James A. Kearney

James Kearney concentrates his practice in civil litigation, with an emphasis on defending government agencies, local municipalities, and police officers in both state and federal court. Prior to joining the Sotos Law Firm in 2025, James worked at several other Chicago area defense firms where he represented hospitals, physician groups, individual physicians, dentists, and other healthcare facilities in civil litigation. James also has experience in matters related to physician licensure, as well as disciplinary and compliance issues within healthcare.

James brings his unique background as a former law enforcement officer to the Sotos Law Firm. James began his professional career working as a police officer in Washington, D.C., where he worked in a vice unit conducting investigations into narcotics, illegal firearms, prostitution and illegal gambling.

James graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law with certificates in both Health Law and Compliance. He was a semifinalist at the 2015-2016 Buffalo Niagara Criminal Law Mock Trial competition, and also served as a Vis Moot Fellow, competing in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (East) in both Shanghai, China, and Hong Kong. In Shanghai, James's team bested 28 teams from around the world to win first place.