Jessica Watkins represents clients in commercial litigation and professional liability disputes, which includes counseling clients on risk management and representing professionals before disciplinary agencies. In addition to defending long-term care facilities and medical professionals, she also helps clients navigate the legal aspects of construction services. Jessica also handles personal injury, automobile negligence, and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act matters.
Experienced in all aspects of the litigation process, Jessica ensures her clients are informed throughout, from a case's inception to fact-witness depositions and trial preparation.
Prior to joining Hinshaw as an associate, Jessica was a law clerk with the firm. During law school, she worked as a 711-licensed intern in the Legal Department of Metra Commuter Rail, and served as a student attorney in the Housing and Community Development Legal Clinic. Jessica was also a judicial intern to the Honorable Jacqueline P. Cox, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois and a judicial extern to the Honorable Allen P. Walker, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division, Mortgage Foreclosure Section.
Professional Affiliations
- Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
- Judicial Evaluation Committee, Co-Chair, 2017 – 2018
- Chicago Bar Association
- Young Lawyer Section
- Professional Responsibility Committee, Legislative Liaison, 2017 – 2018
Presentations
- Moderator, "The Balancing Act: Client Advocacy and Professionalism During Litigation," Chicago, Illinois, February 20, 2019
- "BOSS and Claver Society College Perspectives Panel," St. Ignatius College Prep's Annual College Perspectives Panel, Chicago, Illinois, November 12, 2018
- Co-Presenter, "To-Do List for the Ethical Practice of Law," Chicago Bar Association – Young Lawyers Section, Professional Responsibility Committee, Chicago, Illinois, September 5, 2018
- "Career Insights for High School Students: Becoming an Attorney," Al Raby School of Community and Environment Career Day, Chicago, Illinois, April 27, 2018
- "Inadvertent Disclosure of Privileged Information," Chicago Bar Association – Young Lawyers Section, Professional Responsibility Committee Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, November 17, 2016
Hinshaw Publications
- September 28, 2020
- April 2, 2020Lawyers for the Profession®
- October 31, 2019
- July 31, 2019
- April 4, 2019Lawyers for the Profession®
- March 28, 2019Lawyers for the Profession®
- March 21, 2019Lawyers for the Profession®
- June 28, 2017Lawyers for the Profession®
Community/Civic Activities
- South Side YMCA of Metro Chicago, Board of Directors
- Lawyers in the Classroom, Volunteer
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Member
- Wisconsin Alumni Association, Member
- Saint Ignatius College Prep Young Alumni Society, Member
Service Areas
Education
J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 2016
B.A., University of Wisconsin at Madison, 2013
Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois