About James
Biography
James T. Keleher focuses his practice solely in family law. James began his employment with Conniff Law Offices as an undergrad, then as a law clerk, and, upon graduation from John Marshall Law School, as an associate attorney, and is now a Partner at the firm. James is well respected amongst his peers as a skilled practitioner who is honest and forthright about his client’s goals and objectives. James has a unique combination of knowledge and interpersonal skills that make him an exceptional family law attorney.
James strongly believes that family law issues are best resolved by the parties, particularly when there are children’s issues in dispute. As a father of three young children, James is philosophically opposed to a Judge’s making decisions about other people’s children, rather than the parties’ working together to reach solutions that work best for their unique family. Litigation should be used as a last resort. It is more expensive, and more likely to harm the parties’ post-divorce relationship - the importance of which should not be underestimated where children are involved, and, more importantly, litigation can have a very serious impact on the children.
However, James realizes that not all cases can be resolved through settlement for a variety of reasons, including personality differences, mental illness, and issues such as domestic abuse. James has an extensive litigation background which enables him to provide a full-range of services to his client both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. James has specialized experience in complex divorce litigation. He has been successful at the trial level in child custody and financial cases, and two of those rulings have been affirmed on appeal.
James has recently earned Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award due to the large number of satisfied clients he has assisted, and he has been named to the National Advocates Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100 attorneys, and the American Institute of Family Law’s 10 Best Attorneys
Family Law Firm That Provides Its Clients With Skilled & Caring Representation. Call (877) 958-7959 Today!
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 14 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Conniff & Keleher, LLC
224 S. Marion Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302
ck-familylaw.com/our-attorneys/james-t-keleher/Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James Thomas Keleher's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
22 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Chris | December 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Kind & effective
James & his entire team were truly kind, compassionate, and supportive through my divorce. On top of that, they made the process as painless and straightforward as possible, were readily available to answer questions, and went out of their way to prep and inform me throughout. I am really grateful to...
Posted by anonymous | March 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
I'm so glad I found Conniff Law Offices!
James handled my case with compassion and professionalism. During a very difficult time in my life, I knew that I didn't need to worry about the legal aspects of my divorce. James has a fantastic team who provide an impressive level of service. They are responsive, caring, knowledgeable, and thorough...
Posted by Cheryl | July 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent work! Very satisfied client!
I've used Conniff Law twice now and could not be happier or more satisfied. I have worked with a few law firms before finding Conniff Law and there is absolutely no comparison to the top notch professionalism, drive and knowledge of the law. James Keleher was very responsive, provided very good di...
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Respectful and thoroughly professional
James represented me over the last two years in my divorce from my spouse of many years. He laid out realistic expectations at the outset and these proved to be fairly accurate over the life of the case. I insisted that the divorce be as peaceful as possible for all involved and he never deviated f...
Posted by Kathryn | August 11, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Highly recommended attorney
I think my now ex-husband and I avoided getting divorced for a long time because we felt emotionally overwhelmed and lost by the legal process. James helped us navigate all of it. I was immediately comforted by his compassion and impressed with his legal knowledge. James conducted himself professiona...
James Thomas Keleher's Lawyer Endorsements
"James was appointed as the Guardian Ad Litem on a relocation case I recently had. He was able to help the parties reach an agreement that both were happy with, without having to litigate the issue. James is very professional and as a GAL looks out for the best interests of all parties while facilitating meaningful settlement discussions. I look forward to working with James in the future!"
"James is a highly respected attorney in the family-law community. He handles his cases with the utmost professionalism and poise while also being a fierce advocate for his client. I worked with James on a highly contested divorce, and his knowledge of the law and demeanor as opposing counsel went a long way in effectively and equitably resolving the case."
"I have had the opportunity to work with James on several matters and they have all been positive experiences. James knows the law and uses his knowledge to advise his clients accordingly. James' knowledge and attitude allow clients to resolve their issues in an expeditious and satisfying manner. He is a pleasure to work with!"
"I have had the opportunity to know James for more than 15 years. His knowledge on the law is beyond impressive and he fights tirelessly for his clients. But above all else, James is a great guy who will go the extra mile for his clients. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"James is an excellent attorney with great people skills. He knows how to make clients feel comfortable through a challenging time in their lives and is a zealous advocate in the courtroom."
"James is a great guy and a fantastic divorce attorney. James is excellent at settling cases out of court and aggressive only when he needs to be. James is respected by the courts and his peers and really seems to enjoy helping families transition to the next phases of their lives. I very much endorse James and his practice."
"James is a strong advocate for his clients. We've had several cases together now, and in each instance, he comes prepared to court and fights vigorously for his clients. James exhibits great trial skills and any client will be glad to have him in their corner."
"I have had the pleasure of opposing James Keleher on several matters. He is professional, honest, very detailed and vigorously defends his clients' rights. As a result, James is well respected by colleagues and judges. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Keleher."
"I have had the pleasure of opposing James on several cases and he was a class act in every phase of our cases. He has always been cooperative, knowledgable of the law, easy to work with and an excellent advocate for his client. I would recommend James to anyone seeking an experienced family law attorney."
"I have worked and met with Mr. Keleher on a variety of family law issues. He is always up-to-date on developing laws, he is extremely professional and ethical, and a reasonable, yet strong advocate for his client(s)."
"I’ve worked with James on various family law matters such as contested divorce and prenuptial agreements. James is at all times professional and courteous. He is detail-oriented and organized. It is obvious that James ensures that his clients are well-informed. Although James will go to court when necessary, his approach is always to work towards the best outcome for the clients with a focus on a negotiated settlement. He understands the emotional and financial difficulties people face when going through divorce. James provides compassionate, knowledgeable representation."
"James is one of the finest family law attorneys I know. We worked together for several years and handled many complex cases together. James' knowledge of the law and the legal system are invaluable assets to his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend James to anyone in need of a family law attorney."
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Divorce and separation lawyer
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Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
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Family lawyer
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Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
10 Best Family Law Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
2015
Corporations, CALI Award
2015
2015 Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Partner, Conniff Law Offices
2005 - 2011
Clerk, Conniff Law Offices
Associations
2011 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
West Suburban Bar AssociationMember
Education
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Child Support
Publications
2013
2012
Languages
English