About us

ABOUT

Representing plaintiffs of personal injury and professional negligence cases in Northern Illinois

Thut Law Group stands at the forefront of civil trial advocacy in Northern Illinois, combining our lawyers’ years of courtroom experience with an unwavering commitment to client success. Founded by Charles Jeffrey Thut and Tyler J. Thut, our firm has built a reputation for tenacious representation in personal injury, professional negligence, and complex commercial disputes.

Whether representing an injured plaintiff in federal court or pursuing mechanics lien enforcement, Thut Law Group leverages its strategic insights to streamline litigation, minimize costs, and accelerate results across Lake and Cook Counties. We blend rigorous case evaluation with targeted negotiation tactics, prioritizing your objectives to deliver maximum compensation or equitable relief.

We invest time in understanding your goals, maintaining transparent communication, and crafting tailored strategies that balance risk and reward. Our collaborative approach brings together personal injury advocates, construction litigation experts, and business litigation specialists under one roof, ensuring coordination across all phases of your case.

When you choose Thut Law Group, you gain not only seasoned trial attorneys but a dedicated legal team committed to upholding your rights every step of the way. Trust us to transform complex legal challenges into successful outcomes, because your case deserves nothing less than the best.

About Charles Jeffrey Thut

Charles Jeffrey (“Jeff”) Thut established Thut Law Group alongside his son, Tyler J. Thut, to create a boutique trial firm delivering personalized, results-driven representation. Recognized by the Trial Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Jeff also holds admissions in federal courts in Wisconsin, Texas, and New York. His practice spans personal injury, professional negligence, construction litigation, mechanics liens, and complex commercial disputes, providing comprehensive civil trial services under one roof.

Jeff brings 40 years of civil litigation expertise to his new endeavor in Northern Illinois. Licensed in 1984, Jeff began his legal career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office before launching a private practice focused on jury trials throughout Lake, Cook, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties. Over the course of his career, he has secured verdicts in more than twenty-five jury trials and countless bench trials and administrative hearings, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to client advocacy.

An accomplished appellate litigator, Jeff has appeared before the Illinois Supreme Court and the Appellate Courts of the First, Second, and Third Districts. His appellate successes include cases involving construction, zoning, and annexation, contract disputes, and negligence. In addition to advocating for injured individuals, he has defended and prosecuted high-stakes business litigation for construction companies, real estate developers, accountants, and professional service providers.

A graduate of Illinois State University and Valparaiso University College of Law, Jeff is active in the American Bar Association and the Lake County Bar Association. He resides in Kildeer, Illinois, with his wife, Kelly, where they raised their five children.

About Tyler Thut

Tyler is a Trial Attorney at Thut Law Group where his practice includes personal injury, construction litigation, general commercial litigation, and Title VII employment matters. Since joining the firm in June 2022, he has built a reputation for precision, persistence, and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients.

Before entering private practice, Tyler began his legal career at Prairie State Legal Services, a nonprofit legal aid center, providing essential legal services to underserved communities. This experience continues to inform his client-focused and detail-oriented approach to the law.

Tyler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from North Park University in 2017 and graduated cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2021. He has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since November 2021.

A Lake County native, Tyler now resides in Chicago while continuing to serve clients throughout the region. Outside of the office, he enjoys reading, cooking, and golf.

About Megan McKown

Megan McKown is our law firm’s office manager and paralegal who works closely with our clients to navigate sensitive issues with empathy and precision, ensuring they feel supported throughout the legal process. Prior to joining Thut Law Group in 2014, Megan was a paralegal in Cook County for an insurance defense firm. Megan grew up in Lake County and has worked in the legal field for 17 years. Megan’s interests include spending time with her family and friends, gardening, decorating, and spending time at the lake.

About James J. DeSanto

James J. (Jim) DeSanto is entering retirement but remains active in the Thut Law Group on an Of Counsel designation. This allows Jim to wind down his busy trial practice while contributing his vast trial experience to the law firm. Jim is a wealth of knowledge and a valuable resource to the Thut Law Group.

James DeSanto graduated from the University of Illinois in 1965 and the DePaul University College of Law in 1969.

Jim has been licensed to practice law in Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois since 1969. He was admitted to practice before the United States Appellate Court for the Seventh Circuit in 1973 and the United Staes Supreme Court in 1975.

Jim is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized as an Illinois Super lawyer on multiple occasions.

Thut Law Group is a professional and aggressive group of attorneys

I was crossing a busy street near my house with my two dogs and an uninsured motorist struck me while I was in the crosswalk severely fracturing my leg. My own insurance company refused to settle with me offering less than $100,000.00. Jeff and Tyler took on my insurance company through a contested arbitration proceeding and ending up getting me an award of $552,500.00. Thut Law Group is a professional and aggressive group of attorneys who are not afraid of a fight.

Sean R.

Thut Law Group secured a settlement for me

I hired Thut Law Group after my previous attorney mishandled a patent trademark case against a manufacturer who ultimately put me out of business. I had to sue my prior attorneys who claimed they did nothing wrong. After three years of litigation the Thut Law Group secured a settlement for me in the amount of $600,000.00.

Dan W.

David G. was the Chief Information Officer for the Chicago Tribune. He was wrongfully terminated from that position and the Tribune company refused to pay his contractual buyout. Mr. G. was forced to file suit against the Tribune who defended the case with a large Chicago law firm. The Tribune filed a multi-count counterclaim against Mr. G. seeking damages for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and breach of contract, among other things. After a two week trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County, all of the counter-claims of the Tribune were dismissed and David G. was awarded a judgment in the amount of $800,000.00.

David G.

I would highly recommend their services.

The Red Ants Boring Company of Zion, Illinois was initially sued by its workers compensation carrier after an audit of premiums. The insurance company alleged that Red Ants owed it approximately $150,000.00. Red Ants was represented by C. Jeffrey Thut, who filed a counter-claim against the insurance company after trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the trial court dismissed the complaint of the insurance company and awarded Red Ants $160,000.00 on its counter-claim.

Red Ants Boring Co.

I would highly recommend this firm.

I was involved in a severe car crash while coming home from work. The driver of the other car had minimal insurance and I hired C. Jeffrey Thut and the Thut Law Group to represent me in a cause of action against the other drive and my own insurance company. After two and a half years of litigation and a contested arbitration hearing, I was awarded $950,000.00 by the arbitration panel. Jeff Thut and his office shepherded me through this difficult time ultimately securing the maximum compensation for my injuries. I would highly recommend this firm.

Michael C.

Tyler was able to get my case dismissed with prejudice

I hired Thut Law Group to represent me when a former customer brought suit against my company in the Circuit Court of Cook County for delays in the building project I assisted them with. The plaintiffs were demanding upwards of $80,000.00 for a delay I had no part in causing. Within only a few months, Tyler was able to get my case dismissed with prejudice.

Anthony R.

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