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Frank A. Perrecone

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  • Principal, 2010
  • Attorney at Law

Location:

Rockford, IL

Phone:

Fax:

815-962-1406

Email:

Frank A. Perrecone is a leading trial lawyer who has tried numerous civil jury cases involving serious personal injuries and death in both the state and federal courts. He is widely known for his handling of personal injury cases representing injured victims throughout northern Illinois. As a trial lawyer, he has represented accident victims before juries in Boone, Cook, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties, as well as in the United States District Court. He frequently is brought into cases by other lawyers who seek his assistance and expertise in the field of personal injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. Perrecone is recognized for his aggressive approach to handling personal injury cases and his thorough preparation of cases for trial.

Mr. Perrecone has been recognized as one of the leading attorneys in the country. He has also maintained the highest rating, AV Preeminent, in the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings from 1997 to the present. These ratings, which are generated from evaluations by other members of the bar and judiciary, are considered to be an objective indicator of a lawyer's high ethical standards and professional ability.

Mr. Perrecone has also been accredited with distinctions within the state of Illinois. He has been selected for inclusion in the list of "Super Lawyers" for years 2006, 2007 and 2009 to the present. Super Lawyers are chosen by peers from each practice area and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Only the top 5 percent of attorneys in Illinois receive this designation. He has also been designated a "Leading Lawyer" in personal injury law for the years 2003 to present. This distinction is granted to the top attorneys in Illinois and is determined by peers and the Leading Lawyers Network Advisory Board.

Mr. Perrecone is admitted to the practice of law in all courts of the state of Illinois, the United States District Court for Northern Illinois, the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.

He began his practice with Lawrence J. Ferolie in 1981 after his graduation from law school. He has impressed his colleagues with his professional manner. He has been involved in major and complex litigation and was the lead trial lawyer in serious personal injury cases in both the state and federal trial courts and before the appellate and reviewing courts.

Mr. Perrecone has served with distinction as Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Illinois State Bar Association, which produces high-quality legal seminars for the association's 32,000 lawyers. He has served as Chairman of the Association's Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council, Chairman of the Tort Law Section Council, Chairman of the Insurance Law Section Council and as a member of the Legislation Committee and the Judicial Appointments Committee.

He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He is a frequent lecturer on personal injury and civil trial practice at seminars throughout the state and has written several legal articles.

Mr. Perrecone was the recipient of the prestigious "Board of Governors Award" from the Illinois State Bar Association for his outstanding efforts in establishing and expanding the Law Education Series. These programs provide affordable and high-quality continuing legal education for lawyers. Also, he was elected to the Association's Assembly as a delegate. He was elected to serve as the 100th President of the Winnebago County Bar Association for the 2007-2008 term.

From 1998 to 2008, Mr. Perrecone was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Northern Illinois University College of Law. He taught trial-related courses and directed students in a national trial team competition. Mr. Perrecone was twice nominated by his students for "Professor of the Year," and in 1998, he was given an award plaque by his students for outstanding contribution and dedication as a trial advocacy professor.

Mr. Perrecone is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and Drake University Law School. He was an amateur boxer and an outstanding baseball player, receiving All-Conference honors both in high school and college and All-State honors in college. A native of Rockford, Mr. Perrecone is married, and he is active in community affairs.

Areas Of Practice

  • Personal Injury
  • Car Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Construction Accidents
  • Fatal Accidents & Wrongful Death

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois, 1981
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois

Education

  • Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa
    • Doctor of Jurisprudence - 1980
    • Honors: With Honors
  • Northern Illinois University
    • B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 1978
  • Rock Valley College
    • Associate of Arts - 1976
  • Boylan Central Catholic High School
    • Graduated - 1974

