Atty. James Franklin Best

Atty. James Franklin Best

James Franklin Best is a lawyer practicing general liability defense, insurance coverage, medical malpractice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Drake University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years.

Chicago Chicago 52 yrs experience 52 year
Call (224) 561-4021 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James Franklin Best at a glance

James Franklin Best is a Partner based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Best, Vanderlaan & Harrington. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on medical malpractice, personal injury, employment, business, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Illinois U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern and Central Districts of Illinois (1974). Educated at Drake University (J.D., 1974) and Drake University (B.S., 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Chicago, DuPage County (Chairman, Civil Law and Practice Committee, 1985-1987 1991), Illinois State and Bar Associations Defense Research Institute Illinois Defense Counsel. Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James Franklin Best is a lawyer practicing general liability defense, insurance coverage, medical malpractice and 5 other areas of law
  • James received a B.S. degree from Drake University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years
  • James practices at Best, Vanderlaan & Harrington in Chicago, IL and 3 others locations

Practice Areas Explained

James Franklin Best's Areas of Practice

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

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.

James Franklin Best is one of 49,086 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice 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 Franklin Best is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Illinois →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

James Franklin Best is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Illinois →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James Franklin Best is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

James Franklin Best is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation 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 Chicago 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 andnue, 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 Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James Franklin Best

Where is James Franklin Best's law office located?
James Franklin Best's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Best, Vanderlaan & Harrington. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Franklin Best handle?
James Franklin Best focuses on medical malpractice, personal injury, employment, business, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has James Franklin Best practiced law?
James Franklin Best has 52+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1974.
Where did James Franklin Best go to law school?
James Franklin Best earned their education at (J.D., 1974); (B.S., 1971).
How can I contact James Franklin Best for a consultation?
You can contact James Franklin Best 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 Franklin Best received?
James Franklin Best's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Drake University
- 1974
B.S.
Drake University
- 1971

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Illinois U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern and Central Districts of Illinois
Admitted: 1974

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