James Richard Ferguson

James Richard Ferguson, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMayer Brown Llp

Chicago, IL

Practicing adr in Chicago since 1976.

50+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James Richard Ferguson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and General. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 50 years
Known for
ADR · Business · General
  • Handles ADR, Business, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James Richard Ferguson: James Richard Ferguson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and General. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James Richard Ferguson

James concentrates on adr, business, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes adr 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.

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.

IP cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes ip 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.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes litigation 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

About James Richard Ferguson — Over 50 years of Illinois adr experience

James Richard Ferguson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and General. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

James Richard Ferguson is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, patent litigation, trademark litigation and 8 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Indiana University, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with James on a adr matter

James Richard Ferguson is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, patent litigation, trademark litigation and 8 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Indiana University, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

James Richard Ferguson's legal education and bar admissions

  • Northwestern University School of Law J.D.

  • Indiana University B.A.

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Illinois Trial Bar o

    1976 · ACTIVE

James studied at — in Northwestern University School of Law J.D. and — in Indiana University B.A..

Law school and academic background

James completed — in Northwestern University School of Law J.D. and — in Indiana University B.A.. 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

Awards, publications, and recognition of James Richard Ferguson

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

James Richard Ferguson's office in Chicago

James's primary office is at 71 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mayer Brown Llp

71 S. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Richard Ferguson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 adr attorneys in Chicago.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Richard Ferguson claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James Richard Ferguson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Richard Ferguson

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple adr 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 adr 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

ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

James handles adr matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.