James J. Dries, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, General, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBaker And Mckenzie Llp
Chicago, IL
Practicing adr in Chicago since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 9
- Bar admissions
Are you James J. Dries?
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Quick answer
James J. Dries is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, General, and Insurance. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Baker And Mckenzie Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- ADR · General · Insurance
- Handles ADR, General, and Insurance matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James J. Dries: James J. Dries is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, General, and Insurance. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Baker And Mckenzie Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James J. Dries
James concentrates on adr, general, insurance, international, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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General
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Insurance
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International
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Litigation
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Securities
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Business
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ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes adr matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes insurance matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
International cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes international matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James J. Dries — Over 52 years of Illinois adr experience
James J. Dries is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, General, and Insurance. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Baker And Mckenzie Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James J. Dries is a lawyer practicing construction & development, securities offerings, international arbitration and 7 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Marquette University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Chicago, IL.
James's approach to adr cases
James J. Dries is a lawyer practicing construction & development, securities offerings, international arbitration and 7 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Marquette University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, general, and insurance matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
James J. Dries's legal education and bar admissions
Marquette University Law School
J.D. · 1974
Marquette University
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
2008 · ACTIVE
Indiana
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2006 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2001 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1974 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1974 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Marquette University Law School and B.A. in Marquette University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Marquette University Law School and B.A. in Marquette University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James J. Dries
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James J. Dries's office in Chicago
James's primary office is at 300 E. Randolph St., Ste. 5000, Chicago, IL, 60601-5014. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Baker And Mckenzie Llp
300 E. Randolph St., Ste. 5000
Chicago, IL 60601-5014
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James J. Dries — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James J. Dries claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James J. Dries — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James J. Dries
How much does it cost to hire James for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
James is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new adr clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
James handles adr matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Illinois
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





