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Salim John Sheikh

also known as Sal Sheikh
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Avvo Rating10
  • Chicago, IL
  • Licensed for 11 years
  • Free consultation
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About Salim

 

Chicago Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney Sal Sheikh has a  reputation of excellence in providing smart, sensible, and cost-effective legal solutions to his clients.

 

"I serve a wide range of clientele from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Every client relationship is valued greatly and treated with dignity and respect. Each client benefits from the depth and breadth of my representation."

 

If you would like honest, "real world" solutions to your Criminal Defense Case or Personal Injury Claim, contact my office for a consult. My rates are reasonable and I am accessible to my clients.

 

 

I was born in Torrance, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, in 1977. I have been a resident of Chicago since 2007. My relationship with Chicago goes farther back however, as I have many relatives here and I would visit with them during my Christmas or Summer vacations while in school. My maternal Grandparents called Chicago home for many decades.

 

 

 

 

 

Practice areas

OtherDUI and DWIDomestic violencePersonal injuryCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 35%

    Misdemeanors to Felonies...

    12 years, 800 cases

  2. Personal injury: 34%

    Catastrophic Injuries, Auto Accidents, Slip & Fall, Dog Bites, Bar Fights.

    13 years, 800 cases

  3. Domestic violence: 15%

    Orders of Protection. Domestic Battery

    12 years, 300 cases

  4. DUI and DWI: 4%

    Formal and Informal Secretary of State Licensing Hearings

    12 years, 175 cases

  1. State, local, and municipal law: 3%

    City Violations

    13 years, 350 cases

  2. Violent crime: 3%

    12 years

  3. Car accident: 2%

  4. Sex crime: 1%

  5. Trucking accident: 1%

  6. Slip and fall accident: 1%

  7. White collar crime: 1%

    13 years

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

1843165 1265310109

1843165 1281494386

1843165 1281494421

1843165 1285872393

1843165 1400200735

Contact

542 S. Dearborn St.
address map

542 S. Dearborn St.
Suite 510
Chicago, IL, 60605

Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law200912/06/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1007
Legal guides9
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising StarSuperLawyers2017
Rising StarSuperLawyers2016
Top 10 Under 40National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys2015
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2015
Top 10 Attorney Under 40National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys2015
Clients' Choice AwardAvvo2015
10 Best Attorneys IllinoisAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2015
Premier 100American Academy of Trial Attorneys2015
Top 40 Under 40National Trial Lawyers2015
Rising StarSuperLawyers2015
Top 40 Under 40National Trial Lawyers2014
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2014
Clients' Choice AwardAvvo2014
10 Best Attorneys IllinoisAmerican Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys2014
Top 10 Under 40National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys2014
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2014
Clients' Choice AwardAvvo2013
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2013
Clients' Choice AwardAvvo2012
Distinguished Service AwardSan Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program2006
Wiley W. Manuel - Pro Bono Legal ServicesCalifornia State Bar2006
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PresidentThe Law Offices of Sal Sheikh2009 - Present
Board of DirectorsSANAH Investment Group Inc.2011 - 2011
AssociateThe Law Offices of Richard S. Cohan2007 - 2009
ClerkThe Law Offices of John Iacona2007 - 2007
Attorney RecruiterErickson Consulting LTD.2007 - 2007
ClerkLaw Offices of J. Douglas Jennings Jr.2006 - 2006
ClerkCastle, Petersen & Krause2006 - 2006
InternSan Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program2004 - 2006
MediatorSouth San Diego County Courthouse - Chula Vista2003 - 2003
ClerkPatenaude & Felix2003 - 2003
