Dennis VanDerGinst is the President/CEO of VanDerGinst Law, one of the most successful personal injury law firms in the country. He has been a tireless advocate for his clients and a stalwart ambassador for his profession. As a result, he has been recognized as one of the best in the country by clients, peers, and other professionals.
Dennis received his law degree from DePaul University in Chicago. He is licensed to practice in Illinois, Iowa, Washington D.C., and the federal courts. During his career he has represented clients in almost every state of the country. The focus of his practice has been on helping injured people. The law firm which bears his name has represented over 50,000 injury victims during his career, in all areas of personal injury law including but not limited to: motor vehicle accidents, product liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, worker’s compensation, mass and class actions, and all types of negligence cases.
His dedication to his clients has earned Dennis and his firm the prestigious Torch Award for Ethics, awarded by the Better Business Bureau, marking the first time this honor was ever bestowed upon a lawyer or law firm in the region. Dennis has also been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO Lawyer Rating Service and Client Champion recognition from Martindale-Hubbell, the most established attorney rating service in the profession. In In 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Dennis was voted as the Best Attorney in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois in a survey conducted by the Quad-City Times. He was runner-up for that honor in 2019.
Dennis’s accomplishments and expertise within the profession have also won him accolades from his peers. He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Attorney Rating Service (the highest available rating) He has been designated a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, a staple in the legal profession, and has been rated Superb with a 10/10 rating from AVVO Lawyer Rating Service. He has been designated a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, a staple in the legal profession. Chicago Lawyer magazine has recognized Dennis as one of the Top Injury Lawyers in Illinois and the Iowa Association for Justice has featured him in an article in IAJ’s magazine, Iowa Trial Lawyer. He has likewise been selected as one of the top attorneys in the nation by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, the American Trial Lawyers Association, Premier Lawyers of America, the National Trial Lawyers, and the American Society of Legal Advocates, among others.
His success in the field of personal injury law is illustrated by his inclusion in the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum, whose membership is limited to those attorneys who have secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, which he has done dozens of times in his career.
His expertise has made him a reliable source of law-related information for numerous media outlets. He is often called upon to speak about legal and consumer issues in the news. He has been featured on the National Public Radio program, America’s Premier Lawyers, as well as on numerous regional and national radio and television programs and podcasts. He has been profiled in Fortune magazine, and numerous news and/or law-related publications. Similarly, he has authored numerous legal articles in professional journals and magazines and has been an active speaker/lecturer at regional and national conferences, conventions, seminars, and webinars that focus on the importance of personal injury law. In addition, Dennis has taught Torts and Insurance law as an adjunct professor.
He has been an extremely active member of several professional organizations such as the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the Illinois and Iowa State Bar Associations, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and the Iowa Association for Justice. Dennis has served on the Board of Managers for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Board of Governors for the Iowa Association for Justice, The Board of Advocates for AAJ and on the Board of Trustees for the Pound Civil Justice Institute. He has also served as the State Delegate to AAJ for both Illinois and Iowa – the only person to ever serve in that capacity for both of those states. Additionally, he has served on the National Advisory Board for the National Crime Victims Bar Association and for the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America.
His career accomplishments have earned him the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Who’s Who, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Premier Lawyers of America, and the Best Attorney-Lifetime Charter Membership from Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America.
Through his stewardship VanDerGinst Law became one of the first law firms in the country to embrace the powerful potential of the internet. The firm’s award-winning website, www.VLaw.com, has become a legal resource for other law firms, law students and lay people across the country. The VanDerGinst Law Facebook page is one of the most “liked” attorney Facebook pages in the world. In addition to consumer and legal news, the firm often uses their online platforms to present cases and legal issues to focus groups and online mock juries.
Perhaps most important, Dennis has created a corporate culture at VanDerGinst Law which embraces the firm’s responsibilities as ambassadors of the profession and leaders in the community.
The Mission of VanDerGinst Law, as authored by Dennis, is: to help people both in and out of the courtroom. In the courtroom the firm’s focus is on assisting those who have become injured or infirm on the job or due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Outside of the courtroom the firm’s focus is on helping those least able to help themselves, including the injured and infirm, the elderly and children. Additionally, the firm focuses on giving back to those to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude including first responders, veterans and active military, teachers, and front-line health care workers.
To that end, his law firm has donated millions of dollars and countless hours to the organizations that support these initiatives and advance growth and prosperity in their communities. In recognition of his character and philanthropic efforts, Dennis was recognized by GQ’s “Better Men, Better World” campaign.
In addition to his management responsibilities to the firm, Dennis oversees all injury cases and maintains an active caseload himself. He divides his time between each office and conducts Zoom meetings with all attorneys and staff each morning.
