James Vanrheeden

Attorney Profile James JD Van Rheeden grew up loving a good challenge. A native of Tremont, Illinois, he was competitive in both sports and academics, but college was a game-changer. As he studied psychology and philosophy at Illinois Wesleyan his classmates complained that he was a pain to argue with. That ability to argue philosophical issues paved the path for his litigation future. JD believes that the critical reading and writing skills developed throughout his study of philosophy prepared him for excellence in law. His approach to both work and life is to study, learn and explore new and interesting fields - every day - to stay sharp and well-rounded. An approach that paid off as JD graduated 8th in his class of more than 100 and earned full scholarships including the prize for achievement in corporate law class sequence. Having joined Quinn Johnston in 2015, JD is looking to the future with intrigue and passion for personal injury defense litigation. Defense is my calling. I watched my dad, a manager of a large retailer, struggle with frequent frivolous lawsuits. That familiarity with corporate challenges has prepared me to be part of a strong defense team. JD is thankful to remain in Central Illinois, close to his family and roots. Outside of his work supporting the efforts of the Quinn Johnston team, JD is on the St. Jude Harvest Moon Committee. Practice Areas Personal Injury Defense Auto and Transportation Construction Accident Litigation Premises Liability Defense Product Liability Business and Transactions Medical Professional Liability Education J. D., Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb, Illinois, 2015 Honors: magna cum laude Brian and Tamra McGough Prize Recipient, 2015 B. A., Philosophy, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois, 2012 Honors: cum laude Admissions/Associations American Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Peoria County Bar Association Young Professionals of Greater Peoria Community Activities St. Jude Harvest Moon Committee Ratings/Recognitions Named to Illinois Emerging Lawyers by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. 2021-2022 Only two percent of Illinois lawyers under the age of 40 or who have been licensed to practice for 10 years or less earn this distinction. 2018-present News & Events Smith and Van Rheeden Obtain Directed Verdict for General Surgeon in Peoria County Quinn Johnston attorneys Matthew Smith and JD Van Rheeden obtained a directed verdict for an attending general surgeon and his practice group in a recent medical malpractice case in Peoria County. James Van Rheeden Honored with Young Lawyer of the Year Award The Tenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee has named James Van Rheeden as the recipient of the Peoria County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year award. Quinn Johnston Promotes Logan Block and JD Van Rheeden to Partner Quinn Johnston has recently promoted two attorneys to partner - Logan Block and JD Van Rheeden. Attorney James JD Van Rheeden obtained a defense verdict for a semi-truck driver and his employer Jury ruled for the Defendants, awarded the Plaintiffs nothing, and awarded the Defendants $3,000 to come from the driver of the Plaintiffs vehicle.