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Aaron E. Rifkind

Business Attorney at Chicago, IL

4.7   29 reviews
  • State Years
    New York - NY 4 years
    Illinois - IL 13 years
    Pennsylvania - PA 3 years
    Wisconsin - WI 8 years
  • Licensed for 4 years
    State NY
    Acquired 2019
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 13 years
    State IL
    Acquired 2009
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 3 years
    State PA
    Acquired 2020
    Status
    Retired No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 8 years
    State WI
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Resigned No misconduct found

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

About Aaron

Learn Aaron’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas

Aaron E. Rifkind is a "one-stop shop." He's a multi-dimensional business partner, transactional lawyer, commercial litigator, and outside general counsel for companies of all sizes, including luxury lifestyle brands based in New York, Chicago, and Italy.

When negotiating across the table from Fortune 500 dealmakers and AmLaw 200 lawyers, Aaron brings a secret weapon: he has always been more than "just" a lawyer. Having personally built several successful businesses, Aaron has a real world understanding of the pressures that businesses-and their owners-face. He leverages that personal experience to design practical, data-driven solutions.

An award-winning litigator, Aaron has been Lead Counsel on 7th Circuit Appeals and Federal District Courts, over 1000 cases before state courts, and 2000+ administrative hearings across the country. Aaron has been a speaker at nearly 10 conferences and CLEs and author of publications on topics like LLCs, corporate, and arbitration. He is also a Chief Arbitrator in the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program, overseeing 40+ arbitrations. He is a former Board Member for the Business Division of the DuPage County Bar Association, a member of the Chicago Bar Association, and a former member of the State Bar of Nevada Ethics Committee.

In addition to being a licensed attorney in New York and Illinois, Aaron is an Illinois Managing Real Estate Broker and member of the Chicago Association of Realtors.

In 2015, Aaron co-founded Rifkind Patrick LLC, a client-focused law firm representing businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and others in general transactions, compliance, business operations, contract negotiation, partnership and shareholder disputes, commercial real estate transactions, constructions disputes, and more. He is also the firm's Co-Managing Partner.

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RIFKIND PATRICK LLC
3025 N Lincoln Ave
Unit 1
Chicago, IL, 60657