Bar Admissions
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- State of Illinois 1989
- State of Iowa 1994
- State of Wisconsin 1996-2013
- United States District Court for Northern District of Illinois 1989
- United States District Court for Central District of Illinois 1992
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Federal Circuit 1990
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa 2017
- United States Court of Federal Claims 2020
Professional Associations & Committees
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ASSOCIATIONS
- American Bar Association 1989-present
- American Association for Justice 1994-present
- Illinois State Bar Association 1992-present
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association 1992-present
- Iowa State Bar Association 1994-present
- Iowa Association for Justice 1994-present
- Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (National Advisory Board)
- Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers 1996-1999
- Chicago Bar Association 1989-1992, 1997-current
- Cook County Bar Association 1989-1992
- DuPage County Bar Association 1991-1993
- Rock Island County Bar Association 1992-present
- Scott County Bar Association 1994-present
- Winnebago County Bar Association 1996-1998
- Brain Injury Association 1996-present
- Illinois Brain Injury Association 1996-present
- Trial Lawyers for Public Justice 1998-present
- Pound Civil Justice Institute 2004-present
- Academy of Trial Professionals 2004-2005
- National Crime Victim Bar Association (former National Board of Directors member)
- Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America National Advisory Board 2020
- American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 2019
COMMITTEES
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
- Medicine & Law Committee 1996-present
- Products, General Liability & Consumer Law Committee 1993-present
- Automobile Law Committee 1993-present
- Litigation Section 1993-present
- Tort Law & Insurance Section 1993-present
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE
- Former AAJ State Delegate-Iowa
- Former AAJ State Delegate-Illinois
- Former Chairman – Committee on Internet Marketing and Client Services
- Leader’s Forum
- President’s Club
- Eagle PAC member
- Interstate Trucking Litigation Group 1994-present
- Birth Trauma Litigation Group 2000-present
- Nursing Home Litigation Group 2000-present
- Birth Injuries Litigation Group 2000-present
- Attorney Information Exchange Group 2000-present
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway & Premises Liability Section 1994-present
- Insurance Section 1994-present
- Railroad Law Section 1999-present
- Professional Negligence Section 1999-present
- Product Liability Section 1999-present
- Small Office Practice Section 1999-present
- Toxic, Environmental & Pharmaceutical Torts Section 1999-present
- Committee on Lawyer Marketing and Client Services 1999-present
ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
- Civil Practice & Procedure Section 1993-present
- Insurance Law Section 1993-present
- Tort Law Section 1993-present
- Elder Law Section 1996-present
ILLINOIS TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
- Board of Managers
- Board of Advocates 2000-2002
- Former Illinois State Delegate, ATLA
- Medical Negligence Committee 1996-present
- Legislative Committee 1995-present
- Insurance Law Committee 1996-1999
- Civil Practice & Rules Committee 1995-present
- Membership Committee 1996-present
- Product Liability Committee 1997-1999
- Continuing Legal Education Committee 1997-1998
- Publications Committee 1997-present
- Young Lawyers Committee 1999-2002
- Product Liability and Insurance Law Committee 1999-present
IOWA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
- Litigation Section 1994-present
- Services to the Elderly Committee 1996-2000
- Law Panels Committee 1994-1998
IOWA ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE
- Board of Governors 2018-2022
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
- Board of Managers 1998-2000
- Bar Assn. Liaison to Young Lawyers Committee 1998-2000
WINNEBAGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
- Professional Responsibility Committee 1996-1998
- Continuing Legal Education Committee 1996-1998
- Legal/Medical Committee 1996-1998
- Editorial Board 1996-1998
- Trial Section 1996-1998
CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION
- Class Litigation Committee 1998-2004
- Insurance Law Committee 1998-2004
- Tort Litigation Committee 1998-2004
POUND CIVIL JUSTICE INSTITUTE
- Board of Trustees 2004-2006
Education
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EDUCATION
- DePaul University – College of Law
Chicago, Illinois
Juris Doctor, Spring, 1989. - Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts, Fall, 1985 - Black Hawk College
Moline, Illinois
Fall, 1980 – Spring, 1982
CONTINUING EDUCATION
- April 11, 1992 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Insurance Liens, Set-off & Subrogation
St. Louis, Missouri - May 7, 1992 – Continental Casualty Company
Professional Lawyers Liability Program
Peoria, Illinois - September 12, 1992 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Update & Review Seminar
Chicago, Illinois - February 15, 1993 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Shotgun Seminar
Chicago, Illinois - April 24, 1993 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Current Topics in Injury Victim Advocacy Seminar
St. Louis, Missouri - August 20, 1993 – Iowa Trial Lawyers Association
Pleadings & Practice
Dubuque, Iowa - October 11, 1993 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Point/Counterpoint
Chicago, Illinois - February 18, 1994 – Illinois State Bar Association
Overview of New Developments in Civil Practice
& Procedure from Jurisdiction to Appeals,
Rock Island, Illinois - March 1, 1994 – Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
Winning Depositions: Discovery, Techniques & Practice,
Chicago, Illinois - April 12, 1994 – Quad City Claims Association
Spring Seminar, Civil Practice Update
Davenport, Iowa - May 7, 1994 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Evidence
