James Borkman

James is a successful attorney, speaker, project manager, and organizational expert with over 15 years of experience in policy and legislation, communications, organizational management, logistics, and oversight. 

James served as Assistant Counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. James also enjoyed his time as a litigation associate with a medium-size litigation firm in Chicago, Illinois where his practice was focused on general civil litigation defense. 

James is actively involved in numerous non-profits and neighborhood organizations.

Since 2009, James has enjoyed working with the staff and musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to enhance audience development and outreach efforts. James served as the second President of the Overture Council (2011-2013) and currently serves on the Development Committee of the Negaunee Music Institute.

James is also actively involved in the Lincoln Park community and currently serves as a Director of Lincoln Central Association and as Secretary to the Board for the Walpole Point Owners Association.

James also served as Chair of the American Bar Association Law Student Division.  After his election, James spent significant time lobbying Congress on the issues of student loans and recent law school graduate debt, lectured at schools throughout the United States on mental health and veteran's issues, and spent significant time expanding the relevance of bar association membership among law students and within the legal community.

James' experience working in advisory and consulting roles has included time spent addressing various issues for a broad range of clients through legislation and policy at the local, state and federal levels.

In his spare time, James enjoys exploring the history and architecture of Chicago.  James is a tour guide for Walk Chicago Tours, and serves as an official Chicago Greeter for the city of Chicago.