John Sabo has a diverse commercial litigation practice. His technical background includes a unique combination of capabilities gained from litigating claims involving banking and financial services, contract disputes, consumer rights, commercial foreclosures, insurance coverage disputes, ERISA litigation, real estate disputes and transportation claims.

Mr. Sabo’s business litigation practice is focused primarily in Missouri and Southern Illinois, including St. Clair and Madison Counties in Illinois. He has represented clients in the Supreme Courts of Missouri and Illinois, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Seventh Circuit and U.S. District Courts in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. His practice also includes matters involving alternative dispute resolution, both mediation and arbitration.

In addition, Mr. Sabo has substantial background and experience in the defense of business clients in class actions in both federal and state courts. He has served as both lead counsel and local counsel in class actions filed in plaintiff-friendly venues such as Madison County, Illinois.

Mr. Sabo is a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department. Following is a selection of the many cases Mr. Sabo has handled for commercial and governmental clients in class actions, in some cases saving them hundreds of millions of dollars:

• PSCE LLC v. Associated Bank N.A. U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois. Obtained dismissal with prejudice in class action involving interest accrual method used in commercial loans.
• Landmann v. U.S. Bank, N.A. U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois. Obtained dismissal of client in multi-million dollar class action brought under Illinois Interest Act.
• Diaz v. Illinois Farmers Ins. Co. Circuit Court, St. Clair County, Illinois. Obtained dismissal of insurance company in breach of contract action over claims practices.
• Yarbrough v. Amaximus Lending. Circuit Court, Madison County, Illinois. Obtained dismissal of assignee of originating lender in action brought under the Illinois Interest Act.
• Toth v. Illinois Farmers Ins. Co. Circuit Court, St. Louis City, Missouri. Obtained dismissal of insurance company in class action regarding its practices of collecting subrogation claims from uninsured motorists.
• Alsup v. Dolgencorp. Circuit Court, Madison County, Illinois. Obtained dismissal of retailer client in national class action for injunctive relief and monitory damages against the manufacturers, importers and retailers in the window blind industry.
• Parrone v. United Equitable Ins. Co. Circuit Court, St. Clair County, Illinois. Obtained summary judgment for general agent of insurance company in class action seeking recovery of commissions by agents under various theories.

Mr. Sabo joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in October 1997. He has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer in the categories of Personal Injury Defense Law: General and Transportation Defense Law: Including Aviation, FELA, Maritime, and has been rated by Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal ability.

As a part of his practice, Mr. Sabo has received a number of legal appointments, including:

• Special Assistant Attorney General – Appointed by the Illinois Attorney General to be part of a litigation team to defend the power and authority of the Governor to close certain state facilities.
• Special Administrative Law Judge – Illinois Department of Public Health, 1999-2003 to preside over hearings brought under state and federal laws regarding nursing home licensing and charges of abuse and neglect of residents.
• Special Assistant States Attorney – Appointed by the States’ Attorney for Madison County, Illinois to defend the County in civil matters.

Mr. Sabo’s professional memberships include the American Bar Association, the Missouri State Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the St. Clair County Bar Association. Mr. Sabo is a devoted supporter and has been active in the Boy Scouts of America for decades. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Executive Board of the Lewis and Clark Council, and also its legal advisor.
His past service has included:

• Representative to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America (2009-2010)
• Legal Advisor, Okaw Valley Council (2006-2008)
• Executive Board Member, Okaw Valley Council (2006-2008)
• Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 19 (2002-2005)
• Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 19 (1998-2002)
• Adult Advisor, Law Explorer Post (1988-1989)

Mr. Sabo also served as the Chairman of the Committee on Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for the Catholic Diocese of Belleville (encompassing 28 counties in Southern Illinois) from 2002-2006.

He has been recognized for his volunteer service to youth in the scouting programs, and is the recipient of a number of awards, including:

• Boy Scout District Award of Merit
• Bronze Pelican and St. George Awards, Diocese of Belleville
• Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Level, President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.