
Former Cook County Judge
Former Cook County Judge For 8 Years Always Highly Qualified By Bar Association
Convenient & Affordable
Easy Scheduling, Reasonable Rates, Willing To Travel or Meet Remotely With Zoom
Independent Mediator
Russ Hartigan Is An Independent Mediator & Arbitrator
Hon. Russ W. Hartigan Ret.
Hon. Russ W. Hartigan is a distinguished lawyer with over 43 years of experience in various areas of law. His unique background as a former Cook County Judge and past President of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) sets him apart in the legal field. This combination of judicial experience and leadership in the bar association gives him an unparalleled perspective on the law and its application.
As a Cook County Judge in the Law Division, Judge Hartigan instituted an early Mediation Program, earning accolades from participating attorneys for its effectiveness in settling cases. His innovative approach to legal proceedings demonstrates his commitment to efficient and fair resolution of disputes.
Judge Hartigan's expertise extends beyond the bench. He is a frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs focused on mediation at the ISBA, and regularly lectures at the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), Northwest Suburban Bar Association (NWSBA), and West Suburban Bar Association (WSBA) on civil topics.
With a career spanning both plaintiff and defense work in civil cases throughout Cook County and the collar counties, Judge Hartigan has a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. He has successfully settled numerous cases for his clients and continues to be a results-driven practitioner.
Judge Hartigan's numerous awards and achievements, including recognition from the Illinois Supreme Court and the Phi Alpha Delta National Law Society, underscore his significant contributions to the legal profession. His upcoming role as Board Chair of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company further cements his status as a leader in the Illinois legal community.
Choosing Hon. Russ W. Hartigan means selecting a legal professional with deep judicial experience, proven leadership in the bar, and a track record of successful settlements. His unique blend of skills makes him an ideal choice for those seeking expert legal representation or mediation services.


Practice Areas
We also practice in other areas like Workers' Compensation, but our primary focus is Personal Injury and Mediation.

Arbitration & Mediation
Leveraging judicial experience to help parties resolve disputes outside of court.



Medical Malpractice
Handling cases involving medical errors or negligence by healthcare professionals.





Respected Law Professional
Award-Winning Professional with Exceptional Leadership and Civic Engagement
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Education
- John Marshall Law School – Juris Doctorate
- DePaul University B.S.C. – Commerce
- DePaul University M.B.A. Program
- St. Ignatius High School
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Law Licensing
- State of Illinois and State of Wisconsin
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Arbitration / Mediation
- Independent Arbitrator-selected by Attorneys
- UIM cases and Casualty cases, Employment disputes and Commercial
- Arbitrator-American Arbitration Association
- Current New York American Arbitration Association 2-Day (2017)
- Best Practices Seminar-Construction and Commercial Appointed Court Certified Mediator
- Major Case Mediator-Circuit Court of Cook County Member - Law Division
- American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Committee
- Chicago Bar Association Mediator, Law Division Cases Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, Administrative Hearing Officer – Retired Teachers
- Ford Motor cases, Arbitrator, Current
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Mediation Training
- Advanced Civil Mediation
- National Judicial College, October 1-3, 2012, Chicago, IL
- Chicago Bar Association Mediation Program
- Advanced Judicial Academy, June 2013, Champaign, IL
- Reason, Emotion and the Psychology of Judgment Seminar
- "Dispute Resolution Committee" American Bar Association
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Hearing Representative
- Secretary of State, Chicago, IL
- Driver's License Hearing Contract Representative, 2017 – Present
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Real Estate Closing
- Buying Real Estate
- Selling Real Estate
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Wedding Officiant
- Limited to Cook and DuPage Counties
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Distinctions & Professional Awards
- President of the Illinois State Bar Association (2017-18)
- 2024 Award for service to Illinois Bar Foundation and Care Program
- Recent Justice-Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity 2021-24
- Presidential Appointment Dec., 2020 to Law PAC on behalf of ISBA, 3-year term 2023 for Legislative
- Member ISBA Bench and Bar, and Local Government Law Section
- Elected American Bar Association-ISBA Delegate to the House of Delegates through June 2021
- Current Member, Illinois Bar Foundation "Lawyers Care Fund," Helping Lawyers in Distress – Received Award June 2024
- Current ISBA Assembly Member 2019-2021, 1979-81, 2005-2008, 1979, present to 2025
- Decalogue Society-"The Light of Truth Award"
- Illinois Judges Association-Dec. 2017 "Community Achievement Award"
- 2017-Award-IL Local Government Lawyers Ass'n "Lifetime Achievement Award"
- Elected-Advocate- Member of American Board of Trial Advocates (you must qualify for admission with at least 30 Jury Trials)
- Elected Board of Governors 2010-2012, 2007-2010, 1998-2004
- Past President of the West Suburban Bar
- Appointed to the Illinois Bar Foundation, 2014-2017, 2009-2013, 2007-2008, 2004-2007, Gala Chair 2013,2016, 2017
- Past Member of the Executive Committee of the West Central Municipal Conference 2009, 2010 Vice-Chair
- Appointed to Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, representing West and South Cook County 2008-2010
- President John Marshall Alumni Board, 2007-2008
- West Suburban Bar Honor'" Judicial Achievement Award"
43
Years In Practice
1000
Legal Clients
100
Cases Mediated
8
Years As Justice
