Justin Schwartz

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Claimed Lawyer Profile

Summary

“Justice for all” is my philosophy. I have worked as a big firm lawyer, law professor, and judicial law clerk on the Chicago federal trial and appeals courts. I have been a lawyer since 1999. I also have a PhD from Michigan and advanced degrees from Cambridge and Princeton, as well as my J.D. (summa) from Ohio State Law. I think ordinary people, under-served populations, and small businesses deserve the quality of representation, at a reasonable price, that I gave my former corporate clients. That's why I started the Law Office of Justin Schwartz. A police officer in a criminal matter once described me as "relentless." I saw that as a compliment. I gave him my card, and he took it. I don't stop. If there is a viable avenue by which I can get you relief, I will find it and pursue it. I give my clients the time and attention they need and treat them with respect and consideration. I deliver results, not excuses. I will give you my best. If you can find a better lawyer at a comparable price, hire him or her. I'm certain you can't find a more dedicated, creative, and, in fact, relentless, lawyer, at any price. I am here to fight for you. I provide top-quality representation in criminal defense, civil rights, personal injury, business matters, discrimination cases, family law, and appeals (civil and criminal). I also provide first rank general legal services in a variety of personal and business issues—litigation, negotiation, and transactions—contracts, wills, incorporation, and the like.

Practice Areas

Criminal Law
Civil Rights
Employment Law
Personal Injury

Fees

Free Consultation
One hour free consultation.
Contingent Fees
I accept standard contingent fees in areas where they are used: civil rights, employment and other discrimination cases, personal injury.
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I accept payment plans in criminal defense and other non-contingent fee arrangements.

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

Illinois
Since 1999

Languages

English: Spoken, Written

Professional Experience

Solo Practice: LAW OFFICE OF JUSTIN SCHWARTZ; 2006 - Current; Represented and advised clients in criminal defense, civil rights, clemency and record-clearing, employment and employment discrimination law, housing discrimination, insurance and personal injury matters, landlord-tenant disputes, child support, criminal and civil appeals Won substantial settlements, six-figure judgments, excellent results in criminal cases, including outright dismissals leading to civil rights lawsuits Represented pro bono client in clemency petition matter

Assistant Professor of Law: The John Marshall Law School; 2006 - 2012

Litigation Associate: Kirkland & Ellis LLP; 2004 - 2006; Coauthored brief to state appeals and Illinois Supreme Courts appealing denial of postconviction relief Wrote cert petition to U.S. Supreme Court in habeas corpus case Drafted Answer and part of Motion to Dismiss for auto trade association in environmental case against State Drafted mediation brief, Motion to Compel Arbitration in $2 million case for REIT Assisted in document collection and review and witness interviews in federal investigation of major auto parts suppliers. Wrote memoranda on intersection of bankruptcy and criminal law Drafted motions on expert evidence in airline company bankruptcy and in class action against oil company Researched and drafted factual part of preemption motion in toxic tort class action for major oil company Represented large agricultural client in FCT investigation

Litigation Associate: Jones Day; 2002 - 2004; Drafted motion to dismiss in novel Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower case (a matter of first impression), resulting in dismissal of several claims against client Drafted part of summary judgment motion in multi-billion dollar antitrust case, defeating Sherman Act claims Drafted detailed advisory memorandum to municipal client in complex civil rights class action Wrote client memorandum opposing enforcement of judgment under state law. Wrote memorandum on standing and injunctions for motion to dismiss in patent/antitrust case Wrote Amicus brief for ACLU in pro bono school desegregation case (client’s position vindicated) Drafted habeas corpus petitions in two complex pro bono cases. Won Certificate of Appealability from Seventh Circuit, briefed appeal to Seventh Circuit. Argued groundbreaking pro bono habeas discovery case to federal District Court as lead counsel

Judicial Law Clerk: US District Court, N.D. Ill.; 1999 - 2002

Judicial Law Clerk: US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; 1998 - 1998; Judicial Law Clerk

Education

Ohio State University - Columbus: J.D. (1998) | Law; 1995 - 1998; CALI Awards: 14th Amendment — Labor Law; Employment Law — White Collar Crime — Legal Theory — Justice — Federal Courts Corpus Juris Secundum Awards: Criminal Law — Torts — John E. Hallen Mem. Award: Torts; Honors: Order of the Coif — Outstanding Achievement Award — ABA-BNA Award for Excellence in Employment and Labor Law — OSU Scholarship in Law — 1997-98 Best Brief (of 230), Appellate Advocacy; Activities: Public Interest Law Foundation, 1995-96