Jennifer Bonjean

Jennifer Bonjean is the founder and lead attorney at Bonjean Law Group, PLLC, a firm focused on criminal defense, civil rights, and post-conviction litigation. She is a highly experienced litigator known for challenging wrongful convictions and exposing systemic misconduct within the justice system. Bonjean’s work is driven by a deep commitment to justice and a relentless pursuit of fairness for the wrongly accused.

Bonjean earned her B.A. in Music from DePaul University, followed by an M.M. in Opera Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Her legal journey began at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she earned her J.D. in 1999.

Bonjean’s early advocacy for survivors of sexual violence at the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago sparked her interest in a legal career. After witnessing how poorly authorities treated victims, she enrolled in law school planning to become a prosecutor. However, her work on post-conviction death penalty cases and her internship at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office shifted her focus toward criminal defense and protecting the constitutional rights of the accused.

Bonjean began her legal career at the Illinois State Appellate Defender’s Office, handling over 100 serious felony appeals. She later founded Bonjean Law Group in 2007. Her firm specializes in criminal appeals, habeas corpus petitions, and civil rights claims under Section 1983. Much of the firm’s criminal defense work is handled pro bono and dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions.

Bonjean has helped free more than thirteen innocent individuals and has secured over $20 million in civil rights settlements. Notable wins include a $5.2 million jury award for Stanley Wrice and a $20.5 million settlement for clients Armando Serrano and Jose Montanez. She also successfully represented Bill Cosby in his appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Admitted in NY, NJ, and IL, Jennifer Bonjean practices in multiple federal courts and appellate circuits, including the U.S. Supreme Court. She is also a frequent legal commentator on national news outlets, known for her fierce advocacy and fearless litigation style.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner & Founder, Bonjean Law Group, PLLC
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Licensed State

• New York
• New Jersey
• Illinois

Education

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Manhattan School of Music
  MM in Music in Opera Performance
• De Paul University
  BA in Music

Awards & Badges