James Reilly

James T. Reilly has been practicing since 1979. He is an experienced trial lawyer with over fifty jury cases tried to verdict. He concentrates his practice in both civil and criminal litigation. Jury awards include medical malpractice, wrongful death, fraud prosecution and various types of personal injuries. He has defended cases in criminal courts ranging from fitness trials in murder cases to DUI’s. In addition to these, he has successfully defended persons charged with arson, aggravated battery, drug offenses and other felonies and misdemeanors.

Reilly has served as a LaSalle County Assistant Public Defender since 2000. He represents clients before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. He has an extensive Social Security Disability practice obtaining permanent disability awards for over 200 clients. He is also the LaSalle County Guardian Ad Litem for abused and neglected children. He represents virtually all minors charged in LaSalle County for adjudication of wardship under the Juvenile Court Act. Reilly is a graduate of Loyola School of Law in Chicago. He received his undergraduate degree with double majors in Economics and Finance from the University of Illinois.

He practiced in the Chicago area in private practice and with the National District Attorney Association before moving to LaSalle County. With NDAA he served as editor in chief of its magazine, “The Prosecutor”, and project manager for Victim/Witness Assistance Project, Child Support Enforcement Project and Alternatives to Incarceration Project. He was the Association Staff Attorney.

Reilly has served the Illinois State Bar Association as a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee since 2004 and is a member of the Assembly, the governing body of the Illinois State Bar Association. He is past president and present treasurer of the LaSalle County Bar Association.

Loyola University Chicago School of Law

J.D. (1979)

1976 - 1979

University of Chicago

B.A. (1976) | Economics and Finance

1972 - 1976

Attorney

Law Offices of Reilly & Skerston

Current

James T. Reilly and Jennifer Bunker Skerston have been concentrating in civil and criminal litigation for over 45 years of combined success.

Establishing Victim Witness Programs in Prosecutor's Office

National District Attorney's Association

1982

Forcing IV-D Child Support

National District Attorney's Association

1982

Criminal Case Note

National District Attorney's Association

1978

Federal Oversight of DCFS: History, Litigation, Response, Training Session, Illinois Valley Community College

LaSalle County Juvenile Justice Symposium

Federal Oversight of DCFS: History, Litigation, Response, Monthly Meeting, Illinois Valley Community College

May 17, 2018

LaSalle County Juvenile Justice Symposium

Social Security DisabilityPractice, Monthly Meeting, Ottawa Illinois

February 18, 2018

LaSalle County Bar Association

Top Attorneys of North America

Whos Who Direstory

2021

Tradition of Excellence Award

Illinois State Bar

2020

Presented by the General Practice Section in recognition of his contribution to and enhancement of the general practice of law. It is given to the lawyer showing zealous advocacy and personal service to the profession.

Illinois State Bar Association  # 26168

Member

Current

Activities: Member of the ISBA Assembly; Member of the Marketing and Communications Committee; Past Member of the Public Relations Committee; Member of the Subcommittee on Technology; Member of the Subcommittee on Public Events; Chairman of Ask A Lawyer Day Committee

LaSalle County Bar Association

Treasurer

Current

Activities: Past President

Illinois

Since 1979

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