James H. Whalen

James H. Whalen

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024
Awarded Practice Areas
Litigation - Insurance
Awarded Practice Areas
Litigation - Insurance
James H. Whalen
James H. Whalen
Chicago, IL
Works at
Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis LTD

5 Best Lawyers awards

Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis LTD logo

Biography

James H. Whalen is the co-managing partner of Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis LTD, a Chicago, Illinois law firm. He practices in the areas of Litigation – Insurance, tort defense, commercial litigation, and product liability. Mr. Whalen represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as before state administrative bodies.

His practice includes construction, business, commercial, product liability, employment discrimination, and premises liability litigation. Mr. Whalen has received professional recognition from peer-reviewed legal publications and business organizations for his work in the legal field.

Mr. Whalen approaches each representation as a collaborative relationship with the client. He emphasizes clear communication and practical strategy, allowing him to tailor his legal services to the specific goals and circumstances of each matter. While he understands the importance of efficient electronic communication, he also values direct conversations and in-person meetings when appropriate. He places significant importance on the trust clients place in their legal counsel.

Works at
Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis LTD

5 Best Lawyers awards

Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis LTD logo

Locations

Education

  • Indiana University Bloomington, B.A., History , graduated 2000
  • DePaul University, J.D., graduated 2004

Bar Admissions

  • Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association, 2016
  • Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association, 2014
  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association, 2004

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Affiliations

  • Chicago Bar Association - Member
  • Large Primerus Defense Institute Executive Committee - Member
  • Primerus Defense Institute - CLE Co-Chair Person (Defense Institute Convocation 2018)
  • Justinian Society of Lawyers - Member
  • Illinois State Bar Association - Member
  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC) - Member

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Litigation - Insurance

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