ClerkAmerican Legal Support Services Inc.2003 - 2003
Legal ConsultantOceanside Marketplace & Business Center2002 - 2012
Director - Penal Law ProjectCommunity Legal Information Center - Chico, Ca2000 - 2001
DirectorButte County Jail Law Project1999 - 2000
Legal InternCLIC - Penal Law Project1998 - 2000
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Legal Aid Bureau Metropolitan Family ServicesVolunteer Attorney2009 - Present
Grand Masonic Lodge of IllinoisFreeMason2008 - Present
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni AssociationMember2006 - Present
Chico State Alumni AssociationMember2001 - Present
Eastern European Bar AssociationAttorney MemberN/A
American Society of Legal AdvocatesAttorneyN/A
Cook County Bar AssociationAttorneyN/A
Law and Socail NetworkingAttorney MemberN/A
Attorney Referral ProgamAttorney MemberN/A
Brain Injury Litigation NetworkAttorney MemberN/A
Lawyerist.comAttorney MemberN/A
Midwestern LawyersAttorney MemberN/A
Virtual LawyeringAttorney MemberN/A
Illinois State Bar AssociationAttorneyN/A
Illinois State Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMemberN/A
Lobbying AttorneysAttorneyN/A
Lawyers Club of San DiegoAttorneyN/A
Consumer Attorneys of San DiegoAttorneyN/A
American Bar AssociationAttorneyN/A
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer ProgramVolunteer2004 - 2006
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AvvoPublic Urination Citations in the City of Chicago2009
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
California State University, ChicoBA - Bachelor of ArtsN/A
US Army Field Artillery SchoolM109A6 Cannon CrewmemberN/A
Thomas Jefferson School of LawJD - Juris DoctorN/A
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
6th Annual 6th District Mock Trial CompetitionEvaluator2015
Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial InvitationalJudge2014
Cook County Expungement SummitExpunge & Seal Criminal Records2014
Women EverywhereExpunge or Sealing Criminal Records2013
Free Legal ClinicCriminal Defense/Landlord Tenant2012
Planning for the FutureEstate Planning2011
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State v. R.K.Case Dismissed
$90,000 Personal Injury Settlement Motor Vehicle$90,000 Personal Injury Settlement
State v. J.GCase Dismissed
State v. K.W.Felony reduced to Misdemeanor.
E.B. v. J.B.Order of Protection Denied. Directed Finding for my client.
State v. D.L.Second Chance Probation
C.F. vs. B.C.Order of Protection NOT GRANTED
State v. B.C.Aggravated Assault Case Dismissed
State v. T.S.Case Dismissed
State v. D.D.DUI reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. M.T.Felony AGG UUW reduced to Misdemeanor Reckless Conduct
State v. L.S.Case Dismissed
State v. R.K.All charges dismissed. Firearms returned.
A.K. v. I.K.Order of Protection NOT granted
A.K. v. Y.F.Order of Protection NOT granted
State v. S.S.Case Dismissed
State v. J.R.All Warrants Quashed - 2 Years Supervision
K.W. v D.P. Jr.Obtained Order of Protection
K.W. v K.P.2 Year Order of Protection Granted
K.W. v D.P. Sr.Obtained 2 year Order of Protection
State v. B.S.Dismissed
L.N. v. A.E.Client Obtained Order of Protection and Attorneys Fees
State v. R.A.Case Dismissed
State v. N.N.Dismissed
State v. A.O.1 year supervision.
State v. TorresDismissed
State v. B.R.NOT GUILTY Animal Cruelty Count, GUILTY Failure to render aid, all other counts dismissed Firearms returned
Petitioner v. A.O.Case Dismissed
State v. H.A.Violation Denied
State v. A.O.Aggravated Speeding reduced to Petty Speeding. 12 months supervision on Driving with no license
State v. C.C.Case Dismissed
State v. C.B.Violation Denied, Supervision Discharged satisfactorily
State v. C.T. & R.G.NOT GUILTY
State v. E.P.Theft charges dismissed
State v. C.L.Misdemanor Reduced to Petty Speeding
State v. J.Z.Case Dismissed
State v. J.R.Case Dismisssed
State v. S.H.Case Dismissed
State v. E.T.Case Dismissed
City of F.R.G. v. M.L.12 months Court Supervision
State v. E.W.Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
State v. F.S.Retail Theft Charges Dismissed
State v. L.L.Domestic Battery Dismissed
State v. I.G.Felony DUI reduced to Misdemeanor DUI
State v. M.M.Attempt Murder charge dismissed as well as 2 Aggravated Battery Charges. My client pled to one count of Aggravated Battery
City v. R.N.Public Urination Dismissed
