John J. McDonnell Ph.D., Copyright Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Copyright, General, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMcDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing copyright in Chicago since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you John J. McDonnell Ph.D.?
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Quick answer
John J. McDonnell Ph.D. is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Copyright, General, and IP. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Copyright · General · IP
- Handles Copyright, General, and IP matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John J. McDonnell Ph.D.: John J. McDonnell Ph.D. is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Copyright, General, and IP. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Chicago
John concentrates on copyright, general, ip, litigation, and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Copyright
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Patent
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Trademark
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Copyright cases in Chicago, Illinois
John takes copyright 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Chicago, Illinois
John takes ip 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Patent cases in Chicago, Illinois
John takes patent 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John J. McDonnell Ph.D., copyright attorney serving Chicago
John J. McDonnell Ph.D. is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Copyright, General, and IP. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on copyright matters across the region.
John J. McDonnell, Ph.D. is a lawyer practicing copyrights, litigation, trademarks and 3 other areas of law. John J. received a Ph.D. degree from Iowa State University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. John J. practices at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with John on a copyright matter
John J. McDonnell, Ph.D. is a lawyer practicing copyrights, litigation, trademarks and 3 other areas of law. John J. received a Ph.D. degree from Iowa State University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. John J. practices at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP in Chicago, IL.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for copyright, general, and ip matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
Chicago-Kent College of Law
J.D. · 1974
Iowa State University
Ph.D. Northern · 1968
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Illinois registered
1975 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law and Ph.D. Northern in Iowa State University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law and Ph.D. Northern in Iowa State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
John J. McDonnell Ph.D.'s office in Chicago
John's primary office is at 300 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606-6706. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP
300 S. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606-6706
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John J. McDonnell Ph.D. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing copyright 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 John J. McDonnell Ph.D. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John J. McDonnell Ph.D. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new copyright attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a copyright attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many copyright 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in copyright practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every copyright 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many copyright practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John J. McDonnell Ph.D.
How much does it cost to hire John for a copyright case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do copyright cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple copyright 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new copyright clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Copyright attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
John handles copyright matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified copyright attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated copyright attorneys in Illinois
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these copyright attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