Chicago, Illinois - September 17, 1994 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Update & Review Seminar
Chicago, Illinois - December 3, 1994 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Medical Malpractice
Chicago, Illinois - January 14, 1995 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Product Liability Litigation
Chicago, Illinois - February 18, 1995 – Illinois State Bar Association
Civil Practice Update
Rock Island, Illinois - April 11, 1995 – Quad City Claims Association
Spring Seminar, Civil Practice Update
Davenport, Iowa - May 6, 1995 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Life Before & After House Bill 20
Chicago, Illinois - June 30, 1995 – Rock Island County Bar Association
Tort Reform
Rock Island, Illinois - October 12-14, 1995 – American Law Institute-American Bar Association
Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims,
Charleston, South Carolina - January 13, 1996 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Product Liability Litigation
Chicago, Illinois - April 12, 1996 – Quad City Claims Association
Spring Seminar, Civil Practice Update
Davenport, Iowa - April 13-14, 1996 – Gonstead Methodology Institute
Personal Injury
Parkview, Iowa - April 20, 1996 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Trial Practice, Law Tactics and Techniques
St. Louis, Missouri - June 7, 1996 – Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
Successful Techniques in Winning Vehicle Accident Cases
Chicago, Illinois - September 7, 1996 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
It’s a Whole New World, Civil Practice Update & Review
Chicago, Illinois - September 6, 1997 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Issues, Answers and Legal Trends
Chicago, Illinois - September 22-24, 1997 – Medical Intelligence Corporation
Emergency Medicine and the Law
Las Vegas, Nevada - December 5, 1997 – Scott County Bar Association
1997 Winter CLE Seminar, Seeing the Forest for the Trees
Davenport, Iowa - January 3-7, 1998 – Boston University School of Medicine and
The Center for Human Genetics
14th Annual Conference on Obstetrics, Gynecology,
Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology and the Law
Maui, Hawaii - March 16-17, 1998 – The National Law Journal and the New York Law
Journal
Fen-Phen, Medical Aspects & Potential Liability
New York, New York - September 12, 1998 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
New Law – New Developments
Chicago, Illinois - December 2, 1998 – Wisconsin State Bar Association
Resolving Ethical Issues in Everyday Practice `98
Madison, Wisconsin - March 26, 1999 – Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
Modern Medical Malpractice Litigation
Peoria, Illinois - September 18, 1999 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
What’s New in Tort & Trial, Civil Practice Update & Review
Chicago, Illinois - December 1, 1999 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – National
College of Advocacy
Taking the Driver’s Seat Against Allstate, State Farm, and Others When You’ve
Been “Dolfed” Via Telephone - December 9, 1999 – The Law Firm Development Group, Inc.
Just Think About Your Future as a Lawyer
Chicago, Illinois - December 11, 1999 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Medical Negligence Seminar
Chicago, Illinois - February 5, 2000 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
General Tort Litigation – Including Medical Issues
Peoria, Illinois - February 21, 2000 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Product Liability – Premises Liability
Chicago, Illinois - February 25-26, 2000 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – National
College of Advocacy
Litigating Catastrophically Injured Infant Cases
Atlanta, Georgia - July 29-August 2, 2000 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America
2000 Summer Convention
Traumatic Brain Injuries Litigation Group
Ethical Considerations in Handling a Closed Head Injury Case from Interview
Through Trial
Construction Site Accident Litigation Group
Chicago, Illinois - November 16-18, 2000 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America
2000 Fall Board of Governors Meeting
Nursing Home Litigation Group
Washington, D.C. - December 1, 2000 – Scott County Bar Association
Last Chance Seminar – Bar Relations and Ethics
Davenport, Iowa - December 9-10, 2000 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – National
College of Advocacy
Weekend with the Stars – Trial Strategies, Techniques to Master, and Taking
Cases That Count
New York City, New York - December 22, 2000 – TRT Inc., The Right Thing
Advertising and Solicitation Updates
Live Telephone Teleconference Seminar - February 9-15, 2001 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – National
College of Advocacy
Litigating Catastrophically Injured Infant Cases
Atlanta, Georgia - March 23-24, 2001 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America Winter
Convention
Nursing Home
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Railroad Law
New Orleans, Louisiana - April 20-21, 2001 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – National
College
of Advocacy
Litigating Nursing Home Cases
Houston, Texas - April 26-28, 2001 – M & L Legal Management
Legal Forum 2001
Miami, Florida - July 13-18, 2001 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Summer Convention
Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway, and Premises
Liability
Insurance Law
Products Liability
Montreal, Canada - August 2-5, 2001 – American Bar Association
Annual Convention
Chicago, Illinois - September 15, 2001 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
What’s New in Tort and Trial
Chicago, Illinois - September 21-23, 2001 – American Bar Association/Legal Tech
Legal Technology Seminar
New York City, New York - January 15-19, 2002 – M&L Legal Management
Law Firm Management Seminar
Key West, Florida - January 25-27, 2002 – Network Affiliates
Mass Torts
Nassau, Bahamas - February 9-13, 2002 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America Winter
Convention
Baycol
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Nursing Home