State v. D.M.6 mos. Electronic Monitoring 36 Months Probation
State v. G.H.24 months Sex Offender Probation
State v. K.B.NOT GUILTY
State v. P.T.18 months probation
State v. K.S.Felony Charges Dismissed
State v. J.R.Charges Dismissed
D.S. v. A. Hair SalonConfidential Settlement
State v. J.R.Case Dismissed
State v. A.V.No Felony charges. 6 mos. Conditional Discharge on a Misdemeanor
State v. X.X.Retail Theft Charges Dismissed Arrest Expunged
State v. M.R.Aggravated Speeding reduced to petty speeding. All other charges dismissed.
State v. C.C.Trespassing Charges Dismissed
State v. Z.R.Aggravated Speeding Amended to Petty Speeding
State v. S.SRetail Theft charges dismissed
State v. S.N.Petition for Violation of Conditional Discharge Denied
State v. E.J.Dismissed
State v. B.W.Case Dismissed
State v. J.M.Case Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
State v. A.H.Dismissed
State v. S.S.2 counts Domestic Battery amended to Disorderly Conduct with supervision
S.D. v. E.F.Judgement Vacated. Case Dismissed with Prejudice
State v. K.B.Dismissed
N.P. v. Team Staff Government Solutions$125,000 Settlement
State v. M.F.7 Felony Counts Dismissed. Last count amended to Misdemeanor Class "A" Theft.
State v. A.A.Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
State v. John DoeDUI Reduced/Amended to Reckless Driving
State v. J.C.Class X Felony amended to Class 2 TASC Probation
Phipps v. Negligent Driver 26109MMN$553,000 Award
State v. College Student (Retail Theft)Case Dismissed
City of Chicago v. Respondent (Water Bill) 13WD00033ACase Dismissed : City of Chicago to pay my client $216.81
State v. Young Felony/man/poss drugs 1000ft of school6 months home confinement and 2 years probation.
State v. Yepez Agg Flee/Allud Police Officer ResistingDismissed
State v. Morales DUI and poss of narcoticsDUI was dismissed.Tasc Probation on the felony drug charge. (which can be expunged)
Felony Possession of PCP & Cannabis 13112251301Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
State v. Valentin18 months probation
Smiley v. State Farm Insurance$100,000 Arbitration Award (Policy Limt)(-$5k for passenger)
State v. D.D. (MURDER) 13CR101xxxOngoing
Malhotra v. Negligent Driver$100,000 Settlement (Policy Limit)
Village of W.D. v. D.U.NO CHARGES FILED on DUI & 6 mos. supervision on Failure to Reduce Speed. All other Citations dismissed.
R.D. & L.P. v. Negligent Driver$45,000 Settlement
State v. Gonzalez 12MC400555NOT GUILTY
State v. Accused (Iroquois County - Wasteka) Paraphernalia & Poss.Dismissal on Criminal Counts, 3 months Supervision for traffic offense
Collection Law Firm v. Client$14,000 judgement satisfied and realeased for $5500
Miller v. Negligent Driver 10L010037$60,000 settlement. Case was set for trial.
State v. Accused 11C550301Felony Jury Trial NOT GUILTY verdict on 6 counts and mistrial on 3 counts
State v. AccusedNOT GUILTY Felony Trial
State v. SanchezDismissed
State v. DefendantDismissed
Injured v. JC Decaux$46,000 Settlement
10th driving on susp/revoked license6 Months conditional discharge & 15 days of SWAP
FELONY revoked license 14th time!!!Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
Garcia v. Transportation Co. & Negligent Driver 10L010374$35,000 Settlement (Policy Limit & Contribution)
Retail TheftAll Charges Dismissed
Battery Reduced to TrespassingTrespassing & 6 months Court Supervision
State v. Hollis 7th time 6-303!!! FELONY30 days Time Served, 2 years Intense Probation & Alcohol Rehab
State of IL v. Def. (6-303 Susp/Revoked) 9th time!!!12 months Conditional Discharge & 20 Days of SWAP
Theft of over $82,000 in Lake Co.18 months in a Work Release program & Resititution
State of Illinois v. Accused (Susp/Revoked License)All charges dismissed
State of Illinois v. Defendant (Violation of Probation) Kane CountyProbation discharged
State of Illinois v. Defendant (Retail Theft)Case Dismissed
Public UrinationDismissed
F.B. v. Piggy Back Leasing$180,000 Settlement
Injured v. Goldman$100,000 Settlement (Policy Limit)
Injured v. Flores$25,000 Settlement (Policy Limit)
Injured v. Little Ceasar's PizzaConfidential Settlement
Aggravated Battery w/ FirearmEvidence suppressed and case dismissed.
State v. Yepez (Driving on Suspended/Revoked License 6-303)Dismissed
State of Illinois v. Accused (Retail Theft)Charges Dropped
State of Illinois v. Defendant (DUI)12 mos. Ct. Supervision

