John M. Popelka, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on General and SSD · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
President & Managing PartneratAnesi Ozmon, Ltd.
Chicago, IL
Practicing general in Chicago since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you John M. Popelka?
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Quick answer
John M. Popelka is a president & managing partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General and SSD. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Anesi Ozmon, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- General · SSD
- Handles General and SSD matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John M. Popelka: John M. Popelka is a president & managing partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General and SSD. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Anesi Ozmon, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Chicago
John concentrates on general and ssd. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
SSD cases in Chicago, Illinois
John takes ssd 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John M. Popelka, general attorney serving Chicago
John M. Popelka is a president & managing partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General and SSD. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Anesi Ozmon, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on general matters across the region.
John M. Popelka focuses his practice exclusively representing public and private sector clients in the area of Workers’ Compensation law. Equally comfortable in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, a significant portion of his practice involves litigating and settling claims for union workers who suffer career-ending injuries, permanent total disability, catastrophic injuries requiring home modification and lifetime medical care, and death cases.John joined Anesi Ozmon in 1993, and was named partner in 2001. Recognizing his dedication, commitment and leadership, the firm named him President and Managing Partner in 2018.Highly respected by his peers and a leader in the field, his extensive appellate practice has led him to argue cases before the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court, generating decisions that have expanded the rights of working men and women in Illinois. He has authored articles on workers’ compensation law, and has been a featured speaker on the topic at seminars and at John Marshall Law School.John skills have earned recognition from his fellow attorneys with an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell for over a decade. In addition, Thomson Reuters has ranked him as a Super Lawyer each year since 2013, and he has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation Law by U.S News & World Report, The Leading Lawyers Network, The Best Lawyers in America as well as a 10 Best Attorneys in Illinois for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service in Workers’ Compensation claims. He maintains memberships in several professional organizations including the American Association of Justice, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, The Chicago Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association of Illinois. A longtime resident of Naperville, Ill., John volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America and is the proud parent of three Eagle Scouts.John earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School and received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Marquette University.
How John handles general matters
John M. Popelka focuses his practice exclusively representing public and private sector clients in the area of Workers’ Compensation law. Equally comfortable in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, a significant portion of his practice involves litigating and settling claims for union workers who suffer career-ending injuries, permanent total disability, catastrophic injuries requiring…
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and ssd matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1986
Marquette University
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Wisconsin
1989 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1986 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Marquette University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Marquette University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin Illinois Trial Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
John M. Popelka's office in Chicago
John's primary office is at 161 North Clark Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John M. Popelka — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general 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 John M. Popelka claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John M. Popelka — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John M. Popelka
How much does it cost to hire John for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple general 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new general clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
John handles general matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