Miami, Florida - February 12 – 15, 2002 – Trial Lawyers Marketing
Round Table
Asset Protection
Accutane Litigation
Miami, Florida - March 13-14, 2002 – Mass Torts Made Perfect
New Orleans, Louisiana - June 26-30, 2002 – M&L Legal Management
Client Services
Aspen, Colorado - July 19-25, 2002 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America-Summer Convention
Products Liability
Traumatic Brain Injury
Nursing Home
Baycol Litigation
Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability
Railroad Law
Atlanta, Georgia - July 24-26, 2002 – Trial Lawyers Marketing Roundtable
“Legal Services via the Internet”
Atlanta, Georgia - August 7-11, 2002 – Network Affiliates
Servicing Mass Tort Clients
Nassau, Bahamas - August 22, 2002 – Needles Case Management Systems
Case Management
Las Vegas, Nevada - September 11-15, 2002 – Mass Torts Made Perfect
Nassau, Bahamas - December 4-8, 2002 – Needles Case Management Systems
Mass Torts
Nassau, Bahamas - March 26-30, 2003 – Law Office Comparison Group
Management and Legal Ethics
New Orleans, LA - April 23-24, 2003 – Mass Torts
Made Perfect
Atlanta, Georgia - April 30-May 4, 2003 – Masters Marketing Group
Cyberspace, the Final Frontier
Dallas, Texas - June 19-20, 2003 – Mass Torts
Made Perfect
Securities, Drug, & Environmental Litigation
Chicago, IL - June 25-29, 2003 – M&L Marketing and Management Seminar
Ethical Case File Management Systems
Santa Fe, New Mexico - July 19-23, 2003 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America- Summer Convention
Confronting Juror Bias
Computers and Law Office Technology
Nursing Home Litigation
Psychology of Persuasion
Toxic Mold Litigation
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Medical Negligence
Bad Faith Insurance Litigation
Pharmaceutical Torts
San Francisco, CA - July 22-25, 2003 – Trial Lawyers Marketing Roundtable
Securities Fraud
San Francisco, CA - August 7-10, 2003 – Network Affiliates
Serving Hispanic Clients
Vail, Colorado - November 6-9, 2003 – Masters’ Marketing Group
Legal Services Via the Internet
Phoenix, Arizona - February 12-18, 2004 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America-Winter Convention
Nursing Home Fraud
Damages for Elderly Clients
Sick Building Syndrome
July Selection
Non-Catastrophic Injury Cases
Orlando, Florida - February 17-19, 2004
Trial Lawyers Roundtable
Latest in Mass Torts
Orlando, Florida - April 25-27, 2004 – Masters’ Marketing Group
Public Relations
Internet Legal Services
Washington, D.C. - July 3-7, 2004 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – Summer Convention
Nursing Home Litigation
Hormone Replacement Therapy Litigation
Ephedra Litigation
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Boston, Massachusetts - July 6-8, 2004 – Trial Lawyers Marketing Roundtable
Product Liability Litigation
Pharmaceutical Litigation
Boston, Massachusetts - January 9, 2005 – Attorney Website Boot Camp
San Diego, CA - January 29 – February 2, 2005 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America
– Winter Convention
Working with Experts, Low Impact/Biomechanical Engineer, Economic Damages,
Chronic Pain, Elder Plaintiffs, Non-Economic Damages, Female Plaintiff, Insurers
Use of Computer Software, Cross Examination, Catastrophically Injured Infants,
Focus Groups, Voir Dire, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Causation
Palm Springs, CA - July 23-27, 2005 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America – Summer Convention
Bad Faith Insurance, Admiralty Law, Nursing Home Litigation, Complex Regional
Pain Syndrome, Qui Tam Litigation, School Litigation, Demonstrative Evidence,
Product Liability, Daubert/Experts
Toronto, Ontario, Canada - November 11-15, 2005 – Masters’ Marketing Group
Mass Torts for the Masses
Las Vegas, Nevada - April 1, 2006 – Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
President’s Seminar
Chicago, Illinois - May 3-5, 2006 – Masters’ Marketing Group
Legal Ethics
New York, New York - July 14-19, 2006 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America-Summer Convention
Persuasion and Jury Selection, Opening and Direct and Cross-Examination, Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome, Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability,
Use of Technology at Mediation, Closing Arguments
Seattle, WA - June 22-23, 2007- Professionally Speaking
- Peanut Butter, Salmonella cases, Zelnorm litigation, Mass Torts
St. Louis, Mo - July 14-18, 2007- American Association for Justice-Summer Convention
Mass Tort Litigation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence Cases
Chicago, IL - October 8, 2007- Scott County Bar Association
Continuing Education Seminar
Davenport, IA - May 2, 2008- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Current Issues in Professional Responsibility
Oak Brook, IL - May 16-17, 2008- Professionally Speaking
Pharmaceutical Litigation
New Orleans, LA - May 30-June 1, 2008- Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America
Putting the Brakes On Unsafe Trucking Companies
St. Louis, MO - June 19, 2008- Beasley/Allen Co Counsel Retreat
Montgomery, AL - July 9-11, 2008- M&L Marketing and Management Seminar
Mass Tort Litigation, Use of the Internet to Deliver Legal Services
Coeur d’ Laine, ID - July 12-16, 2008- American Association for Justice -Annual Convention
Nursing Home Litigation, Vehicular Crash Litigation, Civility in the Courtroom, Reengineering Your Practice, Using Technology in the Practice, Surgical Malpractice
Philadelphia, PA - October 10, 2008- Rock Island County Bar Association
Federal Practice Seminar
Rock Island, IL - January 30, 2009- National Crime Victims Bar Association
Monetary Compensation for Victims of Crime
Davenport, IA - February 7-11, 2009- American Association for Justice-Winter Convention
Current Perspectives in Professionalism, Avoiding Malpractice, Cross Examination of Defense Experts, Allstate Bad Faith, ERISA Subrogation, Fundamentals of Accident Reconstruction, Brain Injury Litigation, How Trucking Cases Differ From Motor Vehicle Cases, Maximizing Recoveries, Focus Groups/Voir Dire, Complete Immunity Preemption, Effective Life Care Plans, Medical Negligence.
