About James Saranteas, Attorney at Law
Work hard. Do the right thing. Treat everyone with respect. Take responsibility for your actions.
Instilled in Jim Saranteas by his parents, those values are the cornerstone of his practice as an attorney. He is noted for his zealous advocacy, prudent counsel, meticulous attention to detail, and faithful diligence in ensuring clients receive comprehensive representation.
Jim focuses his practice on plaintiff personal injury work and commercial disputes, such as those between shareholders or business partners, and other commercial matters, like breach of contract. If you’re looking to buy or sell real estate, Jim can do your closings too.
The son of Greek immigrants, George and Georgia, Saranteas grew up around a broad spectrum of men and women who frequented the commuter coffee shop his parents owned for 40 years on Chicago’s far South Side. As a result, he developed a well-honed ability to listen attentively and build a genuine rapport with individuals expressing a wide range of views. In his work, this translates into a professional calm that guides clients—even those in the midst of uniquely turbulent situations.
Jim has over 15 years of litigation experience in numerous areas of law (see list below) and is particularly versed in personal injury matters, insurance coverage disputes, shareholder disputes, and appellate advocacy.
He has successfully represented clients with a diversity of complex litigation needs throughout Illinois, including in Cook, Will, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Lake, and St. Clair Counties, and the Northern District of Illinois. Jim’s accomplishments include favorable decisions and results in the Illinois appellate state court system and the federal district court system.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from Knox College. Thereafter, he worked for several years in business selling mostly ergonomic material handling equipment and positioning devices used in manufacturing. Clients included Nabisco, Morton International, The Popcorn Factory, and Tricel Honeycomb. To accomplish his dream of becoming an attorney, Jim attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law at night while working full-time.
After graduating from Loyola Law School, Jim spent a dozen years working with the boutique law firm of Belgrade and O’Donnell, P.C., well-known for its specialty admiralty and maritime practice. While there, Jim represented clients, both individual and corporate, mostly as a defense attorney. He also prosecuted cases in the areas of insurance coverage and property damage, and either handled or was involved in numerous contested matters, including high-profile cases.
In addition to his professional development, Jim is passionate about mentoring law school students. For 15 years, he has been an appellate advocacy instructor and advocacy coach at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. In that capacity, he guides students in moot law competitions, with several of his students winning top oral advocacy, brief and team awards at the national level.
In 2007, he was selected Advocacy Coach of the Year by the Loyola Advocacy Honors Program. And in 2012, the law school’s Board of Governors chose him for its prestigious St. Bellarmine Award in recognition for his distinguished contributions to the legal community.
Whether representing clients, mentoring law school students, or expanding his professional capacity through continuing education, Jim brings a unique combination of courtroom skills and legal experience to bear on any situation.
Key areas where he has developed wide-ranging litigation experience include:
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Appellate Advocacy
- Automobile and Trucking Accidents
- Breach of Contract
- Commercial Disputes
- Construction Negligence
- Estate Planning
- Food Poisoning
- Insurance Coverage Disputes
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Property Damage
- Products Liability
- Real Estate Closings
- Shareholder Disputes
An active member of the Illinois Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association, Jim serves as an investigator for that organization’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. In addition, he is a member of the Hellenic Bar Association and The Lawyers Club of Chicago.