×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔
Joel F. Handler
Pro

Joel F. Handler

4.0
8 reviews

1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2505, Chicago, IL 60601

Administrative Law, General Business, Commercial Law and 13 more

About Joel F. Handler

Member. De Paul Law Review, 1975.

View website

Awards

Client Reviewed
This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by a past client.
Champion Badge Reviewed
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Joel F. Handler got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Joel F.

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
4.0
See All Reviews
8
2.3
Lawyers.com
3
Martindale
Not yet reviewed
3.4
Avvo
5
Showing 1-3 of 3 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
33%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
67%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
2.3
Quality of Service
2.3
Responsiveness
2.3
Value for Money
2.3
Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
December 20, 2018
Hired Attorney

I retained Mr. Handler with a company who owed me funds. I tried almost a year on my own. Mr Handler not only is knowledgeable but, guided me with direction under stressful times. I also received the full amount quickly after retaining. I had a situation recently happened. First call I made was to Mr, Handler and he gave me advice. Again direction...If you are looking for an attorney looking out for your best interest and trustworthy. I recommend Mr. Joel Handler and his firm. Highly....

 
Civil Rights
Posted by anonymous
July 29, 2025
Hired Attorney

In no world, or reality, would I ever recommend Joel Handler to represent anyone. I implore everyone considering hiring him to do their due diligence. Research him. Having him represent me was the worst decision I have ever made, hands down. It has been a complete nightmare. With every fiber of my being, I urge everyone to find another attorney.

 
Insurance
Posted by anonymous
September 17, 2024
Hired Attorney

a nightmare for me. a pure nightmare of a human. i am not the only one in chicago who has issue with this man. he has sued countless clients just look at his record or do an online search, and these clients go right into bankruptcy many of the times.. this could be perhaps the worst decision i have ever made. i wish, wish, wish i never met this person

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Administrative Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Personal Injury
  • Torts
  • Education Law 1
    • School Law
  • Premises Liability
  • Products Liability
  • Intellectual Property 1
    • Trade Secrets
  • Other 8
    • General Business
    • Matrimonial Law
    • Chancery
    • Employment Law including State and Federal Discrimination Actions
    • Retaliatory Discharge
    • Wills
    • Defamation
    • Whistleblower

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Fixed hourly rates
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Joel F. Handler

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1975, Illinois
    2010, Indiana
    Memberships
    Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations
    National Employment Lawyers Association.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    DePaul University College of Law
    Class of 1975
    J.D.
    summa cum laude
    Other Education
    University of Illinois
    Class of 1972
    B.A.
    with highest honors
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1951
    Chicago, Illinois, April 19, 1951

Contact Joel F. Handler

Member at Joel F. Handler
4.0
8 reviews

1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2505Chicago, IL 60601U.S.A.

Show on map
Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Friday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Saturday 09:00 AM - 03:30 PM
  • Sunday By appointment

Email Joel F. Handler

Case type is required.
A valid zip code is required.
A valid city is required.
State is required.
Country is required.
Outside the US or Canada?
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

Contact Information

First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
City:
State:
Country:
Case Description:
Contact Information
First Name:
Last Name:
Email:
Phone Number:
Return to Profile

Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Joel F. Handler was admitted in 1975 to the State of Illinois.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Joel F. Handler has a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Joel F. Handler attended DePaul University College of Law.
  • Does this attorney maintain any other responsibilities in the firm outside of legal work?
    Joel F. Handler is the Managing Partner of the firm.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

These FAQs include information about a lawyer's background, but do not evaluate their knowledge of the law, past performance on individual cases, personality, or communication skills.

It is solely the responsibility of lawyers and law firms to ensure that any information they provide complies with all applicable laws and rules of professional conduct.

You should be aware that the information we rely upon may not be comprehensive, or frequently updated.

Always research the lawyer further to get a better understanding of their license credentials, disciplinary status, background, and experience.

Lawyers.com Client Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ display reviews submitted by individuals who have either hired or consulted the lawyers or law firms.

The Client Review Rating score is determined through the aggregation of validated responses. People who submit reviews are either individuals who consulted with the lawyer/law firm or who hired the lawyer/law firm and want to share their experience of that lawyer or law firm with other potential clients. Reviewers can be anyone who consults or hires a lawyer including in-house counsel, corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals.

Martindale-Hubbell validates that a reviewer is a person with a valid email address. As part of the review process, respondents must affirm that they have had an initial consultation, are currently a client or have been a client of the lawyer or law firm identified, although Martindale-Hubbell cannot confirm the lawyer/client relationship as it is often confidential. The content of the responses is entirely from reviewers.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and Martindale-Hubbell accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of any review. For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Ratings, please visit our Client Review Page

Martindale Peer Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are the gold standard in attorney ratings, and have been for more than a century. These ratings indicate attorneys who are widely respected by their peers for their ethical standards and legal expertise in a specific area of practice.

The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process is the gold standard due to its objectivity and comprehensiveness. Lawyers solicited for peer reviews include both those selected by the attorney being reviewed and lawyers independently selected by Martindale-Hubbell. All reviewers are verified as attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell’s extensive attorney database. Only attorneys practicing at least three years and receiving a sufficient number of reviews from non-affiliated attorneys are eligible to receive a Rating.

What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

Attorneys that receive reviews from their peers, but not a sufficient number to establish a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, will have those reviews display on our websites.

For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings™, please visit our Ratings Page on Martindale.com and our Frequently Asked Questions

Avvo Client Reviews

Ratings and reviews are feedback from people who have either consulted an attorney about an issue (but may not have hired the attorney) or people who hired an attorney as a current or former client and provided their feedback to our sister site, Avvo.com.