New Orleans, LA - February 15, 2011- Legal Malpractice/Risk Management
Chicago, IL - July 11, 2011- Developments In Real Estate Law- Real Estate Institute
Chicago, IL - July 20-13, 2013 – American Association for Justice -Annual Convention
Combining Science, Intuition and Experience, Ethical Pitfalls, Technology Tools for Today’s Lawyer, Anatomy of an Injury Lawsuit, Bad Faith Insurance Litigation, Toxic and Environmental Torts, Updates in Medical Negligence Cases
San Francisco, CA - September 8, 2015- Illinois Institute for Continuing Education
The Latest, Hottest and Weirdest Ethics Cases - September 25, 2015 Syngenta GMO Corn Litigation
Litigation Update
Champaign, IL - December 21, 2015- Legal Ethics Top Ten Challenges- Illinois Institute for Continuing Education
- March 14, 2017-Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Email and Smartphone Evidence-The Ultimate Guide-National Business Institute
- March 16, 2017- Negotiating and Reducing Subrogation Liens in Personal Injury Settlements – National Business Institute
- March 20, 2017- Attorney-Client Privilege in Email- National Business Institute
- March 22, 2017- “May it Please the Court”-Effective Presentation at Trial-National Business Institute
- April 5, 2017- Slip, Trip and Fall Cases from Start to Finish- National Business Institute
- April 6, 2017- CGL Policy Occurrences, Exclusions and Exceptions- Complex Issues- National Business Institute
- April 11, 2017- Legal Ethics of Attorney Diligence- National Business Institute
- April 20, 2017- Handling Nursing Home of Hospital Fall Down Claims- National Business Institute
- April 27, 2017- Advanced Personal Injury
- May 2, 2017- Attorney’s Guide to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage- National Business Institute
- June 1, 2017- Trucking and Transportation Law: FMCSA and DOT Compliance and More- National Business Institute
- May 18-21, 2018- – Four Days to Mass Tort Success – Mass Tort Nexus- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- March 5, 2019 – The World of VA – Basic Umbrella of VA Benefits – Veterans Advocates Group of America LLC, Orlando, FL
- March 6-8, 2019 – The World of VA – Veterans Benefits Training Conference – Veterans Advocates Group of America LLC, Orlando, FL
- March 8-11, 2019 – Four Days to Mass Tort Success – Mass Tort Nexus- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- March 27, 2019 – Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims Litigation- National Business Institute
- March 28, 2019- Personal Injury From A to Z – National Business Institute
- April 2, 2019- Personal Injury: Getting Your Evidence Admitted – National Business Institute
- April 3, 2019 – Getting Medical Records and Bills Admitted Into Evidence – National Business Institute
- June 19, 2019 – Legal Ethics: New Case Law and Changed Rules – National Business Institute
- June 19, 2019 – Negotiating Injury Claims: Secrets and Insider Tips – National Business Institute
- July 27-30, 2019 – American Association for Justice – Annual Convention Advocacy Track: Getting the Information You Need: Written Requests, Electronic Discovery, and Audit Trails, Trucking Litigation Group/Bus Litigation Group, Advocacy Track: Talking About Damages: Mediation Presentations, Anchoring, and Getting Jurors to Your Number, Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, Advocacy Track: Lessons from the Courtroom: Demonstrations of Voir Dire, Opening, Closing, and Direct, Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section/Bicycle Litigation Group/Distracted Driving Litigation Group/Ride Share Litigation Group
- August 25, 2020 – Iowa Association for Justice – Evidence Videos: Seeing is believing
- November 5-6,2020-Iowa Association for Justice-Building a Better Demand Letter, Evidence-Based Causation in Traffic Crash-Related Litigation: From Whiplash to Wrongful Death, Professional and Ethical Tips for Lawyers, Appealing to the “New” Iowa Supreme Court, Attorney Disciplinary Board Claims: A Clear-Eyed Analysis, Maximizing Your Damages From Complaint to Trial, How the Agency and District Courts are Interpreting the 2017 Workers’ Compensation Law Changes, Trials Update, Medical Aspects of TBI, Identifying With and Understanding Conservative Jurors, What to Do When Your Client Calls at 2:00am With a Criminal Law Problem, The Role of Foreseeability, Legal and Proof Aspects of TBI, Opening Statements, Effective Settlement Strategies and Negotiations from the Defense Perspective, Legislative Changes
- February 2, 2021-Veterans Information Services: covered representation before the VA, claims procedures, basic eligibility for VA benefits, right to appeal, disability compensation including presumptive conditions and Nehmer claims, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), non-service- connected pension, and additional information related to both VA and to DoD benefits
- November 4-5, 2021-IAJ’s 48th Annual Convention: Case Law Updates, Case Management Software Solutions for Your Practice, Legal Ethics: Through and Beyond the Pandemic, Discovering Body/Dash Cam Footage and 911 Calls, Open Records Requests: Finding the Hidden Gems that Can Make Your Case, Maximizing Consortium Damages in your Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Case, Applying Cost-Effective High End Litigation Tools and Concepts to Maximize Recovery in Smaller Cases, “Black Box” Crash data, Computer Animation and Cutting Edge Technology for Accident Reconstruction
- December 22, 2021- Iowa State Bar Association: Attorney Wellness: Our Mental Health
- June 1st, 2022 – Senior Veterans Service Alliance: covered representation before the VA, claims procedures, basic eligibility for VA benefits, right to appeal, disability compensation including presumptive conditions and Nehmer claims, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), & non-service- connected pension.
