Atty. James E. Coogan

Atty. James E. Coogan

Jim began fighting for the rights of injured while he was still in law school. Since that time, he has dedicated his entire legal career to justice for people who have had their lives changed by tragic injury.

Park Ridge Park Ridge 20 Years Experience 20 year
Call (224) 561-2249

Profile Summary

About James E. Coogan at a glance

James E. Coogan is a Principal based in Park Ridge, Illinois, practicing at Coogan Gallagher. They have 20+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2006. Their practice focuses on wrongful death, personal injury, slip & fall, and product liability. Admitted to practice in Illinois (2006), U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (2006), and Trial Bar (2021). Educated at DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 2006) and Boston College (B.S. Recipient, 2003). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Chicago Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Trial Lawyers Association American Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation Lawyers’ Association. Serves clients in Park Ridge, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Jim began fighting for the rights of injured while he was still in law school
  • Since that time, he has dedicated his entire legal career to justice for people who have had their lives changed by tragic injury
  • He joined Patrick Dwyer II’s law firm in 2007 and since that time has represented hundreds of clients from consultation through settlement or trial
  • Jim and Pat formed the partnership of Coogan Gallagher in 2015
  • After these many years of experience, Jim understands that being injured does not make you a victim, but it can leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious, and uncertain about what to do next
  • That is why he is dedicated to understanding the details of your losses and working to secure your peace of mind once again
  • It is what fuels his enthusiasm for the hard work it takes to see a case through to securing a jury’s verdict–the ultimate statement of truth in the civil justice system
  • Jim practices in Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois on behalf of his clients
  • Civic & Charitable Involvement: Jim serves as a Commissioner for the Park Ridge Planning & Zoning Commission, helping shape his community and helping it plan for the future
  • Jim has also raised money for Special Olympics of Chicago by dunking himself in the chilly February waters of Lake Michigan
  • Jim has been a Member of the Associate Board for the Greater Chicago Food Depository since 2015
  • Jim has also volunteered to support service projects around the city through his involvement in the Chicago Chapter of the Alumni Association of Boston College

Media

  • Jim is a regular contributor as Legal Analyst The Ben Joravsky Show, presented by The Chicago Reader
  • Please see our Blog (Link) for links to past episodes
  • Jim has previously lent his legal expertise to radio listeners of Chicago’s WCPT 820 AM

Personal

  • Jim lives with his wife and their mammals in Park Ridge, Illinois
  • He is an avid (though long-suffering) Bears fan and enjoys spending time with his family, learning, and yes, supporting the Bears
  • Awards & Recognition Jim was recognized by his peers as an Emerging Lawyer for 2020 and again in 2021
  • He was also honored by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, included in the 2020 group of 40 Lawyers under Forty to Watch
  • He has been recognized by Super Lawyers, beginning in 2022
  • Bar Associations • Chicago Bar Association (2005-present) (Volunteers on CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee; 2011-present) • Illinois State Bar Association (2006-present) • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (2007-present) • American Association for Justice (2008-present) • Workers’ Compensation Lawyers’ Association (2016-present)

Practice Areas Explained

James E. Coogan's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James E. Coogan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Wrongful Death

James E. Coogan is one of 28,053 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in Illinois →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

James E. Coogan is one of 238,048 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Illinois →

Slip & Fall / Premises Liability

James E. Coogan is one of 25,743 slip & fall attorneys indexed nationally. Browse slip & fall attorneys in Illinois →

Product Liability

James E. Coogan is one of 60,257 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Park Ridge are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Park Ridge or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James E. Coogan

Where is James E. Coogan's law office located?
James E. Coogan's law practice is located in Park Ridge, Illinois. The firm is Coogan Gallagher. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James E. Coogan handle?
James E. Coogan focuses on wrongful death, personal injury, slip & fall, product liability. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has James E. Coogan practiced law?
James E. Coogan has 20+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2006.
Where did James E. Coogan go to law school?
James E. Coogan earned their education at (J.D., 2006); (B.S. Recipient, 2003).
How can I contact James E. Coogan for a consultation?
You can contact James E. Coogan directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James E. Coogan received?
James E. Coogan's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
DePaul University College of Law
- 2006
B.S. Recipient
Boston College
- 2003

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Illinois
Admitted: 2006
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Admitted: 2006
Trial Bar
Admitted: 2021

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