Jeffrey D. Skly

Jeff is a seasoned litigator and trial lawyer with three decades of experience who has defended high-exposure civil matters in both state and federal courts. His practice includes the defense of civil matters involving personal injury, transportation liability, construction accidents, premises liability, and civil rights actions brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He represents individuals, insurers, corporations, municipalities, and public officials in litigation involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, excessive force, malicious prosecution, discrimination, and other significant liability claims. He also represents various municipalities in lawsuits arising under the Illinois Video Gaming Act, including challenges to municipal ordinances, regulatory authority, and revenue-allocation disputes.

Jeff has served as lead or sole counsel in more than thirty jury trials to verdict and regularly guides clients through all phases of litigation — including early case investigation, discovery, expert practice, dispositive motions, mediation, trial, and post-judgment proceedings. He also has substantial experience in matters requiring emergency injunctive relief, including TROs and preliminary injunctions in multi-jurisdictional actions.

Clients value Jeff’s practical approach to case management, combining early risk evaluation and clear communication with strategic, cost-effective litigation planning. He is known for his ability to position cases for favorable resolution while remaining fully prepared to try them when necessary.

Prior to engaging in his current practice, Jeff practiced plaintiff-side insurance litigation, where he developed extensive trial experience across high-value injury and liability matters. This dual-perspective background enables him to anticipate opposing strategies and craft purposeful, results-oriented defense plans.