James Mitchell Hagler

James Mitchell Hagler

4.9
Rating: 7.7

Licensed for 34 years

Family Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Family

225 W Wacker Drive, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL

About James

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Child Custody 50%

35 years

50%
Family 50%

35 years

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 34 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1991

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices Of Jeffery M Leving

225 W Wacker Drive, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL, 60606

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James Mitchell Hagler's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

43 Client Reviews

5 star (42)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2026 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Don't waste your time or money with this guy

He charged me for a consultation strung me along until it was almost time for my court date. Then told me you couldn't do nothing for me and refer me to a guy even worse

Posted by Dan | February 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best attorney to have on your side!

My friends and family suggested I contact the law offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. located in Chicago. I chose to have Jim Hagler and Summer Du represent me. BEST DECISION I MADE IN YEARS! I came to Jim Hagler because I was not getting any time with my daughter, even though we had "equal cus...tody" after the divorce almost 4 years prior. Our original divorce paperwork from a different lawyer was vague and poorly written, leaving my ex-wife lots of loopholes to keep my daughter away from me, unless she felt like "granting" me access to see my own daughter. I was heartbroken, depressed and mad. I hope no one has to experience the pain I was going through. I wanted to be her father, not some weekend or periodic person that could only see her occasionally. I was done with feeling helpless, and knew I had to stand up for myself and get my daughter back into my life. Every daughter needs her father, and ever father needs to be with his daughter! Jim and Summer refiled the custody paperwork so it reflected what equal custody really means. That started the expected battle for custody. And holy cow were they ready for it! Jim and Summer are real hero's to me. They blew holes in very false accusation and unsubstantiated lie my ex-wife could dream up! And I assure you she came up with new ones every time Jim and Summer proved the last one was a lie! No matter how ugly the process became they guided me through it all with a level of support, dignity and professionalism which gave me the confidence to know we would come out on top! In the end even her own lawyer knew the truth, it was a great victory- and by victory I only mean having my daughter (and best friend) back in my arms! Today, I have equal custody of her and could not ask for anything more in life! My relationship with my ex has also returned to normal and we are doing a great job coparenting. I never though any of this would be possible. MY WORD OF ADVICE: Don't ever give up your rights as a father and do what you know is right- call Jim and Summer if you really want your daughter back!!!!!!!! God Bless!

Posted by Ricardo Meza | November 30, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Law Firm Owner

Jim works at the Law Offices of Jeffrey Leving is likely the most honest and probably the most competent family law attorney in Chicago and likely Illinois. He has spent his entire career practicing family law and provides his client the best service -- I recommend clients all of the time because I ...know he will provide top notch legal advice.

Posted by Chris | October 27, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommended

Navigating all aspects of divorce is overwhelming until you find the right attorney. James and his team eliminated as much of the confusion and concern from the process turning a difficult, tense situation into a manageable one, with a favorable outcome for both sides and most importantly, the kids.... James and the firm have a great reputation and experience and both added undeniable value throughout the process from negotiations to the close of the matter. Throughout the entire process he listened to me, directed me to some valuable outside vendors to assist with ancillary issues, and saved me from making my own additional missteps while navigating the process. Outside of the process and the value he brought to my case, he is just a good person, making ethical decisions and looking for positive outcomes rather than dragging out cases and billable hours.

Posted by anonymous | March 31, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Great Experience - Highly Recommended!

James Hagler from the Law Offices of Jeffrey Leving has given me excellent legal counsel for many years. I highly recommend him; you will not be disappointed.

See All Client Reviews

James Mitchell Hagler's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Andrey Bohdan Filipowicz headshot
Andrey Filipowicz

Family lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse James M. Hagler of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. I have known and worked with Mr. Hagler as co-counsel on numerous cases for the past 16 years, and have found him to be a tireless and dedicated advocate. Mr. Hagler practices with an unsurpassed level of skill. He is respected by his adversaries for his toughness and courtroom skills. His clients know that he is always on their side."

Arthur Sherman Kallow headshot
Arthur Kallow

Family lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim Hagler of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. is a seasoned professional who is at the highest skill level of attorneys in the field of family law. He has a great deal of knowledge and experience as a litigator and counsellor and is genuinely concerned about the well being of his clients and their children."

Mark A. Petrolis headshot
Mark Petrolis

Child custody lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"James Hagler is one of the nation’s best family law attorneys, and has been consistently recognized as such. With Jeffery M. Leving’s leadership, both Mr. Leving and Mr. Hagler have made the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving into the premier family law firm in the country. Mr. Hagler is tireless in representing his clients and protecting their children. He makes sure that none of his clients become a target. Attorney Hagler always has your back. He is a fearless litigator with decades of experience, prevailing in cases that many thought were “unwinnable.” Jim Hagler is the courtroom warrior that every person deserves."

Joseph Henry Sparacino headshot
Joseph Sparacino

Child custody lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim Hagler is the attorney you want at your side when your relationship with your children is being threatened. His dedication to his clients and attention to detail show in the results that make him the man you need."

View All Endorsements
Jeffery M. Leving headshot
Jeffery Leving

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.7 (Very Good)

Honors

2017

Distinguished Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1992 - Present

Attorney/Litigation Director, Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd.

Associations

1991 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

member

Illinois State Bar Association

Education

N/A

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

Juris Doctor

N/A

Boston University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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