Mr. Vlahakis started his career at a boutique firm that specialized in defending civil rights cases brought against police officers and governmental officials. Thereafter, he joined Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP where he expanded his practice into the defense of class actions and the representation of employers, debt collectors and telemarketers. One of his proudest moments at Hinshaw was obtaining a $1.4 million dollar verdict for a deputy police chief who was wrongfully suspended. Representing a plaintiff in this manner was a rare exception to Mr. Vlahakis practice which involved defending individuals and corporations accused of misconduct. The happiness he gained with this victory (and upholding this victory on appeal) helped lead him to switch sides and help consumers and employees.

While at Hinshaw, Mr. Vlahakis was recognized as a "40 Under Forty" attorney by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. In his nomination papers, one client descripted him as follows: 

“Particularly impressive is James' ability to maintain, what I can only describe as, confident control over the litigation. Never daunted by the odds, it is in face of greatest adversity that James rallies the strongest. He is rock solid in his representation and is well-respected amongst his colleagues." 

As discussed below, Mr. Vlahakis' 40 Under Forty award was somewhat unique in that a majority of his nomination came from opposing counsel in high-stakes cases that Mr. Vlahakis had litigated.

Being respected by the attorneys that we litigate against helps us to achieve exceptional results for our clients. Here is how three different opposing counsel described Mr. Vlahakis, leading to his "40 Under Forty" award: 

“Vlahakis exemplifies the characteristics that remind us, and the public, of who we are and what we stand for as lawyers. No doubt he is destined for great accomplishments professionally in the years to come.” 

Another opposing lawyer said:

“What impressed me most about Mr. Vlahakis was that was always able to maintain professionalism and even temperament no matter how 'hot' the proceedings. This was a case where passions and emotions ran high, but Mr. Vlahakis was invariably able to maintain a professional tone. His presence was invaluable in ensuring the case did not blow up from the sheer pressure of it all." 

A third opponent said this:

"Mr. Vlahakis was tenacious in strategy, well-versed in law, and gracious and professional to all other counsel witnesses. In short, Mr. Vlahakis was, and still is, a lawyer's lawyer."

Respect goes a long way in the legal world. While some lawyers prefer to be "feared" by opposing counsel, Vlahakis Law Group believes that we can help you obtain great results - where Mr. Vlahakis is respected by opposing counsel as a zealous and honest advocate.

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