Areas of Focus
For parties in insurance, reinsurance, bankruptcy, and commercial contract matters, there is no stronger advocate than Joel Pelz. Joel serves as lead counsel in bench and jury trials in both state and federal courts, representing individuals and companies of all sizes in civil cases and arbitrations. He excels in building documents and witnesses into a singular story, maximizing the chances to prevail before a judge or jury. Joel's experience in pro bono criminal cases has enhanced his trial skills and prepared him for the most challenging cases.
A small-town background gave Joel, first in his family to obtain a post-college degree, the ability to communicate easily with people from all walks of life — especially the real people who make up a jury. With solid judgment and precise yet creative examination skills, he takes pride in being an advocate with a sensible and logical approach flourished with persuasive prose.
Joel has obtained substantial judgments and settlements for plaintiffs. He prevailed in a months-long trial in bankruptcy court, ultimately securing a settlement resolution in the high eight figures. In a major reinsurance dispute with over $1 billion at stake, Joel helped settle most claims for an amount that kept the client in business, then tried and won the unsettled claims.
Prepare for every case as if it will go to trial.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Service / Recognition
Overview
For parties in insurance, reinsurance, bankruptcy, and commercial contract matters, there is no stronger advocate than Joel Pelz. Joel serves as lead counsel in bench and jury trials in both state and federal courts, representing individuals and companies of all sizes in civil cases and arbitrations. He excels in building documents and witnesses into a singular story, maximizing the chances to prevail before a judge or jury. Joel's experience in pro bono criminal cases has enhanced his trial skills and prepared him for the most challenging cases.
A small-town background gave Joel, first in his family to obtain a post-college degree, the ability to communicate easily with people from all walks of life — especially the real people who make up a jury. With solid judgment and precise yet creative examination skills, he takes pride in being an advocate with a sensible and logical approach flourished with persuasive prose.
Joel has obtained substantial judgments and settlements for plaintiffs. He prevailed in a months-long trial in bankruptcy court, ultimately securing a settlement resolution in the high eight figures. In a major reinsurance dispute with over $1 billion at stake, Joel helped settle most claims for an amount that kept the client in business, then tried and won the unsettled claims.
Prepare for every case as if it will go to trial.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Admissions
- Illinois, 1980
Education
- Harvard Law School, JD, cum laude, 1980
- Valparaiso University, BA, high distinction; Pi Sigma Alpha; Phi Alpha Theta, 1977
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1993
- US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1983
- US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 1986
- US District Court, Central District of Illinois, 1990
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1980
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar), 1980
- US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2015
- US District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2013
Service / Recognition
Awards
- Benchmark Litigation, Litigation Star: Insurance, 2017
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2009; 2011-2023
- Leading Lawyers Network, Insurance, Insurance Coverage & Reinsurance Law, 2004-2019; Toxic Torts Defense Law, 2004-2019; Commercial Litigation, 2004-2019
- Legal 500, Industry Focus - Insurance: Advice to Policyholders, 2020
- Who's Who Legal Illinois, Insurance and Reinsurance, 2007
- Jenner & Block Mentorship Award, 2020
Service to the Bar
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Chicago Council of Lawyers - Judicial Evaluation Committee
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Seventh Circuit Bar Association