Profile photo of Hon. Stephen A. Schiller (Ret.)

Hon. Stephen A. Schiller (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Chicago, IL, United States

About

Before entering private practice in 2004, Stephen A. Schiller served as a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County for 23 years, including 15 years in the Chancery Division. His extensive background includes presiding over thousands of bench and jury trials involving complex commercial disputes, class actions, and professional malpractice. He has successfully mediated and arbitrated hundreds of cases across diverse legal sectors including construction, healthcare, and intellectual property.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Construction Employment & Labor Energy & Environment Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Insurance Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Mediator
Arbitrator
and Special Master
JAMS
Judge
2004
Circuit Court of Cook County
1981–2004
Presiding Judge
Chancery Division
Circuit Court of Cook County
Executive Director
Chicago Crime Commission
Professor of Law
1970–1981
University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law (formerly John Marshall Law School)
Assistant State's Attorney
Cook County State's Attorney's Office

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on chancery practice and alternative dispute resolution for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
  • Author of various articles regarding judicial administration and criminal justice policy
  • Former Chair, Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Video Recording of Court Proceedings

Positioning Takeaways

A seasoned former jurist with over two decades of judicial experience, particularly noted for resolving intricate chancery and commercial matters through mediation and arbitration.

License & Certifications

  • Illinois State Bar Admission

Education

J.D.
University of Chicago Law School
B.S.C.
Roosevelt University

Distinction

Spent 15 years in the Chancery Division of the nation's largest unified court system, handling high-stakes equitable relief and complex commercial litigation.

Reputation

He is recognized by legal professionals for his deep understanding of chancery law and his ability to manage highly contentious, multi-party disputes with patience and legal precision.