JOHN CERNEY

John Cerney defends clients facing civil rights and other commercial litigation. Prior to joining Nathan & Kamionski LLP, Mr. Cerney represented clients facing a broad range of claims in state and federal court, as well as in arbitration and various administrative forums. Mr. Cerney also clerked in the Northern District of Illinois for Hon. Charles R. Norgle and for Hon. John F. Kness. Before his career as a lawyer, Mr. Cerney was an English as a Foreign Language teacher in the Middle East. Mr. Cerney studied at DePaul University, earning degrees in Arabic and Mathematics, and earned his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.

Through this diverse background, Mr. Cerney’s research, writing, and litigation skills grew in a multitude of legal frameworks enabling him to attain great success in the courtroom through adaptive and flexible litigation strategies. Mr. Cerney’s extensive experience has given him a unique and competitive perspective and approach, making him an especially effective advocate. Mr. Cerney is also committed to serving those in need. The Judges of the Northern District of Illinois recently recognized his commitment to pro bono work with an Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service for his work on four Section 1983 cases brought by an inmate at Cook County Jail.

When not working, Mr. Cerney enjoys running and gardening with his hound dog and volunteers as an assistant lacrosse coach and mentor for underprivileged youth in Chicago. He is an ardent chess player and scuba diver, having recently attained his rescue diver certification.