Published Works

  • Perrecone & Fabiano, The Federalization of Punitive Damages and the Effect on Illinois Law, 28 N. ILL. U. L. REV. 537 (2008)
  • Perrecone & Fabiano, The Fleecing of Seriously Injured Medical Malpractice Victims in Illinois, 26 N. ILL. U. L. REV. 527 (2006)
  • Perrecone, Seventh Circuit Narrows Application of Illinois Common Fund Doctrine in ERISA Subrogation Claims, ILL. ST. B. ASS’N TORT TRENDS, Oct. 2003, at 4
  • Perrecone, Effective Use of SCR 213(f), ILL. ST. B. ASS’N TORT TRENDS, May 2003, at 1
  • Perrecone, Seventh Circuit Decision Trumps Federal Rule of Civil Procedure, ILL. ST. B. ASS’N TORT TRENDS, June 2000, at 8
  • Perrecone & Nelson, Case Note - Blackburn v. Sundstrand Corporation, 115 F.3d 493 (7th Cir. 1997), ILL. ST. B. ASS’N TORT TRENDS, Nov. 1997, at 1
  • Perrecone, The Plaintiff’s Perspective, ILL. ST. B. ASS’N IN THE ALTERNATIVE, April 1996, at 2

Classes/Seminars

  • Adjunct Professor of Law, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 1998 to 2008
  • Professionalism, Winnebago County Bar Association, May, 2011
  • Professionalism, Northern Illinois University College of Law, April, 2008
  • Judicial Elections - Candidates’ Right to Comment on Disputed Political Issues, 17th Judicial Circuit, Rockford Register Star, Winnebago County Bar Assoc., October, 2007
  • Training New Mediators, Center for Analysis of Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems, October, 2000
  • Court Annexed Mediation , Urbana County Judges and Bar Leaders, June, 1999
  • Court Annexed Mediation, Kane County Judges and Bar Leaders, November, 1995
  • Court Annexed Mediation, DuPage County Judges and Bar Leaders, October, 1995
  • Court Annexed Mediation, McLean County Judges and Bar Leaders, June, 1995
  • Training New Arbitrators, 17th Judicial Circuit Court Arbitrator Training Program, January, 1995
  • Tips on Closing Arguments, “Trial Appellate Practice”, Winnebago County Bar Association, May 8, 2014
  • Set-Offs, Liens and Subrogation in UM/UIM Cases, “Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage: The Necessary Basics”, Illinois State Bar Association, June 21, 2011
  • Closing Arguments, “Civil Procedure Update 2010", Illinois State Bar Association, April 9, 2010
  • Liens and Subrogation Issues in Personal Injury Cases, “Insurance Law Update 2009", Illinois State Bar Association, November 13, 2009
  • Closing Arguments, “Civil Procedure Update 2009", Illinois State Bar Association, May 22, 2009
  • The Federalization of Punitive Damages and the Effect on Illinois Law, “CLE Buffet”, Winnebago County Bar Association, June 13, 2008
  • Negotiation and Adjudication of Liens in Personal Injury Cases, “Hot Topics in Insurance Law”, Illinois State Bar Association, June 13, 2008
  • Cross Examination (Challenging Your Opponent’s Theory of the Case), “Hot Tips for Trials”, Winnebago County Bar Association, May 15, 2008
  • The Federalism of Punitive Damages and the Effect on Illinois Law, “The Modern American Jury”, Northern Illinois University College of Law, April 9, 2008
  • Closing Arguments, “Civil Practice Update”, Illinois State Bar Association, May 18, 2007
  • Closing Arguments, “Civil Litigation Update & Overview of Civil Practice and Procedure”, Illinois State Bar Association, May 12, 2006
  • The Fleecing of Seriously Injured Medical Malpractice Victims in Illinois, “Medical Malpractice: Emerging Issues & The Effects of Tort Reform”, Northern Illinois University College of Law, April 13, 2006
  • Closing Argument, Do’s, Don’ts and More, “Civil Litigation: Update and Overview of Civil Practice and Procedure”, Illinois State Bar Association, May, 2005
  • Trial Issues – Practical Advice for Succeeding at Trial, “Successfully Navigating Civil Litigation”, Illinois State Bar Association, December, 2003
  • Amended Supreme Court Rule 213, “Update in Tort”, Illinois State Bar Association, December, 2002
  • Amended Supreme Court Rule 213, “Amended Supreme Court Rule 213", Illinois State Bar Association, July, 2002
  • Mediation - Plaintiff’s Perspective, “Hot Topics in Dispute Resolution: What Advocates, Neutrals and Consumers Need to Know”, Northern Illinois University College of Law, March, 2001
