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Christopher Johnsen
also known as John C. Johnsen, J. Christopher Johnsen
About Christopher
Biography
Christopher is a compassionate and accomplished Chicago family law attorney who focuses on divorce, custody, child support and many other areas of family law.
Throughout his legal career, Christopher has been recognized by his peers as an outstanding member of the Chicago legal community. In February 2014, he was recognized by the Chicago Law Bulletin in a front page article for his robust commitment to family law and the clients he serves. Additionally, in March 2013, Christopher was honored by as “Advocate of the Month.” This incredible honor was bestowed by his peers for their appreciation of Christopher’s extraordinary dedication and contributions to the legal community.
A natural born litigator, Christopher brings a confident and charismatic personality to the courtroom. Having been “first chair” in both jury and bench trials, Christopher understands and welcomes trial when necessary to achieve the goals of his clients.
Academically, Christopher attended DePaul for his undergraduate degree, double-majoring in English and American Studies, and John Marshall Law School, for his Juris Doctor and Masters degree in Intellectual Property.
Christopher is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He also sits on the Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, serving on the Language Access Committee.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 15 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Johnsen Law, LLC
309 W Washington, Suite 900, Chicago, IL, 60606
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Christopher Johnsen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 31 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Expensive and Unprofessional
IMO. Rude and obnoxious. High billing tactics. Lacks negotiation skills at all levels.
Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Fetus dangers
There was a lawsuit about the dangers from the medical team that delivered our fetus into a miscarriage. We had a consultation and got sent to a medical bar that was a misdirection to take our attention away. We later learned that Johnsen knew the doctor's and had warned them instead of simply tellin...
Posted by Peter | August 8, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great example of how a good lawyer becomes a bad one
I believe Christopher was a good attorney as illustrated in the earlier posts. However, he decided to sell out $$ Which means his client's will also be getting swindled from time to time. Thats how it works in family court when your dealing with the quality of attys that you'll find @ hoffenberg an...
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Rude at consultation
Unprofessional, rude, zero to no knowledge. He aint a good lawyer for hire. Not worth a consultation with Johnsen. Take your case somewhere esle.
Posted by Joshua | February 8, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Smooth process for my divorce
Working with Christopher was a great experience. He and his team kept me well informed of progress and hurdles throughout the process of my divorce. He was always very professional and helped make communication with my ex much easier. I felt very prepared going into the final court date and everythin...
Christopher Johnsen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known J. Christopher Johnsen since law school. He has always exhibited the highest morals, integrity, and commitment to the profession. Not only is Christopher a knowledgeable attorney, he is also a zealous advocate for his clients. Christopher serves on the Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission and was honored in 2013 as and Advocate of the Month by Illinoisprobono.org. Christopher most recently was named as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. I highly endorse, J. Christopher Johnsen."
"I endorse Attorney Christopher Johnsen wholeheartedly. We first met by chance of sharing the same office floor. He possesses energy, enthusiasm, and passion at work. I then had the privilege and luck of having Mr. Johnsen cover a matter or two for me and observed that he sharpens his knowledge of the relevant law, procedure, and local Judges' adjudication styles before moving on a matter. Most recently, I am working together on a family law matter with Mr. Johnsen and I am glad to have this opportunity to work with and learn from such a professional. He is consistently bringing the same energy, enthusiasm, passion, and mastery in this matter. He created an excellent legal strategy in this case, which speaks volumes of his mastery of law and procedure. Mr. Johnsen also has great, competent paralegal staff, whom I love working with. I highly recommend trusting Mr. Johnsen with your legal needs. As a professional, I endorse him."
"Mr. Johnsen is an excellent attorney. The level of care and compassion with which he treats his clients is exceptional. He is also highly skilled and incredibly knowledgable. Because of this, I endorse this lawyer."
"Christopher Johnsen is a professional, prepared, aggressive, hard-working, results-driven family law attorney. I would use him myself if I were getting divorced, and recommend him without reservation."
"I highly endorse Mr. Johnsen. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients. Keep up the great work!"
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Christopher is a dedicated volunteer in the pro bono program I manage and a very talented attorney. Christopher is an amazing example of what being a lawyer should be in our profession: capable, charismatic, and committed."
"I met Chris when he was volunteering his time to do suspension hearings for those who couldn't afford a lawyer. It takes a special sort of compassion to be that sort of lawyer and Chris has it. In addition, he is incredibly knowledgeable about defense and I wouldn't hesitate to send a client his way. I know they would be thrilled with his representation!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Christopher is a passionate and energetic advocate. I believe that Christopher's passion for family law and his litigation background give him a unique and valuable ability to protect his clients interests in highly contested matters. I recommend Mr. Johnson."
"Christopher Johnsen is a highly competent lawyer. He is professional, compassionate, and intelligent. I would refer both criminal defense and family law matters to him without hesitation."
"Christopher is an attorney who cares greatly for the needs and goals of his clients. He constantly strives to obtain the best outcome and has the utmost respect for his fellow attorneys. I highly endorse his work."
"A person would be fortunate to have Chris defending them. He is a true up and comer in the Chicago legal community. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes...he has done so much already."
"I have worked with John Christopher Johnsen on several DUI cases now and he is really a true talent. Hard working, intelligent ... a very good lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2013
Attorney of the Month, Illinoisprobono.org
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Attorney, Johnsen Law, LLC
2015 - 2016
Adjunct Professor, Loyola Law School In Chicago
2013 - 2015
Associate, Brian Dailey Law Firm
2012 - 2013
Attorney, The Law Offices of J. Christopher Johnsen
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Legal Assistance Foundation Of Metropolitan Chicago
2011 - 2013
DUI-Summary Suspension Program, Chicago Bar Association
2008 - 2012
Auditor, Zurich North America
2005 - 2007
Judicial Extern, Cook County Circuit Court
2003 - 2005
International Legal Assistant, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
2001 - 2003
Legal Assistant, Orum and Roth
Associations
2017 - Present
Chicago Council on Global AffairsMember
2015 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationJudicial Evaluation Committee
2012 - Present
Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice CommissionLanguage Access Committee
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Illinois v. JZ
Client found not guilty.
Education
2007
John Marshall Law School, Chicago
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
John Marshall Law School
LL.M - Master of Laws
2000
DePaul University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Law at the Library
Family Law
2016
Beyond the Beltway
2016 Presidential Campaign
2013
The Dailey Law Radio Show
Family law
Publications
2013
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"Big-Hearted Lawyer Stands Out for Service"
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If a married couple are in a lease for a rental property are both parties equally financially liable for the lease?
27 Aug 2018
Q&A
Can I have visitation living out of state where my child resides?
07 Nov 2017
Q&A
My lawyer is pressing me to pay for my uncontested divorce transcripts, and I don't want them.....
25 Mar 2014