June 1st, 2010 
Chicago's Legal Cafe
We all know that lawyers have a reputation for being painfully conservative and oft times boring. As a lawyer, I am even amazed at the uniformity of blue and gray suited crews that I spot downtown. My leopard and metallic pumps never seem to fit in and that is perfectly okay with me. Needless to say, I was very surprised to learn about Chicago’s Legal Cafe which opened in April of this year. I asked myself, is this a place where the blue and gray crew goes to discuss recent legal trends? Is there where the cool lawyers go to meet other cool lawyers? Actually, my guess wasn’t that far off!
The Chicago Legal Cafe is a new coffee shop launched by a Chicago-area attorney. It staffs 20 attorneys who provide legal services in just about every area of the law. It also offers support services such as free wi-fi and document preparation. The “law firm” is open Monday through Saturday from 8am – 12pm and from 2pm – 6pm. I definitely think this concept will catch on. It provides a much more relaxed environment for clients to meet with their attorneys. It also eliminates the competitive nature and office politics of traditional firm life. I can only imagine that this cafe provides an awesome collegiate atmosphere and networking opportunities for the attorneys.
You do not have to be a client or on staff in order to hang here. The cafe is open to everyone from Monday through Saturday from 7am – 7pm. The Chicago’s Legal Cafe brews Stivers Coffee, which I hear is pretty good. When I am writing, I prefer to work at a coffee shop and have found my home at Starbucks for the past five years. Let me just say, I am tired of supporting the big guy. My metallic pumps and I will definitely check this place out.
Chicago’s Legal Cafe
1338 W Madison
(between Loomis St & Ada St)
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 455-2200
This sounds like a fabulous idea. My one concern would be what measures are taken to ensure confidentiality between lawyers and clients.
Hi J! Since the concept was developed by a lawyer I hope that was taken into consideration! And, hopefully they won’t shout the details of the client’s matter for all to hear. Otherwise, confidentiality still applies. But your right, maybe a client might be uncomfortable in such an open environment? Interesting thought….