Business Details
2 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Legal Representation for Government Clients
DeAno & Scarry is a law firm dedicated to providing legal services to local governments, law enforcement agencies, and public/private sector employees. Our attorneys, including former police officers and AV-rated professionals, specialize in civil rights defense, employment law, and municipal litigation. With decades of combined experience, we represent clients in state and federal courts across Illinois and Wisconsin. Our practice areas include tort and civil rights litigation, 24/7 legal counsel for law enforcement, and policy consultation for government entities. We prioritize aggressive advocacy while maintaining civility and integrity in all cases.Our team has secured favorable verdicts in high-profile cases involving police misconduct, discrimination, and premises liability. We also offer arbitration services and legal training for law enforcement nationwide. Our attorneys are frequently published and recognized for expertise in governmental liability. We serve clients in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and other counties in Illinois, as well as southeastern Wisconsin. Contact us for consultation on civil litigation, internal investigations, or employment-related claims.
Services
Employment Law
Law Enforcement Legal Services
Local Government Litigation
Insurance Defense
Professional Liability
Details
- Year established: 2024
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined experience representing government entities and law enforcement.
- Our team includes former police officers with specialized expertise in officer-involved incidents.
- We maintain an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for legal excellence.
- We serve clients across Illinois and Wisconsin, including major counties and municipalities.
- We offer 24/7 legal counsel for critical law enforcement incidents.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
Services
Employment Law
We represent public and private sector employers and employees in employment-related litigation. Our practice covers discrimination claims, harassment cases, wrongful termination disputes, and severance negotiations. We handle matters under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and other employment statutes. Our attorneys have experience in both plaintiff and defense representation, providing balanced perspectives in employment law matters.
Law Enforcement Legal Services
We provide 24/7 legal counsel for officers involved in shootings or critical incidents. Our services include immediate response, interview representation, and trial defense. We also offer policy review, training seminars, and general legal assistance for law enforcement personnel. Our team includes former police officers with firsthand understanding of law enforcement challenges.
Local Government Litigation
We defend government entities against tort and civil rights claims in state and federal courts. Our practice includes representing cities, villages, and public officials in cases involving police misconduct, premises liability, and constitutional violations. We handle complex litigation from pre-suit investigations through trial and appeal, leveraging our knowledge of the Illinois Tort Immunity Act and 42 U.S.C. 1983.
Insurance Defense
We represent insurance companies and municipal risk pools in professional liability and coverage disputes. Our practice includes defending against bad faith claims, coverage determinations, and complex litigation involving multiple parties. We work with insurers to develop effective defense strategies while maintaining cost-efficiency for our clients.
Professional Liability
We defend professionals and organizations against liability claims in civil litigation. Our practice includes representing public officials, municipalities, and private sector professionals in negligence and misconduct allegations. We handle cases involving breach of duty, policy failures, and other professional liability matters requiring specialized legal expertise.
People
James L. DeAno
Partner
AV Preeminent-rated attorney with extensive experience in governmental liability and civil rights litigation. Former federal trial bar member with frequent lectures on police liability issues.
Laura L. Scarry
Partner
Former police officer providing specialized legal counsel for law enforcement. Recognized trainer on officer-involved shootings and civil liability issues across the United States.
Samuel A. Bonilla
Attorney
Experienced litigator handling complex municipal defense cases. Represents clients in state and federal courts with focus on civil rights and employment law matters.
Questions
What areas do DeAno & Scarry serve?
We serve clients throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Milwaukee counties.
Do you offer 24/7 legal services for law enforcement?
Yes, we provide 24/7 legal counsel for officers involved in critical incidents or shootings.
What practice areas do you specialize in?
We specialize in employment law, local government litigation, law enforcement legal services, and professional liability defense.
Can you represent both government entities and employees?
Yes, we represent both public sector employers and employees in employment-related claims and litigation.
