Jim was born in Alton, Illinois on August 7, 1961; graduated, high honors, with a B.S. in psychology from Southern Illinois University, at Edwardsville in 1984; member of Psychology Honors Program and National Honor Society Psi Chi. Jim worked as an administrative law judge for the Division of Employment Security, State of Missouri before law school. He graduated from S.I.U., Carbondale in 1995 with a Juris Doctorate and was admitted to the bar the same year. Published Article: Illinois Bar Journal regarding the treatment of support staff in law offices as independent contractors.
In 1996, Jim worked law of LeChien & LeChien. He had a general practice with a focus in personal injury and in contract litigation.
From 1997 to 2002, Jim worked for the St. Clair County State Attorney's Office. During Jim's first 18 months in the felony division, he had a conviction rate in jury trials of 85%, which included convictions for first degree murder, second degree murder, reckless homicide, and armed robbery.
Jim currently teaches criminal law part-time at South Western Illinois College (formly Belleville Area College).
Jim's practice includes personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance defense, and criminal defense.
Please note that you are not considered a client until you have signed a retainer agreement and your case has been accepted by us.