James Koch
Jim has over 29 years experience in litigation. He has argued two cases before the United States Supreme Court, and briefed a third. Although Jim attempts to resolve divorce matters before the client incurs the cost of trial, he is a skilled trial lawyer who relishes the opportunity to protect his clients' rights.
Prior to co-founding Gardiner Koch & Weisberg, he spent five years as a prosecutor at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and worked as an attorney at the National Futures Association. Jim has an undergraduate degree from Loyola University, a law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Master's Degree in Education from Northwestern University.
Jim teaches part-time at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Education and Social Policy, and formerly served as an adjunct trial advocacy professor at the Northwestern University School of Law. He also taught Economics at the Chicago Latin School.
Jim serves on the New Trier School Board in Winnetka, Illinois, and is on the Board of Governors of the North Suburban Special Education District.
Career Highlights
Accomplishments on behalf of clients
Successfully defended over $100 million in claims in state and federal court arbitrations throughout the country relating to commodities, fraud, securities, and various churning and unsuitability claims.
Over 50 appellate arguments throughout the United States, including cases in the Seventh and Eleventh Federal Appellate Circuits.
Cases before the United States Supreme Court
Argued the case of Illinois v. Wordlow, regarding the scope of the Fourth Amendment in police investigations.
Argued the case of FSLIC v. Ticktin, regarding the federal jurisdiction of FSLIC matters.
Leader
New Trier School Board, Winnetka, IL, 2003 - Present
Board of Governors, North Suburban Special Education District, 2003 - Present (Chairman 2005 - 2006)
Teacher
Former Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University School of Law
Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University Graduate School of Education and Social Policy
Former Instructor, Chicago Latin School - Economics
Practice Areas:
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Family Law |
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Child Custody & Visitation |
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Alimony & Maintenance |
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Asset Distribution |
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Child Support |
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Complex Property Division |
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Commingling/Gift/Inheritance |
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Dissipation of Marital Assets |
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Paternity |
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Adoption |
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Pre/Post-Nuptial Agreements |
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Business Interest |
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Securites & Commodities |
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Municipal Liability |
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Civil Litigation |
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Criminal Defense |
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Breach of Contract |
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Fraud |
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White Collar Crime |
Bar Admissions:
Illinois | 1979
Court Admissions:
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Illinois Supreme Court
Memberships:
Illinois State Bar Association
Education:
Law School | 1979
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D.
Post-Graduate Degree | 2001
Northwestern University, M.S.Ed.
College | 1976
Loyola University, B.A.
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