- June, 2022 – PILMMA
- October 12-14, 2022 – Mass Torts Made Perfect: Mass Torts 101: What You Need to Get Started, State vs. Federal Court – Where to File, Defense’s Mass Tort Bankruptcy Strategy, Managing an MDL Docket and SOL, Modern-Day Class Action Practice: RICO Claims are an Essential Part of Class Action Success, Preemption Battle: Making Sure We Have More Triumphs than Tragedies, Quick Case Update, Best Practice in Securing and Betting Class Representation, Settlement Approval and the Claims Rate Countdown, Getting the Most Out of Discovery: Prepping Hard and Pressing Past, Camp LeJeune: Let’s Find Justice for Veterans and their Families, Camp LeJeune: Building the Case, Infant Formula NEC Litigation Update, Paraquat Litigation Update: MDL and State, Class Actions in Insurance Claims, Philips CPAP Machines Litigation Update, Getting Organized for Trial, Tylenol and Autism Litigation, Zantac Litigation Update, Talc Bankruptcy Update, Bard Hernia Mesh Litigation Update, Ethics in Depositions, MDL Bankruptcy Escape Hatch:Why and How It’s Done and Preventing and Preparing for it.
- November 2022 IAJ’s 49th Annual Convention
- January 23-26, 2023 – Legal Associations Management, Inc – 2023 Trial Lawyers Summit; Trial Skills: Nailing the Most Important Points in Your Opening and Closing. Impactful Education: Building the Million-Dollar Moment with Visual Storytelling. Dudley Disciplines for Scaling Your Firm, How to Leverage Your Strengths to Scale Your Law Firm. The Master Plan: Using Defense Witnesses to Win Your Trucking Case. Engineering Your Way into a Big Heavy Truck Case. Cracking the Code of Local SEO. Digital Intake & Conversion: How it is Different and How to Stop Losing Cases. Organic Social Media: Getting Your Name Out There Without Blowing the Budget. The Foundational Basics of Brain Injury Cases. TBI – A Survivor’s Story. Deposing the Defense Medical Examiner in Brain Injury Cases. The Secret to Success in Life and in Winning Every TBI Case. Neuroimaging Defenses – “That Lesion is not from a TBI”. Ad Agencies – How to Work with Them, How to Select Them & Pitfalls to Avoid. Building a Reputation of Trust and Transparency: 5 Things Your Clients Want to Know Upfront About Lawsuit Funding. Paid Social Media: 7 Do’s and Don’ts for Success. Strategic Branding – Create an Identity that Brings in the Cases You Want. Post-Covid Paradigm Shifts in Mock Trials & Focus Groups – New Innovative Approaches. How Defense Lawyers Negate Plaintiffs’ Arguments, Positions, & Theories – What to Know and Do About it. The Surgical Dissection of the Defense Medical Expert Report. Dangerous Trends & Ethical Issues on the Horizon. Special Ethical Considerations for Working with Victims Covered by the PACT Act. The Lawyer’s Toolbox: The Various Tools that Will Aid Lawyers in Teaching and Persuading Juries.
- March 16-18, 2023 – Professionally Speaking; Mass Tort Immersion Course: Is your firm ready for Mass Tort, The key steps for picking the winners in the Mass Tort race, 4 key considerations when entering Co-Counsel agreements and referring clients, Client retention and working up the cases.
- July 27-30, 2023 – Professionally Speaking; Personal Injury Law Immersion Bootcamp: Advantages of Traditional Marketing, Search Engine Marketing, Community Outreach, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Client Intake, The Client Experience, Plaintiff Funding, Case Management Software, Case Investigation and Work Up, Life Care Plans and Vocational Experts, Settlement Concerns, Effective Mediation, Effective Discovery Strategy, Brain Rules, Launching the Trial, Closing Statement, Effective Settlement Demands, Mass Tort Intro and Update.
- August 8, 2023 – District of Columbia Bar: Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and D.C. Practice 2022
- January 17-20, 2024 – Legal Associations Management, Inc – 2024 Trial Lawyers Summit: Cultivating Connection and Driving Damages Awards with Effective Storytelling, Using Focus Groups in Preparing Your Trucking Case, Winning Truck Crash Cases, How to Consistently Get 8 & 9 Figure Settlements and Verdicts Through Cross-Examination and Re-Cross Examinations, Unlocking Potential: The Skill of Identifying Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Cases with Precision, Evidence Amplified: Proving Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries with Neuroimaging Precision, Expand Your Practice with Mass Torts: CPAP Machines, Camp Lejeune, PFAS Personal Injury, Insulin Pricing Litigation, Paraquat, Chemical Hair Relaxer, Ozempic, and Suboxone, Real Cases, Real Value – What Your Intake & Conversion Process is Missing, Cutting Through the Hype – Practical Applications of AI in Your Law Practice, Jury Selection, Innovations in Law Firm Management, The Current State of Law on Plaintiff Funding Across the US, Brave New World: Closing & Human Damages in AI Times, Visual Gestalt: Craft the Perfect Demonstrative, Tell Your Story in Opening; Drive it Home in the Final Five, Jury Selection: Authenticity, Gratitude & Strikes for Cause, How Community Marketing Levels the Playing Field.
