John P. Connolly
John P. Connolly is a distinguished trial lawyer and a founding partner of BCM Law, P.C., focusing on the defense of Illinois employers in workers’ compensation and related civil matters. With a robust career that spans over decades, Mr. Connolly has amassed extensive experience in the preparation and defense of Illinois workers’ compensation and liability cases.
Mr. Connolly’s legal acumen is particularly noted in his substantial experience before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Illinois Circuit and Appellate Courts, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He has tried numerous cases before these bodies and has successfully litigated cases through the Circuit and Appellate Courts. His practice encompasses the defense of a diverse clientele, including employers, insurance companies, and third-party administrators across various industries such as manufacturing, staffing, retail, and transportation.Since co-founding BCM Law, P.C. in 1997 alongside Francis M. Brady and Beverly N. Masuda, Mr. Connolly has established a reputation for his knowledge and zealous representation. Clients consistently rely on Mr. Connolly’s ability to understand their business philosophies and translate them into effective defense strategies, resulting in successful outcomes.
Since co-founding BCM Law, P.C. in 1997 alongside Francis M. Brady and Beverly N. Masuda, Mr. Connolly has established a reputation for his knowledge and zealous representation. Clients consistently rely on Mr. Connolly’s ability to understand their business philosophies and translate them into effective defense strategies, resulting in successful outcomes.
Mr. Connolly’s contributions to the Illinois workers’ compensation community are widely recognized. He has been selected to the Leading Lawyers Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board, reflecting his status as a pillar in the field. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for over ten years and holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating. Mr. Connolly is also an active member of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association. Within BCM Law, P.C., he plays a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of attorneys, instilling the firm’s philosophies, and ensuring the continuation of its high standards of practice.
Mr. Connolly’s dedication to his clients, his firm, and the broader legal community exemplifies his commitment to excellence and professional integrity. His leadership and legal expertise continue to shape the landscape of workers’ compensation defense in Illinois.
Practice Areas
- Workers' Compensation Defense
- Employer Liability
- Insurance Coverage Defense
- Premises Liability Defense
- Professional Liability
- Appellate Experience
Trial Results
- John P. Connolly successfully defended the employer in a claim involving an altercation between a teacher and students. The Arbitrator rejected the petitioner’s claim for hearing loss, additional lost time, and future medical benefits.
- John P. Connolly successfully defended an elevator manufacturer in a case involving an elevator repairman who underwent an arthroscopic repair of the anterior labrum and debridement of the posterior tears of the shoulder.
- Roadside Auto Body, Inc. v. Miller , 285 Ill.App.3d 105, 673 N.E.2d 1145 (2nd Dist. 1996)
- Hayden v. Industrial Commission, 214 Ill.App.3d 749, 574 N.E.2d 99 (1st Dist. 1991)
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 1984
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 1984
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar, 1984
Education
- DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, Illinois, 1984, J.D.
- Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, B.A.
Honors and Awards
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV-Preeminent Rating
- Recognized as a "Leading Lawyer" by Leading Lawyers Magazine, 2004 - Present
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2005 - 2013, 2021 - 2024
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, 1992 – Present, Member
- Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, 1994 – 1997, Member, Seminar Planning Committee
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member
- Illinois State Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Law Section Council, 1996 - Present, Member
- American Bar Association, Member
- Workers' Compensation Lawyers Association, 1990 - Present, Member