
James Daniel Ellman, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Of CounselatScopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 9 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James Daniel Ellman?
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Quick answer
James Daniel Ellman is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Personal Injury. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Personal Injury
- Handles Business, General, and Personal Injury matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About James Daniel Ellman: James Daniel Ellman is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Personal Injury. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on business, general, personal injury, tbi/sci, and truck accidents. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Personal Injury
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TBI/SCI
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes personal injury matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
TBI/SCI cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes tbi/sci matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Truck Accidents cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes truck accidents matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Daniel Ellman — business lawyer in Chicago
James Daniel Ellman is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Personal Injury. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
James Daniel Ellman is a lawyer practicing motor carrier defense, transportation liability, truck accidents and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. James practices at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C. in Chicago, IL.
How James handles business matters
James Daniel Ellman is a lawyer practicing motor carrier defense, transportation liability, truck accidents and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. James practices at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C. in Chicago, IL.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and personal injury matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. · 1991
University of Iowa
B.B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Illinois
1991 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.B.A. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.B.A. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership
TIDA, DRI, IDC, ISBA, CBA, MCBA
bar_fellowship
Locations
James Daniel Ellman's office in Chicago
James's primary office is at 30 West Monroe Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, 60603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.
30 West Monroe Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60603
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Daniel Ellman — 5.0/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
9 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Daniel Ellman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Daniel Ellman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Daniel Ellman
How much does it cost to hire James for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
James is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new business clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
James handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





