David Jenkins

Trial and Appellate Attorney

David M. Jenkins

As a Chicago trial and appellate lawyer, I believe it is my responsibility to improve the lives of others. And, for my client, my focus is to ensure that at the conclusion of your case, the outcome will improve your current and future situations.

For over 29 years, I have concentrated my practice in civil litigation, including trial and appellate advocacy. I have extensive experience in both federal and state courts throughout the United States. As an experienced insurance coverage lawyer, I have provided advice and counsel on numerous insurance matters, and have successfully achieved favorable results in court and through settlements. I believe it is important to be a zealous advocate to achieve the most desirable outcome for my clients.

My commitment to improvement means that I will aggressively advocate to advance your best interests and I will be prepared for anything. My job is to be ready, willing, and able to pursue all options, and to implement the appropriate strategy after consultation with my client. I am proud to work with my clients to formulate effective, efficient, and sometimes creative solutions to address their needs.

In some cases, it may be best to craft a settlement that achieves the desired goals. In other instances, a case might require taking the matter to trial. Other circumstances may warrant pursuit of appeals. Whatever the circumstances of your case, I am focused on securing a remarkable resolution that will improve your life now and in the future.

Education

"As your Chicago trial and appellate lawyer, I will work tirelessly to maximize results to achieve the most favorable outcome"

What drives my passion and commitment to positively affect the lives of my clients as a Chicago trial and appellate lawyer

After graduating law school, I obtained a judicial clerkship with a federal judge. That clerkship job allowed me to observe some very prominent lawyers, and the legal profession in general. I was able to observe and learn what works versus what does not work. I recognized that lawyers who advocated zealously, honestly, and with integrity were most often successful in getting results for their clients.

Equally important, I realized that striving to meet goals and objectives that centered on the clients, led to exceptional settlements and verdicts. My client’s beliefs and values will not always match mine, but my job is to work hard so my clients’ goals can be met. That being said, as a Chicago trial and appellate lawyer, I always approach the practice of law with honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Those are values I personally have which will influence the way I approach the practice of law.

These beliefs have carried me through my legal career and have allowed me to help numerous individuals and companies. Now, I am regularly called upon to handle complex legal issues and to develop and implement winning litigation strategies.

One of my career highlights was winning a $10.5 million jury verdict for my client in a trucking case that caused catastrophic injury. Numerous other cases I have been a part of have resulted in favorable settlements, verdicts, and summary judgements for my clients. I am really grateful that being a Chicago trial and appellate lawyer allows me to be part of a larger legal system that improves the lives of others and that I can focus on improving the lives of my clients.

In addition to helping individuals, I have also been integral in affecting the legal system in Illinois as a whole. As a young attorney, I was part of the team which argued in the Supreme Court of Illinois in the case of River Park, Inc. v. City of Highland Park, 184 Ill.2d 290 (1998). There, I recognized that a defense existed for my client against a multi-million dollar lawsuit based on res judicata and successfully presented the defense at all levels (including the Appellate Court). The Illinois Supreme Court decision, in favor of my client, became one of the leading cases in Illinois on res judicata.

"I am really grateful that being a lawyer allows me to be part of a larger legal system that improves the lives of others and that I can focus on improving the lives of my clients. "

Other interesting things about me

I enjoy writing, and I believe writing is one of my strengths. I have had articles published in several law journals on a diverse set of topics, including music copyrights, the Fair Housing Act, professional malpractice, and trademarks. I have also given lectures on a variety of legal topics.

I also enjoy playing electric guitar, and I try to jam with other musicians as frequently as I can. I prefer creating my own songs and music, and not just covering other artists’ songs. Musically, my influences are wide and varied—from jazz and classical music, to blues and heavy/hard rock music. I think it is important to have music in your life every day.

Personally, I try to treat people with respect, and I try to infuse humor in most situations. Laughter is a good way to connect with people, to keep things congenial, and to ease tensions, which I think is important in this profession, especially as a Chicago trial and appellate lawyer.

Finally, I live with my wife in Chicago. Our son is attending the Arizona State Univeristy. My wife and I enjoy real estate investing, and we hope to do more travelling in the near future.

Career Highlights

Hapag-Lloyd (America), Inc. V. Denton Cartage Co., Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. Won $10.5 million jury verdict for my client for contractual indemnification arising out of a catastrophic trucking accident.

River Park, Inc. v. City of Highland Park, 184 IIl. 2d 290, 703 N.E.2d 883 (1998). Member of appellate team which successfully obtained reversal of appellate court by Illinois Supreme Court in a decision which became the leading case regarding res judicata in Illinois.

TIG Insurance Co. v. Horace Mann Ins. Co., No. 1-04-3880 (1st Dist. 2005), reported in Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Vol. 151, No. 212 (October 28, 2005). Won reversal of summary judgment against client and obtained summary judgment in client’s favor from appellate court, declaring that client’s policy was excess.

These are representative of my achievements in my 25+ year career

312.622.2900