James J. Laraia

James J. Laraia is an energetic, well-rounded attorney with knowledge and experience in a wide range of practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, and criminal matters. He routinely practices in DuPage, Kane, Will, and Kendall counties. After obtaining his B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College in 1997, Mr. Laraia went on to earn his Juris Doctor Degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2001. Mr. Laraia began his legal career working for the DuPage County State's Attorney, first as a clerk and then as an Assistant State's Attorney. He later went into private practice in 2003 where he focuses his practice in family law and civil litigation and has experience handling matrimonial law, child custody and child support issues, post-decree petitions, adoptions, and parentage cases. He also handles complex civil matters in the areas of consumer fraud defense, contract litigation, estate litigation, appellate practice, orders of protection, business law, and drafting simple wills and children's trusts. Mr. Laraia's wide range and experience in many different areas of law is an asset his clients can depend on in analyzing their matter and providing options for achievable outcomes. Awards and Honors Honors DCBA Board of Directors Award, 2018-2019 Leading Lawyer, Peer Selected

• Laraia & Whitty PC, Attorney/Partner

• Private Practice from 2003 to present - Laraia & Whitty, P.C., being named Partner in 2009
• Assistant State's Attorney, DuPage County, Wheaton, Illinois, 2002-2003 - Criminal Prosecutor, Traffic and Misdemeanor Division
• Law Clerk - DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Wheaton, Illinois, 2000-2001

• Illinois
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois

• Illinois State Bar Association, Assembly Member
• DuPage County Bar Association, Associate General Counsel, (2019-2020), President (2015-2016), Former 2nd Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, (2008-2010), Entertainment Committee, Chairman and past Vice Chairman, Memorial Committee Chair, Member and Past Chair of The Trial Advocacy Committee
• Kane County Bar Association
• DuPage County Justinian Society of Lawyers, Past President, Comptroller, and Member
• DuPage County Judiciary Committee, Past Chair and Long Standing Board Member
• Northern Illinois University College of Law Justinian Society, Past Vice-President and founding member
• DuPage County Inns of Court, Past President
• DCBA Board of Directors Award, (2018-2019)
• Leading Lawyer, Peer Selected