James J. DeSanto
Legal matters can be intimidating and complicated. Unfortunately, in some cases, the employment relationship can break down which is why it’s crucial to take an informed approach. Through this service offering, we will assess the situation and provide free guidance.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Employment Law
Insurance Law
Business & Commercial Litigation
Alternative Dispute Resolution
After being admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1969, James DeSanto began practicing law as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted cases from traffic to murder. In 1972, DeSanto moved to the civil courts and since has concentrated his trial and appellate practice in the areas of personal injury and commercial litigation. Whether a victim of personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice or involved in a dispute over contracts, partnerships, or business relationships, James DeSanto takes a personal interest and devotes his legal energy and abilities to seek a fair and prompt resolution of his clients legal claims.
He has successfully represented injured persons and their families in matters such as highway and boating accidents, railroad crossing injuries, dangerous premises, defective product litigation, professional negligence and construction accidents. He has successfully litigated commercial and contract disputes for clients against banks, insurance companies, partnerships and corporations. With mutual trust and understanding, his main focus is his client’s welfare.
Education
J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 1969
B.A., University of Illinois, 1965
Admissions
Illinois, 1969
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1969
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1973
United States Supreme Court, 1975
Professional Affiliations
Illinois State Bar Association
Tort Law Section Council Chair
Tort Trends Editor
Assembly Finance & Budget Committee
Civil Practice Section Council
Illinois State Bar Association Mutual Insurance Company
Director
Chairman of the Board
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
Chicago Bar Association
Jefferson Inns of Court
Illinois Bar Foundation Fellow
Lake County Bar Association (Past President)
National Trial Lawyers Association
Awards and Distinctions
Who’s Who in American Law (1987-present)
Who’s Who in America (2000-present)
Illinois Leading Lawyers (1997)
Illinois Super Lawyers (2006-present)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers (2002-present)
Certified Arbitrator/Mediator for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Lake County
Panel Member of the American Arbitration Association
Community Involvement
Past Positions Held:
Village of Libertyville (Trustee)
Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club (President)
Waukegan Rotary Club (Secretary)
Easter Seal Society, Lake County Chapter
St. Joseph’s Church (Parish Council President)
College of Lake County (Business Law Professor)