James M. Brodzik
James M. Brodzik
Partner in Charge of St. Louis Office
He/Him
"Success in litigation comes from preparation, insight, and a relentless commitment to achieving the best outcome for my clients."

James M. Brodzik
Partner in Charge of St. Louis Office
He/Him
"Success in litigation comes from preparation, insight, and a relentless commitment to achieving the best outcome for my clients."
About Jim
Jim represents clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including life, health, and disability claims—both ERISA and non-ERISA—as well as cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other consumer protection laws, and asset recovery.
He also defends professionals, including doctors, lawyers, and accountants, against malpractice and negligence claims. Jim has extensive experience handling class actions, personal injury cases, and complex litigation involving products liability, premises liability, and toxic tort defense. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to local municipalities and school districts.
Jim regularly litigates cases in US District Courts across Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Idaho, South Dakota, and North Dakota. As partner-in-charge of Hinshaw’s St. Louis office, he plays a key leadership role in the firm’s regional litigation practice.
Areas of Focus
Industries:
Services:
Initiatives:
Experience
- Obtained a dismissal with prejudice after the close of evidence in a multimillion-dollar wrongful death malpractice claim in Williamson, County, Illinois, successfully defending both the medical center client and a podiatric surgeon.
- Prevailed at the circuit and appellate levels in a Missouri class action challenging associate division summonses, securing likely $50,000–$100,000 in judgments plaintiffs sought to void. After briefing, the Supreme Court denied the appellant's motion to transfer, preserving the victories.
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2024 – 2025; Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2023 – 2025
- Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyer, 2017 – 2019
- Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, Book Award, Alternative Dispute Resolution; Dean's List; Honor Roll; Knights of Columbus Citizen Scholarship; Merit Scholarship
Credentials
Education
- Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, JD, cum laude, 2013
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BS, 2009
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- Missouri
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
- US District Court for the Western District of Missouri
Thought Leadership
Press Releases
- 105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 15, 2024
- 101 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 17, 2023
- Eighty-Seven Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 18, 2022
- Hinshaw Announces Election of 16 Partners In Nine U.S. offices, Jan 4, 2021
Interests
Did you know...
Jim is deeply committed to giving back and actively fundraises for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Jim lives in Caseyville, Illinois, with his wife and three children. When time permits, he loves to travel and play golf.
Community/Civic Activities
- St. Vincent de Paul, Cosgrove’s Soup Kitchen, East St. Louis, Illinois, Volunteer
- Washington University in St. Louis Moot Court Competition, Volunteer Judge
Thought Leadership
Press Releases
- 105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 15, 2024
- 101 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 17, 2023
- Eighty-Seven Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 18, 2022
- Hinshaw Announces Election of 16 Partners In Nine U.S. offices, Jan 4, 2021
Jim's Insights

Press Release
Aug 15, 2024
105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch

Press Release
Aug 17, 2023
101 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch

Press Release
Jan 4, 2021
Hinshaw Announces Election of 16 Partners In Nine U.S. offices