The best federal criminal lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include Beau B. Brindley for federal trials and appeals, Steven R. Hunter for state and federal defense, Hal M. Garfinkel for federal fraud charges, Glozman Law for investigations, David L. Freidberg for a broad practice, and Purav Bhatt among smaller practices.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Law Offices of Beau B. Brindley | The Loop | Federal trials and appeals | Federal charges that may go to trial |
| 2. Law Office of Steven R. Hunter | The Loop | State and federal criminal defense | Clients who want a criminal-only lawyer |
| 3. Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel | The Loop | Federal fraud and drug charges | Fraud, money laundering and federal drug charges |
| 4. Glozman Law | The Loop | Investigations and white collar defense | People under investigation before charges |
| 5. Law Offices of David L. Freidberg | The Loop | Federal crimes and general defense | A case that crosses state and federal lines |
| 6. Law Office of Purav Bhatt | Near West Side & Pilsen | Federal and state defense | Clients wanting a smaller practice |
Federal cases in Chicago are heard at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse at 219 S. Dearborn St. They differ from state cases in important ways: longer investigations, sentencing guidelines and a much smaller number of lawyers who handle them regularly. If agents have contacted you, or you've received a target letter or subpoena, speak with a lawyer before you respond.
Federal and state trials and appeals.
The Law Offices of Beau B. Brindley handles federal and state criminal charges, trials and appeals from West Jackson Boulevard, a short walk from the Dirksen courthouse.
Good to know: Ask about recent federal trials in the Northern District of Illinois.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 750, Chicago, IL 60604
A practice that says it only does criminal defense.
The Law Office of Steven R. Hunter says it focuses exclusively on criminal defense in state and federal court, and it has a federal criminal defense page.
Good to know: Bring any letters or subpoenas you've received.
140 S Dearborn St, Suite 1610, Chicago, IL 60603
A former prosecutor with a detailed federal list.
Hal M. Garfinkel lists federal white collar crimes, including mortgage, bank and wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering, as well as federal drug charges.
Good to know: If you've learned of an investigation, the firm advises calling before charges are filed.
134 N LaSalle St, Suite 860, Chicago, IL 60602
Emphasis on the investigation stage.
Glozman Law emphasizes white collar and criminal defense, investigations and strategic planning. Pre-charge work can sometimes shape whether and how a case is brought.
Good to know: Don't talk with coworkers about the investigation.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60604
Broad criminal practice with a federal crimes section.
The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg lists federal crimes among a wide range of criminal charges. That helps when a case could be brought in either court system.
Good to know: Ask whether the lawyer is admitted to the Northern District trial bar.
70 W Madison St, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602
A small practice that includes federal crimes.
Purav Bhatt lists federal crimes among his practice areas alongside gun, drug and financial charges. He is a former Cook County prosecutor, which is state rather than federal experience, so ask how many federal cases he has handled.
Good to know: Ask for specifics about federal experience.
1655 S Blue Island Ave, Suite 312, Chicago, IL 60608
Be polite, take their card, and say your lawyer will be in touch. Don't answer questions or consent to a search without advice, and don't destroy or change any records. Lying to a federal agent is itself a crime.
A letter from federal prosecutors saying you're a target of a grand jury investigation. It's serious but doesn't mean you've been charged. Call a lawyer right away.
If you can't afford a lawyer, the court can appoint one, usually from the Federal Defender Program or a panel of private attorneys. Ask at your first appearance.