With four decades of experience in the political arena, John Cullerton provides clients with a wide range of government relations assistance.
Drawing on his broad knowledge base and extensive network of professionals in an array of areas and public servants at all levels of government, John Cullerton helps clients efficiently navigate a wide range of issues spanning many industries and practice areas. A natural liaison who gets along well with people from all backgrounds, he takes a congenial, personal approach that tends to yield optimal resolutions and results quickly — often after a short phone call.
Having started in the legal field as a public defender who tried several jury trials, John now oversees many of the firm’s cases and helps orchestrate the litigation teams that advocate for an array of clients, including the City of Chicago. In recent years, John has provided astute lobbying services for clients before governmental bodies in both Illinois and Washington, DC.
In addition, John’s storied political career gives him valuable insight into how government functions, how best to maneuver around bureaucratic obstacles, and how to generate practical strategies for those he represents. He served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1979 to 2020, first as a member of the House and then as a senator, where he was elected to preside as president for 11 years until retiring from the legislature. Still politically active, John is a member of the Democratic National Committee.
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (by BL Rankings), 2013-2025
- Named Lawyer of the Year for Government Relations Practice in Chicago, 2014, 2017
- Listed in Illinois Super Lawyers (by Thomson Reuters), 2005-2006, 2008-2021
My primary outside interest now is traveling with my wife, domestically and internationally. I’ve been to 34 countries.