Atty. Joel D. Bertocchi
A highly skilled civil, criminal, and appellate litigator, Joel Bertocchi handles appeals in state and federal courts and represents clients in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, providing counsel on compliance policies and related issues. He has argued cases in the U.S.
Profile Summary
About Joel D. Bertocchi at a glance
Joel D. Bertocchi is a criminal defense, white collar, litigation, and appellate attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Akerman LLP. Educated at University of Wisconsin–Madison (J.D., 1983) and University of Wisconsin–Madison (—, 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- A highly skilled civil, criminal, and appellate litigator, Joel Bertocchi handles appeals in state and federal courts and represents clients in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, providing counsel on compliance policies and related issues
- He has argued cases in the U.S
- Supreme Court and multiple federal Circuits and state appellate courts, and served as Illinois’ Solicitor General, the chief appellate lawyer for the State
- A former federal prosecutor, he conducts internal investigations in all areas, including corporate governance and employee misconduct, and represents defendants and witnesses in criminal investigations and prosecutions
- Joel also strategically advises clients on the application of complex statutes and regulatory issues, including private and public corruption statutes, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), and fraud
Practice Areas Explained
Joel D. Bertocchi's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joel D. Bertocchi handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Joel D. Bertocchi is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Illinois →
Joel D. Bertocchi is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Illinois →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Joel D. Bertocchi is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Illinois →
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
Joel D. Bertocchi is one of 86,319 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate 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.
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