Reviews

(119)
5 Star
97%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Review Salim Sheikh

Great Attorney

Posted by

I had a fraudulent criminal case against me and Sal has been helping me with it at every step. He’s been supportive and has guided me diligently. He was responsive and understood the amount of stress I was under. He went out of his way to help me out. I would definitely recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Sal: the man, the legend.

Posted by

Got in my first auto legal bind; Sal responded on a Sunday promptly to my legal inquiry and I hired him the next day. He was kind, understanding and extremely professional. Defended my case, litigated and got my charges reduced from DUI to Reckless. Saved me a ton of hassle. Would recommend and hire again in an instant. Thanks Sal.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

I was rear ended in my car on the expressway in downtown by Ohio St.

Posted by

Sal was my attorney for a car crash in downtown. The girl who hit my car from the back had a bad insurance who tried to deny my claim at first. I hired Sal after meeting with him. He got my car fixed my doctor bills paid and I even got some spending money too. Better Call Sal
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Sal represented me for a Violation of Task probation

Posted by

Sal had originally represented me for a Felony Drug charge which I got probation for in Rolling Meadows Courtroom. I had some miscommunication with my PO and she filed a violation with the Court against me. Sal came to court and after a hearing the Judge said she would not send me to prison and my Task probation was reinstated. I would tell other people facing prison to hire Sal he is a good listener.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Domestic Battery Case Dismissed

Posted by

Mr. Sal was my Lawyer for a case at 555 W. Harrison. He told me what to expect and my case was dismissed after he showed the prosecutors a video I took of my ex acting crazy. I think he is a good attorney. My uncle just hired him too.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank You Sir

Posted by

Sal was a breathe of fresh air when I met him. Consulting with other attorneys was a stressful and I would even go as far as to say a disappointing process. Immediately upon meeting Sal in person he put me at ease and I could see he was engaged in thinking about my case while we were talking. He handled my criminal case and got a resolution I was ecstatic with to say the least! He's a good person who has a great deal of varied life experience that fascinated me. I hope he uses his talents one day and shares them with us all. I'm of the opinion that he should run for political office! Thank you sir, God Bless.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Call Sal!

Posted by

Sal helped me with a domestic case I had at 555 W. Harrison. He was really patient with me throughout the process which was very emotional for me. I appreciate that he seemed to always know the small details I shared with him and always had a warm smile when we met. I would recommend Sal to anyone in search of an attorney in Chicago or Cook County. Thank You SO Much!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

How to Win Your Domestic Violence Case: Step 1 - Hire Sal.

Posted by

Sal is very hard working, very busy, and he's obviously a great lawyer that cares about his clients to have received high ratings and to be juggling so many clients. That being said, you may need to be patient with him. He may be running from other courtrooms or another court and he may not pick up all the time, but let me emphasize* that it doesn't mean that you're not in good hands. I am so thankful I found Sal online through his law focus and through reading reviews. He helped me with an order of protection case against my psychotic ex who posed an actual threat to me, my family and co-workers. In preparation, I did my homework during the discovery process by collecting documents against my ex which simplified everything. At the end of the day 1) We won 2) He explained everything thoroughly to me 3) He was even able to get my ex to cover my lawyer fees and therapy. He's the real deal, high quality lawyer that I'm even recommending him to my uncle who now has spousal drama. You won't regret hiring Sal.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank you Sal!

Posted by

Sal was my attorney for an auto case where someone had sideswiped me originally. As that case was ongoing other issues in life appeared. Sal was an invaluable source of counsel for a myriad of issues that popped up. Sal has a genuineness to him that I was instrumental in my decision making process. I would recommend you consult with Sal if you're in need of an attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional, Compassionate and gets results!

Posted by

Professional, Compassionate and gets results! I hired Mr. Sheikh due to the fact that he is professional, knowledgeable, a great listener, easy to talk to and most importantly acts with a sense of urgency. I received a phone call within the hour I left him a message! A bright and compassionate attorney, from our first conversation he made me feel at ease and did not judge me for the situation I had placed myself in (criminal charges). Once we met in person I could tell he had the experience and expertise I needed for my situation. I’m so thankful he took my case; other attorneys’ plans were not good options for me and Sal had a different plan and approach that worked! He worked around my schedule, patiently answered all my questions and explained what to expect several times over the course of my year-long ordeal. Sal’s been doing this a long time, is very good at what he does and knows what to do to get you the best outcome for your case. Call Sal!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(106)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Ali Ebrahimzadeh

I endorse this lawyer.

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Mark Clay, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mr. Sheikh. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.

John Borcia, Car accident Attorney on Aug 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

S Joshua Macktaz, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have had the pleasure of interacting with Attorney Sheikh for the last year through social media platform. I find Attorney Sheikh to be smart, hard-working and current as to the state of the law. I highly endorse Attorney Sheikh.

Judd Nemiro

I endorse this lawyer for being an advocate for clients.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Robert Brown, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Solomon Morrow, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Sheikh is a true professional who is highly knowledgeable in his field. He is an extremely competent, hardworking, and zealous advocate for his clients.

Saam Ghiaasiaan

I endorse this lawyer. An incredible advocate respected by peers and clients alike.

Hovanes Margarian, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Sean Cleary, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Salim. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Ronald Cook, Criminal defense Attorney on May 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community.

Richard Rosenstein

Attorney Sheikh is a highly experienced and well respected criminal defense lawyer in the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his client.

Annilee Reed, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly recommend and endorse Salim Sheikh. He has an excellent reputation with both judges and fellow lawyers. Mr. Sheikh takes a practical approach to criminal defense.

Allison Hamilton, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse this attorney. Not only does he run a highly successful personal injury law practice, Mr. Sheikh volunteers his free time to answer questions on AVVO. The answers are always insightful and accurate. This lawyer KNOWS the law! I would never hesitate recommending a client to Mr. Shiekh.

Ligia Parmenter

Salim John Sheikh is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly.

Richard Luthmann, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$200-$575/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
OTHER BILLING TYPES
  • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.25%-50%
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check, Credit Card