About Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP is the oldest law firm in Illinois, with origins dating back to 1828 when John Todd Stuart opened a law office in Springfield. The firm adopted its current name in 1921 and has maintained a long-standing reputation for legal excellence. In its early years, the firm was associated with notable attorneys, including Abraham Lincoln, reflecting its deep historical significance.

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP offers a wide range of legal services to businesses, government entities, and individuals. The firm handles areas such as business law, civil litigation, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, and real estate law. Its attorneys focus on delivering practical and effective solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP operates from Springfield, providing close access to key legal and governmental institutions. Nearby courts include the Illinois Supreme Court, the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court, and the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Central District of Illinois. This location supports the firm’s ability to stay informed on important legal developments.

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP is guided by values such as integrity, honesty, collaboration, and strong client relationships. The law firm emphasizes ethical and efficient legal services while maintaining a hands-on and responsive approach. Its attorneys are committed to producing high-quality work and building long-term client trust.

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP serves clients from multiple office locations, including Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington, and Hinsdale. With nearly 198 years of experience from 1828 to 2026, the firm continues to be a respected and trusted name in Illinois law.

Practice Areas

Municipal + Government Law
  • Government Relations
  • Administrative Law And Local Permitting
  • Local Government Representation
  • Administrative Law
Business
  • Business Law And Contracts
  • Tax Structure And Organization Formation
  • Family Business Law, Including Business Succession Planning
  • Agreements And Contracts: Drafted And Reviewed
  • Mergers And Acquisitions
  • Commercial Real Estate Law
  • Finance Law
  • Dispute Resolution And Litigation
  • Government Regulations And Compliance
  • Insurance, Pensions, And Profit Sharing Law
  • Labor And Employment Issues
  • Biometric Information Privacy Act
  • Agricultural Practice Group
  • Health Care Law
  • Banking + Financial Institutions
  • Environmental + Energy
Criminal Defense
  • Murder And Other Violent Crimes
  • White Collar/Financial Crimes
  • Drug Cases
  • Sex Offenses
  • Theft/Robbery/Burglary
  • Weapons Charges
  • Misdemeanors
  • Juvenile Cases
  • Immigration Consequences
  • DUI / Traffic / License Reinstatement
  • Expungement
  • DUI + Traffic
Estate Planning, Probate + Trust
  • Wills
  • Trusts
  • Powers Of Attorney
  • Living Wills
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Tax Planning
  • Probate Representation
  • Estate And Trust Administration
  • Charitable Gift And Charitable Trust Planning
  • Nonprofit Administration
  • Will And Trust Contests
  • Trust Fiduciary Litigation
  • Elder Law
  • Guardianship Matters
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Special Retirement Planning
Labor + Employment Law
  • Human Resources And Personnel Issues
  • Employee Handbooks And Workplace Policies
  • Confidentiality And Noncompete Agreements
  • Unemployment Claims
  • Title Vii And Other Discrimination Claims, Including Harassment
  • Americans With Disabilities Act
  • Family And Medical Leave Act
  • Employee Benefits
  • Collective Bargaining
  • Arbitration And Grievance Proceedings
  • Unfair Labor Practice Charges
  • Representation Elections
  • Unit Clarification Petitions
  • Technology And Security In The Workplace
Family Law
  • Dissolution
  • Child Custody And Visitation
  • Grandparents' Rights
  • Parentage Proceedings
  • Guardianships
  • Child Support
  • Maintenance (Spousal Support)
  • Property Division
  • High-Income Business Valuations
  • Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements
  • Orders Of Protection And No-Contact Orders
  • Juvenile Proceedings
  • Termination Of Parental Rights
  • Dcfs Appeals
  • Adoption
  • Mediation
  • Appeal
Lawsuits & Disputes
  • Legislative Advocacy
  • Appellate Practice
  • Civil Litigation
  • Mediation And Arbitration
  • Professional Liability
  • Education Law
Personal Injury
  • Vehicle Accident
  • Medical Malpractice Defense
Creditors' Rights + Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 7, 11, 12 And 13
  • Motions For Relief From Stay/Adequate Protection Issues
  • Claims Objections
  • Reorganization Issues
  • Adversary Proceedings, Including Preference And Fraudulent Transfer Litigation
  • Discharge/Dischargeability Actions
  • Lease Assumption/Rejection
  • Asset Sales Under §363 Of The Bankruptcy Code
Intellectual Property
  • Copyright
  • Entertainment & Publishing
  • Libel, Slander, Right To Privacy
  • Licensing Litigation
  • Patents
  • Trade Secrets
  • Trademark
  • Unfair Competition
Real Estate
  • Acquisitions And Dispositions
  • Agricultural Real Estate
  • Commercial Real Estate Transactions
  • Construction
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Financing
  • Land Use, Zoning And Development
  • Commercial And Residential Leasing
  • Property Tax Assessments And Appeals
  • Public Tax Incentives
  • Real Estate Litigation
  • Residential Real Estate Transactions

Fees

  • Payment details not specified

Office locations for Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP - Springfield

205 S 5th St #700, Springfield, IL 62701

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP - Decatur

225 N Water St, Decatur, IL 62523

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP - Bloomington

216 E Grove St #2210, Bloomington, IL 61701

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP - Hinsdale

38 Blaine St #201, Hinsdale, IL 60521