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  29 customer reviews
Posted by Colton | September 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helped with PPP and filing
Helped us file for the PPP loan, helped us get accepted, and seamlessly walked us through all of the steps and tax questions we had.
Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Smart Attorney that is dedicated
We were wrongfully being sued for a construction contract dispute. Aaron won motion to dismiss after motion to dismiss, it was actually very impressive to watch. He has done a wonderful job, I couldn't ask for a better attorney. Very positive experience.
Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Aggressively Fought For Me, Great Guy
No one likes being sued — even less so when it's extortion — and when I found myself facing malicious prosecution from a habitual court abuser, I was glad to have Aaron combat the plaintiff (and many times the inept system) at every turn. Bottom line: Aaron wanted to win as much or more than I did. He was personally invested in the outcome of my case. Eventually, he cut down every bogus claim one by one, laying bare the spectacle of it all, leaving the plaintiff high and dry. In many court cases, the other party AND the legal system are complimentary foes. You've got to fight both, especially in a country where anyone can file suit for anything against anyone at anytime. Aaron's got a few notches in his belt from this case. He was likely the only one to strategic enough to pull off such moves. The whole thing sucked, but it went away because of Aaron. I'm thankful for him.
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Posted by Andres | December 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent lawyer
Great service, he represented me in a contractual matter, no hangups, great Results.
Posted by Trung | October 9, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Aaron is one of the kind
We have a fraud case with caused us losing thousands of money. We were very desperated before we met Aaron. Aaron took us right away, he was very patienly listed to our case. He gave out advices, step by step, how he is going to fight for us. The most incredible character about Aaron is he very responsible with his client, he will answer you right away even on the weekend. Right now our case is still not over yet, but Aaron has been very proactive and helpful, I will keep update the result in the future.
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Posted by Alejandro | August 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
great business lawyer
Hired Aaron to handle my breach of contract and business litigation matters. He settled and won both cases. He is really on top of the law, easy to talk to, and does a good job for his clients.
Posted by Eugene Lee | May 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A CLASS ACT LAWYER WHO HAD OUR INTEREST AT HEART AND FOUGHT HARD FOR OUR CASE
Aaron helped my wife and I resolve a legal dispute with the former owner of the house that we purchased in summer of 2016. When we first talked with Aaron, he took the time to walk us thru all facets of a potential lawsuit and this gave us confidence to go ahead with the lawsuit. We hired Aaron after a vetting a few other lawyers because we felt that Aaron had the relevant expertise and experience we needed. In addition, his legal fees were very reasonable. The man knows what he is doing and he was a bulldog in getting us what we wanted- fair compensation. We felt that we had a strong case. Aaron helped us formulate some different approaches regarding our case. Ultimately, we decided to settle with the former owner. Aaron was instrumental in helping us to maximize the settlement amount. In the end, my wife and I were pleased with the outcome. Throughout the process, Aaron always kept us updated on our case. We appreciated Aaron’s commitment to our cause. Overall, Aaron exceeded our expectations not only as a tough and result-oriented lawyer but as a man of outstanding character.
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Posted by Jeremy | May 9, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best in town!!
I retained the services of Mr.Rifkind in a breach of contract case and was very impressed with his diligent work and attentiveness. Mr. Rifkind was very empathetic and understanding of the situation I was facing and able to emote that in his litigation. His team of receptionist and paralegals we also very courteous, knowledgeable, and attentive to my needs. They handled my case with the attention I felt it deserved. Mr. Rifkind, Thank You for you fierce advocacy and personal attention paid to me and my family. 5 stars #YourTheBest
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Posted by Steven | March 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
great negotiator
i hired aaron to help enforce a partnership dispute/promissory note among other things. He did an excellent job negotiating to get me the deal I desired.
Posted by Kevin | February 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Profound ability for achieving successful legal outcomes
Mr. Rifkind is an exceptional lawyer and skilled negotiator who has managed the legal affairs of my family's business with the utmost care, professionalism, enthusiasm and determination. Mr. Rifkind, along with his partner Mr. Patrick, has represented our family business in various disputes ranging from breach of contract to defamation, and in this capacity, he has achieved several successful legal outcomes. His law firm, Rifkind Patrick LLC, is by far the most effective law firm at achieving successful outcomes that my family's business has employed. I would highly recommend his law firm to any small or medium-sized business.
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Posted by Armando | February 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job on my case
Aaron was very efficient, aggressive, and knowledgeable and really helped me in a tough situation, so happy with the results of my injury case
Posted by Aisha Davis | October 1, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer Mr.Aaron E. Rifkind, ESQ.
Aaron is a very thorough and competent professional who always had my best interests in mind. He would not hesitate to tell me when he had to curb his actions based on his firm's policies and procedures. I was in very good hands. He never missed a scheduled meeting and he always took my calls. What I especially liked about Aaron was his ability to remain calm in crisis situations. I owe a debt of gratitude to him for his service. He is a solid lawyer who practices nothing but the best customer service methods. He is wonderful and I am grateful for him.
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Posted by Larry | September 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and attentive.
Aaron has been excellent and extremely professional in the handling of my case. I am glad I chose him to represent me. I highly recommend him.
Posted by Kelly | September 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Aggressive Yet Patient
Aaron is a breath of fresh air in the new world of attorneys. He took my call in the after-hours and was in no rush as he listened and consulted with me regarding my case. He provided me with a breadth of options ranging from polite to aggressive. I was impressed with how focused he was on my issue and seeing that all of my questions were fielded. I was obvious to me that Aaron truly enjoys his work and prides himself in being of service to his clients. I keep one full time attorney on retainer, and have another to handle my litigation. Regrettably, I do not reside in Illinois or I would consider retiring both and using Aaron full time.
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Posted by Brandy | August 29, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Aaron Rifkind is a PRO!
I hired Aaron only a few months ago and I am very impressed with him. Aaron is already doing such a great job on my housing discrimination case. Aaron has worked really hard to move my case alone. With Aaron as my attorney I feel like he really does care about my case and he is also a friend!
Posted by Demetrius | July 24, 2015
Great job
Aaron went to court with me for my real estate matter. He forced a quick finish to my case via mediation. Aaron was a zealous advocate and critically analayzed all aspects of my case
Posted by timothy | May 29, 2015
landlord issue
very professional and great job taking care of business, surpassed expectations and helped with our landlord issue
Posted by Andre | September 22, 2014
Social Security Administration Disability Benefits
I would like to express the awesome job Aaron Rifkind did in getting my Social Security Administration Disability Benefits. After 26 yrs of active military service I became a disability veteran. During my active duty service I’ve undergone a number of surgeries; Bilateral shoulder Rx2, Heart stent, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), R Hip replacement 2007 a revision in 2010, and as a civilian; Heart stent, Sinus, most recently Low back fusion and I also suffer from Major Depressive Affective Disorder. I have tried to get SSA disability benefits on my own for over 2 ½ years with no luck at all. Thanks to Aaron Rifkind all that changed in 20 minutes or less this past week. Prior to the hearing Aaron told me that he will get me my Social Security Benefits. As you can see Aaron came thru as he said. Thank you Aaron for coming out of retirement just to handle my case personally. Your the Best! Andre Parks.
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Posted by Disabled Teacher | June 11, 2013
Aaron Rifkind .. Social Security Disability. Excellent . Well Prepared. Knowledgeable... A +
Mr. Rifkind was my second attorney for Social Security Disability. I wish I would have hired him initially, as he did an excellent job and I was awarded benefits at my hearing , which only lasted a few minutes. He personally handled my case and even made phone calls during non typical business hours to insure my needs were met, although most importantly ........ He could facilitate my records etc, for my disability hearing. I visited the hearing office prior to my hearing and saw attorney's (similar to a cattle call ) asking around the room what people's names were to find there client. I also saw these same individuals reading through the file and looking for things as if it had just came out of a storage locker. THAT SCARED ME ! Mr. Rifkind not only knew who I was at the hearing..... He also had taken the time to file a brief ...... that referenced the law and key points of my disability and how it was reflected. I can only give the highest recommendations for Aaron Rifkind . Best of Luck and I hope this is helpful .
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Posted by Celeste | May 14, 2013
Disability
He is an amazing attorney he went out of his way after all the denials when I was gonna give up he helped me too keep fighting in my eyes he was a blessing from god I put this case in his hands and he won for me . I am forever thankful there are not any words to say how much I appricate everything he did for me .
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 20 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Co-Managing Partner
  • RIFKIND PATRICK LLC
  • 2015 - Present
  • Managing Partner
  • Social Security Defenders LLC
  • 2009 - 2014

