John Chen

John Chen is a litigation attorney and founder of Chen Law Firm Ltd. with more than 30 years of experience handling complex lawsuits and disputes. His practice includes commercial litigation, business torts, trade secret litigation, environmental litigation, insurance and reinsurance disputes, class action defense, professional liability, and employment matters. He represents clients in state and federal courts, arbitration proceedings, and mediation, with a focus on early strategy and detailed case development.

John earned an undergraduate degree in Economics, with High Honors and Distinction, from the University of Illinois College of Commerce and Business Administration. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he was a Harno Scholar. His academic background supports his work on complex commercial transactions, legal analysis, and litigation strategy.

John has tried numerous cases to verdict in state and federal court and has obtained favorable rulings in American Arbitration Association proceedings. He has resolved matters through JAMS mediation and understands when alternative dispute resolution aligns with a client’s goals. Before forming Chen Law Firm Ltd., he spent most of his career at Piper Rudnick and predecessor firm Rudnick & Wolfe, now DLA Piper LLP. His work spans difficult factual records, commercial conflicts, tort claims, and high-stakes business disputes.

John Chen serves as an adjunct professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where he has taught trial advocacy since 1997. He has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer in business litigation from 2019 through 2026. His professional service includes a decade chairing the Asian American Legal Services Clinic in Chicago. He received the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award in 1997 for his commitment to providing legal services to underserved communities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Chen Law Firm Ltd.
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• University of Illinois College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Illinois College
  Undergraduate