  • The Realities of Representing Clients Who Have Suffered a Mild Brain Injury, “Brain Injury Symposium”, Brain Injury Association of Illinois and University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, December, 2000
  • Prosecuting Slip and Fall Cases: What Do You Need to Prove?, "Litigating Tort Cases Without Going Bankrupt", Illinois State Bar Association, October, 1999
  • Subrogation and Lien Issues, "Nuts and Bolts for the Tort Practitioner", Illinois State Bar Association, June, 1999
  • Cross Examination, "Hot Tips for Trials", Winnebago County Bar Association, October, 1998
  • Subrogation and Lien Issues, "Litigating Personal Injury Cases: Recent Decisions", Illinois State Bar Association, February, 1998
  • Premises Liability Update, "Get Caught Up! An Update of Civil Practice, Insurance, Mental Health and Tort Law Issues", Illinois State Bar Association, December, 1997
  • Selection of Mediator, "Making Mediation Work for You", American Bar Association, September, 1997
  • Preparation of Your Case and Client for Arbitration-Counsel's View, "Are You Ready to Settle Your Case; the Ins and Outs of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Arbitration", Northwest Suburban Bar Association, April, 1997
  • Cross examination - Challenging the Theory of Your Opponent's Case, "Trial Techniques - Getting a Case Ready; Getting a Verdict", Illinois State Bar Association, November, 1996
  • Preparation of Your Case and Client for Arbitration - Counsel's View, "Settling Your Case In Court or Out - Everything You Need to Know and More", Illinois State Bar Association, October, 1996
  • The Plaintiff's Perspective, "Mediation for Lawyers - How to Prepare Your Case, Yourself & Your Client to Mediate Successfully", Illinois State Bar Association, December, 1995
  • Maximizing Damages in the Typical Winnebago County Personal Injury Case, Winnebago County Bar Association Trial Section, June, 1994
  • Keeping ERISA's Subrogating Hands off Minors' Personal Injury Settlements, Winnebago County Bar Association Probate Section, May ,1994
  • Aggravation of Pre-Existing Injury/Condition, "Proven and Winning Ways in Personal Injury Cases", Illinois State Bar Association, November, 1993
  • Public and Private Recreational Land Use, "Recreational Law Update", Illinois State Bar Association, April, 1993
  • Motions in Limine, “Civil Litigation Seminar”, Northwest Suburban Bar Association, March, 1993
  • Getting Witnesses to the Courthouse and Motions in Limine, Winnebago County Bar Association Trial Section, June, 1992
  • Motions in Limine, "Handling and Avoiding Common Trial and Settlement Problems", Illinois State Bar Association, April, 1991
  • Jury Instructions, "Effective Trial Presentation", Illinois State Bar Association, November, 1988

Honors And Awards

  • Awarded membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (2015)
  • Martindale-Hubbell - AV (highest rating) (1997-present)
  • Selected as a “Super Lawyer” (2009-present, 2006-2007)
  • Selected as a “Leading Lawyer” in personal injury law (2003-present)
  • Recognized, by Leading Lawyers as one of the Top 10 consumer lawyers who practice law outside the Chicago area (2016)
  • Recipient, The 17th Judicial Circuit Professionalism & Civility Award for the attorney who best exemplifies the Eight Goals of the Aspirational Code of Conduct, 2015
  • Nominee, Professor of the Year, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2002
  • Recipient, Honorary Law Alumnus Award for outstanding contributions as adjunct law professor to the Northern Illinois University College of Law, its students and alumni. Presented by Alumni Council, 2001
  • Nominee, Professor of the Year, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2001
  • Recipient, Award plaque presented by trial advocacy students for outstanding contribution and dedication as a trial advocacy professor at Northern Illinois University College of Law, 1998
  • Recipient, Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors' Award for outstanding efforts in establishing and expanding the “Law Ed Series”, 1989
  • Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award for excellent achievement in the study of Civil Procedure, Drake University Law School, 1980
  • Recipient, Italian-American Man of the Year, Ethnic Heritage Museum, 2013
  • Recipient, Dedicated Service Award, American Red Cross, Rock River Chapter, 2007