Honors
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Current
- AV PREEMINENT Rating- Martindale-Hubbell
- Super Lawyer-Thomson Reuters
- Best Attorney/Law Firm-Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois 2018,2020,2021,2022 Reader’s Choice Awards
- Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers-The National Trial Lawyers
- Top 25 Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers (Illinois and Iowa)- The National Trial Lawyers
- Top 25 Brain Injury Lawyers (Illinois and Iowa)- The National Trial Lawyers
- Top 25 Medical Malpractice Lawyers (Illinois and Iowa)- The National Trial Lawyers
- Top 10 Nursing Home Lawyers (Illinois and Iowa)- The National Trial Lawyers
- Top 10 Trucking Lawyers (Illinois and Iowa)- The National Trial Lawyers
- Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Lawyers (Illinois and Iowa)- The National Trial Lawyers
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Best Attorneys of America, Rue Ratings
- Client Champion- Martindale-Hubbell
- Superb Rating (10/10)-AVVO Lawyer Rating Service
- Client’s Choice Award- AVVO Lawyer Rating Service
- Lifetime Honoree-Rue Ratings-Best Attorneys of America
- Nation’s Top 1% Attorney-National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- “Leading Lawyers” in Personal Injury Law
- America’s Premier Lawyers
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Top 100 Litigation Lawyers-American Society of Legal Advocates
- Top 500 Attorneys in America- Law Dragon Publications
- Life Member of the National Registry of Who’s Who
- Who’s Who in American Law
- Best Attorneys Network
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers-American Trial Lawyers Association
- “Lead Counsel”
- International Who’s Who
- Advocate – National College of Advocacy
- Honoree-Academy of Trial Professionals
- 10 Best Attorneys, Illinois 2019
DePaul
- Who’s Who Among American Law Students
- DePaul Legal Clinic, Chairperson
- Student Bar Association Barrister’s Ball
N.I.U.
- Golden Key National Honor Society
- The National Dean’s List
- Student Association Senator
- Students Organized for Safety
- Student Tenant Union
- Tower’s Magazine
- Who’s Who Among American College Students
B.H.C.
- Dean’s List
- Student Representative Assembly
- Sociology Teaching Assistant
- Sports Editor of the college newspaper
Experience
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- VANDERGINST LAW, P.C. (04 -present)
President/CEO. Practice focused on all areas of injury law, including but not limited to medical malpractice, product liability litigation, nursing home negligence, class and mass tort actions and all areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation. - VANDERGINST, ROCHE & WESTENSEE, LTD. (7/01-/04)
Managing Partner. Practice focused on all areas of injury law, including but not limited to medical malpractice, product liability litigation, nursing home negligence, class and mass tort actions and all areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation. - BRAUD, WESTENSEE & VANDERGINST, LTD. (7/99 -7/01)
Managing Partner. Practice focused on all areas of injury law, including but not limited to medical malpractice, product liability litigation, nursing home negligence, class and mass tort actions and all areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation. - BRAUD/WESTENSEE, LTD. (1/95 – 6/99)
Partner. Practice focused on all areas of injury law, including but not limited to medical malpractice, product liability litigation, nursing home negligence, class and mass tort actions and all areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation. - BRAUD/WARNER, LTD. (1/92 – 12/94)
Senior Associate Attorney. Practice focused on all areas of injury law, including but not limited to medical malpractice, product liability litigation, nursing home negligence, class and mass tort actions and all areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation. - BLACK HAWK COLLEGE (1/93 – 5/96)
Adjunct Professor of Torts and Insurance Law. - WYLIE, MULHERIN, REHFELDT & VARCHETTO, P.C. (2/91 – 1/92)
Associate Attorney. Trial and appellate practice focused on the fields of insurance defense and subrogation, plaintiff’s personal injury, worker’s compensation law, some exposure to general practice law. - LAW OFFICES OF DENNIS VANDERGINST (1/90 – 2/91)
Solo practice focused on general civil and criminal litigation and appellate work. - LAW OFFICES OF ELLIOT SAMUELS (11/89 – 1/90)
Associate Attorney. Focused on general civil and criminal litigation and appellate work. - LAW OFFICES OF ELLIOT SAMUELS (Spring, 1987 – Fall, 1989)
Law Clerk. Responsibilities included extensive legal research and memoranda writing in diverse areas of civil and criminal law. - DEPAUL LEGAL CLINIC (1988 – 1989 school year)
Student Attorney. Responsibilities included client interviews, research, motion, and trial practice in the areas of divorce, adoption, and bankruptcy.
Publications & Seminars Conducted
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Publications
- “Negligent Use of Self Defense – A Viable Cause of Action, But Is There Coverage?”
by James M. Roche & Dennis A. VanDerGinst
Trial Journal of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Volume 3, Number 1 – Winter, 2001 - “Tort “Reform” Versus Tort Fairness – A Call for Real Justice”
by Dennis A. VanDerGinst - “The Legal Profession Caught in the Net”
by Dennis A. VanDerGinst and James M. Roche
Trial Journal of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Volume 5, Number 2 – Summer 2003 - “Mass Tort Litigation: Is it For The Masses?”
