Jim Gaughan is a tough, talented, and experienced commercial litigator who has used his considerable experience and equanimity to successfully represent clients in a wide range of complex and challenging class action lawsuits in jurisdictions across the country. He is relentless about preparation and tactics, constantly weighing and analyzing the respective strengths of his clients, as well as their adversaries, in order to create the most effective and efficient legal strategies.
James P. "Jim" Gaughan
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022 Awarded Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation
Awarded Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation
Biography
Locations
Education
- Loyola University Chicago, J.D., cum laude, graduated 1990
- University of Chicago, B.A., Economics, with honors, graduated 1987
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
Affiliations
- Chicago Bar Association - Judicial Evaluation Committee
- Illinois State Bar Association - Member
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Commercial Litigation
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Litigation - Insurance
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Awards:
- The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers (Commercial Litigation, 2022-2023)
- Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service and Public Interest Service, United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Bar Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
- Illinois Leading Lawyer in Class Actions/Mass Tort Defense Law and Commercial Litigation, Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers (2013-2022)
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