Professional Associations And Memberships

  • American Association for Justice
  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Managers, Member, 1988 to 1990
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Assembly Delegate, 2010 - present, 2000 - 2008, 1992 - 1998
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Legislation, Member, 2004 to Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Insurance Law Section Council, Chair, 2011 to 2012
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Insurance Law Section Council, Member, 2007 to 2013
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Assembly Budget and Finance Committee, Member, 2011
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Task Force on CLE Implementation, Member, 2005 to 2006
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Task Force on Unauthorized Practice of Law, Member, 2003 to 2006
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Tort Law Section Council, Chair, 2002 to 2003
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Tort Law Section Council, Member, 1988 - 1992 and 1994 - 2003
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council, Chair, 1991 to 1992
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council, Member, 1987 to 1992
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Continuing Legal Education, Chair, 1995 - 1996 and 1988 - 1990
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Continuing Legal Education, 1988 to 1996
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Judicial Appointments, Member, 1988 to 1990
  • Winnebago County Bar Association, President, 2007 to 2008
  • Winnebago County Bar Association, Board of Directors, Member, 2002 to 2005
  • Winnebago County Bar Association, Judicial Liaison Committee, Chair, 2000 to 2001
  • Winnebago County Bar Association, Trial Section, Chair, 1998 to 1999
  • The Justinian Society of Lawyers, President, Winnebago County Chapter, 2004 to Present
  • The Justinian Society of Lawyers, Vice President, Winnebago County Chapter, 2000 to 2004
  • Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Board of Directors, Member, 1988 to 1989
  • Circuit Court for the 17th Circuit, State of Illinois, Mentor, Attorney Mentoring Pilot Program, 2009 to Present
  • Circuit Court for the 17th Circuit, State of Illinois, Member, Peer Review Council for the Circuit’s Professionalism Pilot Program, 2009 to Present
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Magistrate Judge Mahoney Merit Review Panel, Chair, 2008
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Group, Member, 1991 to 1995
  • Arbitrator, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Claims, 1993 to Present
  • Arbitrator, 17th Circuit Court Mandatory Court Annexed Arbitration Program, 1988 to Present
  • Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association, 1986 to Present
  • Mediator, 17th Circuit Court Annexed Major Civil Case Mediation Program, 1993 to Present

Past Employment Positions

  • Ferolie & Perrecone, Ltd., Rockford, IL, Partner, 2006 to 2010
  • Ferolie & Perrecone, Ltd., Rockford, IL, Partner, 1994 to 2006
  • Lawrence J. Ferolie & Associates, Ltd., Rockford, IL, Associate, 1982 to 1994
  • Ferolie & Boreen, Rockford, IL, Associate, 1981 to 1982

Pro Bono Activities

  • Greater Rockford Italian American Association, Co-Chair, 2014 to Present
  • Greater Rockford Italian American Association, Chair, 2009 to 2013
  • Greater Rockford Italian American Association, Co-Chair, 2004 to 2008
  • Greater Rockford Italian American Association, Member, 1999 to Present
  • Carpenter’s Place, 2013 to Present
  • Rockford Airfest, Member, Steering Committee, 2011 to Present
  • Veterans Drop-In Center, formally known as, Rockford Advocacy Coalition for the Homeless, President, 2010 to 2013
  • Veterans Drop-In Center, formally known as, Rockford Advocacy Coalition for the Homeless, Vice President, 2009 to 2010
  • American Red Cross, Rock River Chapter, Homeless shelter volunteer, 1997 to 2009
  • Festa Italiana, Volunteer, 1988 to Present