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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.

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Practice Areas

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Personal Injury

Employment Law

Insurance Law

Business & Commercial Litigation

Alternative Dispute Resolution

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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.

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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

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J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 1969

B.A., University of Illinois, 1965

 

Admissions

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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

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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

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Awards and Distinctions

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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

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Community Involvement

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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)

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