peluso

Car accident lawyer | 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 headshot
Colette Katz

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Steve Franco headshot
Joseph Franco

Workers compensation lawyer | 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 Lynwood Rowe headshot
Mark Rowe

Car accident lawyer | 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 James Turman headshot
Matthew Turman

Car accident lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

Car accident lawyer | 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 Bernard McKie headshot
Kevin McKie

Car accident lawyer | 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 Jr. headshot
Ted Zink

Car accident lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Channika Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

Personal injury lawyer | 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."

Jon William Welborn headshot
Jon Welborn

Car accident lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Judy M. Sternberg headshot
Judy Sternberg

Personal injury lawyer

Alphonse A. Talarico headshot
Alphonse Talarico

Estate planning lawyer

George William Svoboda headshot
George Svoboda

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Christopher Matt Robert Wright headshot
Christopher Wright

DUI and DWI lawyer

Drew Robert Ball headshot
Drew Ball

Personal injury lawyer

Jeremy Wang headshot
Jeremy Wang

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Paul Anthony Coghlan headshot
Paul Coghlan

Workers compensation lawyer

Omar Farooq Khan headshot
Omar Khan

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicholas Peluso headshot
Nicholas Peluso

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Steve Franco headshot
Joseph Franco

Workers compensation lawyer

Mark Lynwood Rowe headshot
Mark Rowe

Defective and dangerous products lawyer

Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

Defective and dangerous products lawyer

Kevin Bernard McKie headshot
Kevin McKie

Defective and dangerous products lawyer

Ted Zink Jr. headshot
Ted Zink

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Jenny Renee Jeltes headshot
Jenny Jeltes

Family lawyer

Nicholas J. Vogelzang headshot
Nicholas Vogelzang

Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer

Peter Knute Berg headshot
Peter Berg

Personal injury lawyer

Andrew Hamilton headshot
Andrew Hamilton

Personal injury lawyer

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Immigration lawyer

Adam A Studnicki headshot
Adam Studnicki

Car accident lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Connecting

Member

2013 - 2014

Chicago Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation Committee

Board Member

2013 - 2022

Chicago Bar Association, Solo/Small Firm Practitioners Committee

Co-Chair

2012 - 2013

Chicago Bar Association

Co-Chair Solo Small Practitioner Committee

2011 - 2012

Chicago Bar Association

Co-Chair Solo and Small Practitioner Committee

2010 - 2011

Chicago Bar Association

Co-Chair Small and Solo Practitioner Committee

2009 - 2010

Chicago Bar Association

Vice-Chair, Solo and Small Practitioner Committee

2001 - 2002

Chicago Bar Association

Chair, Solo and Small Practitioner Committee

1999 - 2000

Chicago Bar Association

Vice Chair of Solo and Small Practitioner Committee

1998 - 1999

Chicago Bar Association

Legislative 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

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Washington University School of Law

Juris Doctor

1986

Indiana University

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

2016

YLS Insurance Coverage Committee Insurance Coverage Gaps and Ride Shares

2016

YLS Career Services Committee Reentering the Legal Market

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 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

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?

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

Top Contributor

Stephen earned significant contribution points in 2025.

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution