Ackerman Lawyers – Since 1949
Ackerman Lawyers have been serving the community since 1949. J. Waldo Ackerman was the first lawyer in James Ackerman’s family. He became a lawyer in 1949; Ackerman lawyers have been serving the central Illinois ever since. J. Waldo Ackerman served in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office from 1954 to 1960 as both an assistant and as the head of the office. He served as circuit judge from 1971 to 1976, when the president appointed him to serve as a federal judge for the United States District Court in Central Illinois. He served there until he died.
James Ackerman, his son, served as an assistant State’s Attorney and worked at the State Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor for two years after graduating law school. He prosecuted criminals in both jobs, ranging from speeding tickets to murder. Following that, he worked for Noll Law Office for a year and represented banks and handled criminal cases. He served as a part time public defender for a year in both state and federal courts. Criminal cases provided the background for handling jury trials, a dying art. Jury trials in the United States have become much rarer since 1990, plummeting by half. Most lawyers have never handled a jury trial, let alone one involving an injury claim.
Ackerman Law Office – Working for Victims
On August 19, 1989 James Ackerman started Ackerman Law Office. Ackerman Law Office set itself apart from others in central Illinois by superior results, client support, and professionalism. Ackerman Law Offices was named a Super Lawyers in Illinois. Only 5% of attorneys in the state are named in Super Lawyers. Ackerman Law Offices was named one of the Top Attorneys in Illinois by Super Lawyers, Law and Politics, and the publishers of Chicago Magazine.
Ackerman Law Office, P.C. has collected tens of millions of dollars for personal injury victims. James Ackerman, our founder, has extensive trial experience in personal injury claims. He obtained a record verdict in Christian County Illinois. He has tried numerous cases to verdict. He participated in the largest case in the central district of Illinois Federal Court, where his father had been on the bench.
Let’s Talk Law – Radio Program for Community Education
Mr. Ackerman hosted his own radio show from 1999 to 2021 on WMAY 94.7FM and 970AM. He was compelled to help people who may not be able to afford an attorney for their legal problems. In addition, he also enjoyed his many guests over the years. Caller questions ran the gamut from bankruptcy to a neighbor’s tree. Many issues do not come up often in the office so he would research issues for callers.
Professional Involvement and Victim Advocacy
James Ackerman is proud to have served on the Public Relations Committee of the Illinois State Bar Association as its Chair in 2011 and 2012. James Ackerman served on this Public Relations Committee for several years. He also served on the Tort Committee of the ISBA, which, like the Illinois Trial Lawyers, tries to make sure the laws are reasonable for the victims of injuries in Illinois. The ISBA sponsored his radio show for several years.
He also served on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association for 10 years, from 2009 to 2019. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association helps to protect the rights of injury victims in Illinois. It believes that big interests now dominate the political process in Illinois and too often protects the entities that produce unsafe products which injure and kill innocent victims.
James has been a member of the Sangamon County Bar Association, a group of lawyers who get together to socialize.
Music
James has been playing guitar since he was 6 or 7 and singing in public since 2007. He covers a variety of styles, from old jazz standards to bluegrass, country, blues, and rock and roll (especially from the 70s). Just as in his law practice, he enjoys a challenge, playing difficult fingerstyle guitar, and complicated voice leading. He generally plays solo or with a bass player. You can find him performing at venues throughout the central Illinois region, most frequently at art shows, wineries, or at open mic events that he hosts at various venues. Open mic gigs often turn into fun jam sessions with guest musicians.
Read more about James W Ackerman.