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • Taxation
  • 2021
  • Washington University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2008
  • National University of Singapore Faculty of Law
  • International Student
  • 2007
  • Brandeis University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2005
View all education

Legal Cases

  • 1:12-CV-06227
  • MSJ Granted and Remanded to SSA
  • Social Security Disability Case
  • Fully Favorable

Associations

  • Federal Bar Association
  • Civil Rights Award Committee
  • 2019 - Present
  • The ARK
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Business Law Section Council
  • 2016 - 2017
  • State Bar of Nevada
  • Ethics Committee-Standing Lawyer Member
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Illinois Rising Stars
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2022
  • Illinois Rising Stars
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2021
  • Cali Excellence for the Future Award
  • The Center for Computer-Assisted legal Instruction
  • 2021
  • Illinois Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Illinois Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Top 40 Under 40 Litigation Lawyers in Illinois
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2018
  • Illinois Rising Stars
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Illinois Rising Stars
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2017
  • Top Attorneys
  • Chicago Magazine
  • 2017
  • Rated Attorney
  • Lead Counsel
  • 2016
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Chicago's Most Caring Legal Professionals
  • JUF
  • 2013
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Distinction in Public Service
  • Washington University School of Law
  • 2008
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • APEXCLE
  • The Illinois Limited Liability Company
  • 2018
  • National Disability Awareness Day
  • Disability Benefits: When Is Your Birthday?
  • 2011
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (6)
Endorse Aaron
Business Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Business Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Rifkind has all the characteristics of an outstanding attorney. He has a broad range of expertise and knowledge in all aspects of business litigation and commercial transactions, and the passion to deliver the highest quality representation to his clients. I highly recommend him."
Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jun 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked in the same courts with Aaron and have represented mutual clients in Social Security Disability hearing matters. I can state from first-hand experience that Aaron is a knowledgeable and zealous advocate for his clients."
Administrative law Attorney | Jun 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Aaron Rifkind due to his extensive experience and track record of success; he is a well-respected member in the legal industry."
Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
General practice Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Rifkind is a brilliant attorney. Not only does he provide highly competent representation but he's easy to communicate with and you can always get in touch with him, day or night. I strongly recommend Mr. Rifkind to anyone who needs a lawyer."
Administrative law Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Social Security & Disability Attorney | Nov 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Social Security & Disability Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Aaron was kind enough to help my mother with some SSN needs - incredibly thorough and knowledgable (thanks)"
Social Security & Disability Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"I hired Aaron to work with me in representing clients in civil litigation and his practice in representing candidates for Social Security benefits has just taken off. He is conscientious, diligent and determined, and clients feel very comfortable having him handle their matters."
View more endorsements
Social Security & Disability
Landlord or tenant
Social Security & Disability
Social Security & Disability