“James M. Quigley is a formidable family trial lawyer, combining decades of experience with strategic clarity and fearless advocacy. His ability to navigate high-stakes financial disputes and sensitive custody matters makes him a trusted adviser for clients facing the most complex family law challenges.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

James M. Quigley is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP and one of Illinois’ most experienced family law attorneys, with more than 30 years devoted exclusively to divorce and family law. He is widely known for handling complex, high-stakes and highly sensitive family disputes with a combination of honesty, strategic thinking and powerful courtroom advocacy.

What James M. Quigley does

James represents clients across the full spectrum of family law, with particular strength in:

• High net worth and high-profile divorce
• Child custody and parenting disputes
• Relocation and removal cases
• Complex financial litigation, including business valuation and asset division
• Child support and maintenance disputes
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
• Mediation, collaborative law and negotiated settlements

He has acted in courts across Illinois for over three decades and is particularly respected for his work in contested custody cases, sophisticated financial disputes and cases involving public figures, athletes and business owners.

Why he stands out

James stands out for his trial experience, strategic clarity and direct, honest advice. He believes family law is deeply personal and that clients need realistic guidance from the outset, not false promises. That approach helps clients make better decisions, protect their finances and preserve what matters most, especially their relationship with their children.

He is equally adept in negotiation, mediation and litigation, but when trial is necessary, he is known as a fearless and highly effective advocate.

Trust markers

• Over 30 years of exclusive family law experience
• Equity Partner at Beermann LLP
• Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Diplomat of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers
• Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Former President of the Illinois Chapter of the AAML
• Recognised as a Leading Lawyer, Super Lawyer and Best Lawyer in America
• Recipient of the Michael S. Cohen Award for contributions to family law education

Client feedback

Clients regularly describe James as fearless, relentless, compassionate and exceptionally strategic. They praise his honesty, responsiveness, courtroom strength and ability to secure results in even the most difficult cases.

One client described him as “one of the toughest, most relentless and professional trial lawyers in the divorce courts,” while others highlight his sensitivity to children’s welfare, practical judgment and ability to achieve settlements after years of deadlock.

Notable experience

James has represented a broad range of clients, from business owners, lawyers, doctors and executives to police officers, teachers, contractors and high-profile individuals. He founded Beermann’s Family Law Sports and Entertainment Division and has acted for professional athletes, entertainers and celebrity clients, including Michael Jordan.

He has also tried cases in nine Illinois counties and built a strong reputation in cases involving custody, removal, abuse allegations, complex support claims, asset dissipation and business valuation disputes.

Client approach

James combines compassion with objectivity. He understands that divorce and custody cases are emotionally exhausting, so he focuses on helping clients step back from the emotion, understand the likely outcomes and pursue the most effective route forward.

He is especially committed to protecting children and believes that preserving the parent-child relationship should remain central in every family law case. His goal is not just to win legal points, but to put clients in the best possible position for life after the case ends.

Background

James earned his J.D. from DePaul University and his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has lectured extensively on family law topics including custody, relocation, trial strategy, athletes in divorce, business valuation and asset protection, and has appeared in major media outlets providing analysis on high-profile family law matters.