About Jill
Jill B. Berkeley: Insurance Coverage Litigation Expert in Illinois
Jill B. Berkeley is a seasoned insurance coverage attorney recognized nationally for her expertise in complex litigation matters. With over three decades of experience, she is a leading advocate for policyholders, representing them in disputes involving toxic torts, hazardous waste, environmental pollution, construction defects, product liability claims, intellectual property disputes, and a broad range of first-party property and liability issues. Ms. Berkeley's reputation is built on a deep understanding of insurance policy language, strategic litigation skills, and a commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for her clients.
As a former chair of the firm’s Insurance Policyholder practice group, Jill consistently provides unparalleled legal counsel to a diverse client base across the United States, including utility and energy providers, general contractors, manufacturers, professional service providers, financial institutions, transportation companies, and real estate developers. She proactively assists clients in developing comprehensive risk management strategies and leverages her extensive experience to mitigate potential liabilities before they escalate.
Jill’s practice goes beyond traditional litigation. She frequently serves as an arbitrator, mediator, and expert witness, skillfully navigating disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods and providing critical testimony in court. Her decade-long service on the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial Arbitration panel underscores her dedication to fair and efficient dispute resolution.
Key Strengths and Distinctions:
- Strategic Litigation Counsel: Jill excels at developing and executing sophisticated litigation strategies to maximize her clients' chances of success, even in the most challenging coverage disputes.
- Negotiation Expertise: She is a highly effective negotiator, renowned for her ability to incentivize insurance providers to embrace her clients’ objectives and achieve favorable settlements.
- Risk Management Advisor: Jill provides proactive counsel on risk management strategies, helping clients avoid costly litigation and protect their assets.
- Experienced Mediator & Arbitrator: Her extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, including serving on the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial Arbitration panel, allows her to guide clients through complex disputes with efficiency and impartiality.
Recognition & Awards: Ms. Berkeley's exceptional contributions to the field of insurance law have been consistently recognized by leading industry publications and legal directories. She is routinely recognized in Chambers USA in the top level in Illinois and nationally, currently holding the status of Senior Statesperson. She is consistently ranked in Lawdragon 3000, International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers, International Who’s Who of Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyers (2008-present), Best Lawyers of America (2006-present), Leading Lawyers of Illinois (Top 100 Attorneys and Top 50 Leading Women Business Lawyers in Illinois), and Illinois Super Lawyers (Top 100 Attorneys and Top 50 Female Attorneys). She was also awarded Lawyer of the Year: Insurance Law, Chicago (2021), Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Chicago (2019), Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Chicago (2017). Jill has been named a “litigation star” for the state of Illinois in the 2014 edition of Benchmark Litigation, The Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys.
Education & Credentials:
- Practice Areas: Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance, Dispute Resolution
- Awards: Lawyer of the Year: Insurance Law, Chicago (2021), Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Chicago (2019), Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Chicago (2017), Recognized: Insurance Law, Recognized: Litigation - Insurance, Special Focus: Dispute Resolution
- Affiliations: American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006
- City: Chicago, State: Illinois, Country: United States
Jill B. Berkeley is committed to providing her clients with the strategic legal support they need to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage disputes and protect their interests. She is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of legal excellence and delivering exceptional results.
