About Carl M. Johnson
Carl joined The Sotos Law Firm in 2025 and represents government agencies and police officers in both state and federal court. Prior to joining the firm, Carl served as Special Counsel at Phillips Lytle LLP, where he handled high-stakes litigation involving breach of contract, business torts, and consumer lending. Before that, he was a Senior Managing Associate at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP, representing clients in commercial disputes involving trade secrets, non-compete agreements, class actions, and intellectual property disputes. Earlier in his career, Carl served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of Chicago Law Department, focusing on Employment Litigation. Carl received his law degree from Columbia University and a B.A. in Sociology from Yale University. Awards and Honors Honors Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2024 40 Under 40 Gamechangers by WVON and Ariel Investments, 2024 National Black Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40, 2020
Education
Legal Education
- Columbia Law School, New York, New York, 2014
- J.D.
Non Legal Education
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 2010
- B.A.
- Honors: With Distinction
- Major: Sociology
Current Employment Position(s)
- Associate
Past Positions
- Phillips Lytle, LLP, Special Counsel, 2024 - 2025
- Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, Associate, 2020 - 2024
- Languages
- English
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 2014
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2015
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2015
Other Affiliations
- Illinois State Bar Association
Attorney Details
| Full Name | Carl M. Johnson |
| Firm | The Sotos Law Firm, P.C. |
| Address | 141 W. Jackson Blvd. #1240A, Chicago, IL 60604 |
| Phone | 630-735-3300 |
| Phone | 630-773-0980 |
| Website | www.jsotoslaw.com |
| New Clients | ✓ Currently accepting |