by Dennis VanDerGinst
Trial Journal of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Volume 8, Number 2, Summer 2006
SEMINARS CONDUCTED
- 2015-Present- “Ask The Expert” WOC Talk Radio
- 2012-2013- “Ask A Lawyer Anything” Weekly Program B-100
- Fox Television
Weekly Legal FAQs Program - 1996-2000 – WQAD Television (Quad Cities ABC affiliate)
Mid-day Call-In Program - January 1993 – Black Hawk College, Moline, Illinois
to May 1996 Adjunct Professor
Torts and Insurance Law - March 8, 1994 – University of Iowa, Pre-Law Society
Topic: Discussion Panel for Iowa State
Bar Association, Law Panels Committee - February 28, 1995 – University of Iowa, Pre-Law Society
Topic: Discussion Panel for Iowa State
Bar Association, Law Panels Committee - April 19, 1995 – St. Ambrose University, Physical Therapy Program
Topic: Dealing with the Legal System
and Patient Confidences - May 10, 1995 – Moline Orthopedic Associates
Topic: AIDS Confidentiality Issues and
Recent Tort Reform Legislation - November 14, 1995 – St. Ambrose University, Occupational Therapy Program
Topic: How to Effectively Treat/Serve Patients and Still
Insulate the Practitioner from Liability Exposure - April 4, 1996 – Association of Operating Room Nurses, Davenport
Topic: Medical Malpractice in the OR and Insurance for OR
and Recovery Room Nurses - April 17, 1996 – St. Ambrose University, Physical Therapy Program
Topic: How to Effectively Treat/Serve Patients and Still
Insulate the Practitioner from Liability Exposure - November 5, 1996 – United Township High School
Topic: Overview of Tort Law - November 15, 1996 – St. Ambrose University, Occupational Therapy Program
Topic: Litigation, Insurance Claims and How to Avoid
Malpractice - April 7, 1997 – St. Ambrose University, Physical Therapy Program
Topic: Practicing in Conjunction with the Legal System - April 11, 1997 – United Township High School
Topic: Tort Law and the Legal System - April 8, 1998 – St. Ambrose University, Physical Therapy Program
Topic: Risk Management and the Legal System - May 5, 1998 – United Township High School
Topic: Tort Law and Contract Law - November 12, 1998 – United Township High School
Topic: Tort Law and Contract Law - March 3, 1999 – St. Ambrose University, Physical Therapy Program
Topic: Risk Management and the Legal System - December 1, 2000 – Scott County Bar Association, Last Chance Seminar
Topic: Trial Preparation: The Expensive & Inexpensive Way - July 16, 2001 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Summer Convention, Montreal, Canada
Topic: Internet Usage for Law Firms - July 22, 2002 – Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Summer Convention, Atlanta, Georgia
Topic: Bates: Then and Now - July 24-26, 2002 – Trial Lawyers Marketing Roundtable
Atlanta, Georgia
Topic: Legal Services via the Internet - June 20, 2003 – Mass Torts Made Perfect
Chicago, Illinois
Topic: People Over Profits - July 22-25, 2003 – Trial Lawyers Marketing Roundtable
San Francisco, California
Topic: Public Relations and Community Events - April 11, 2004 – Quad Cities Chiropractic Consortium
Davenport, Iowa
Topic: How to Avoid Malpractice - July 8, 2006- Quad Cities Chiropractic Consortium
Milan, IL
Topic: Disc Decompression - July 15, 2006-Pound Civil Justice Institute
Seattle, WA
Topic: “The Whole Truth? Experts, Evidence, and the Blindfolding of the
Jury.” - June 22-23,2007-Professionally Speaking
St. Louis, MO
Topic: Peanut Butter/Salmonella Litigation, Agricultural Nuisance - October 8, 2007-Scott County Bar Association
Davenport, IA
Topic: Mass Tort Litigation - November 3, 2008- Risk Management and the Legal System-St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Program
- March 24, 2009- Practice in Conjunction with the Legal System- St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Program
- October 10, 2010- Liability Insulation for Treatment Providers- St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Program
- April 4, 2011-Dealing with Patient Confidences- St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Program
- October 15, 2012-Dealing with the Legal System- St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Program
- September 2013- Trial Preparation: Expensive or Inexpensive? – Iowa State Trial Lawyers Last Chance Seminar
- July 2013- Mass Tort Litigation- M&L Management Conference
- 2014- People Over Profits- Mass Torts Made Perfect, Las Vegas, NV
- July 24, 2015- Recent Tort Reform Legislation- Orthopedic Surgeons CME, Napa Valley, CA
- October 2015- Current Issues in Professional Responsibility- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- July 25, 2016- AIDS Confidentiality Issues- Orthopedic Surgeons CME, Napa Valley, CA
- October 20, 2016-Litigation, Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Malpractice-St. Ambrose University Occupational Therapy Program
- October 2016- Anatomy of a Mass Tort- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- March 4, 2017-How to be Effective and Be Insulated Against Liability- St. Ambrose University Occupational Therapy Program
- June 18, 2017- Monetary Compensation for Victims of Crime-National Crime Victim Bar Association, Davenport, IA
- November 2017-Insurance Considerations for OR and Recovery Room Nurses- Association of Operating Room Nurses, Chicago, IL
- April 2018- Medical Malpractice in the OR- Association of Operating Room Nurses, Chicago, IL
- May 15, 2019- Insulating Yourself From Malpractice and Other Liability Exposure, Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association, Moline, IL
- October 4, 2019 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association, East Peoria, IL
- December 4, 2019-Investigation and Discovery of Auto Injury Claims, National Business Institute, Online Webinar
- December 20, 2019-Demand Letters and Damage Calculations for Personal Injury, National Business Institute, Online Webinar
- January 30, 2020-Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association, Online Webinar
- April 28, 2021-Pleadings, File and Client Management for The Complete Personal Injury Paralegal-National Business Institute, Online Webinar
- November 17, 2021- The Personal Injury Paralegal: Plaintiff and Defense Strategies-National Business Institute, Online Webinar
Civic & Charitable Organizations
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- QCA Cares- Executive Director
- Hard Headed Kids
- Legally Speaking
- Jaycees
- Safe Kids Campaign
- AARP Volunteer Legal Review Program