Firm History

A Trusted Illinois Personal Injury Law Firm Growing Steadily, Serving Exceptionally, and Delivering Excellence.

John J. Malm & Associates was founded in 2001 with a disciplined and intentional vision: build a personal injury litigation firm that would grow steadily, never at the expense of client service, and consistently deliver excellence in every case. Expansion was never pursued for size alone. Growth would be earned, through preparation, trust, and results.

2001: A Focused Beginning in Wheaton

The firm began in Wheaton in 2001 with just two people—John and a secretary—and a clearly defined standard. Every case would be prepared as though trial were inevitable. Medical records would be analyzed thoroughly. Liability investigations would be comprehensive. Insurance policies would be evaluated strategically. Clients would have direct access to their attorney.

Early matters centered on automobile and trucking collisions, serious injury claims, and wrongful death cases. Referrals increased because clients experienced responsiveness, clarity, and preparation. The firm’s reputation developed one file at a time.

2003: Relocating to Naperville

As the practice expanded across DuPage, Kane, Cook, and Will counties, the firm relocated to Park Street in Naperville in 2003. The move reflected steady growth and a long-term commitment to accessibility and professionalism.

The relocation supported a growing caseload and expanding litigation demands. By this time, a paralegal had been added to strengthen case development and organization. Litigation complexity was increasing. Cases required coordination with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, economists, and life-care planners. Systems were refined to support preparation, not volume.

Growth remained measured. Service remained personal.

2013: Expanding into a Newly Built Space Across the Hall

In 2013, continued growth required additional space. The firm expanded into a newly constructed build-out across the hall from its existing Naperville location on Park Street, designed to John’s exacting standards.

This expansion symbolized earned progress. The new space was intentionally structured to support disciplined case preparation, organized workflow, and a professional environment that reflects the seriousness of the firm’s trial practice.

In the few years that followed, attorneys Jason Schneider, Sara Bendoff, Rachel Legorreta, and Alyssa Pullara joined the firm. The firm’s support staff also grew during this time. Each addition strengthened litigation depth while preserving accessibility and responsiveness.

At the core of that growth was a clear philosophy from the firm’s founder:

“When I founded this firm in 2001, I was not trying to build the largest practice. I wanted to build one worthy of trust. We have grown steadily because we refused to compromise on preparation, communication, or integrity. Excellence defines our work: every case, every client, every time.”

2020: Opening the St. Charles Location

In 2020, the firm opened its St. Charles location, extending its presence into the Fox Valley region. Many of the firm’s attorneys live in Naperville and throughout the Fox Valley area, and a significant portion of the firm’s clients reside in both communities.

With strong local roots in each region, operating from two locations simply made sense. It enhanced accessibility, reduced travel burdens for clients, and allowed the firm to better serve the communities where its attorneys live and work.

As with prior expansions, growth remained intentional and steady.

A Comprehensive Personal Injury Practice

Over more than two decades, the firm’s experience has expanded across a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Automobile accidents
• Trucking and commercial vehicle collisions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Wrongful death claims
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Premises liability (slip and fall)
• Dog bites and animal attacks, including severe pit bull attack cases
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims

Each matter, whether involving catastrophic injury, institutional negligence, or complex insurance disputes, is prepared with the same disciplined approach: investigate early, document thoroughly, and remain trial-ready.

The Firm’s Recent Representative Results

The firm’s steady growth continues to be reflected in recent outcomes across practice areas:

• $3.9 million recovery in a wrongful death case
• $2 million recovery in a medical malpractice case
• $2 million recovery in a motorcycle accident case
• $1.6 million recovery in a tire failure product liability case
• $1.5 million recovery in a commercial truck accident case
• $1.35 million recovery in a serious automobile collision
• $826,000 recovery in a bicycle accident case
• $765,000 recovery in a dog bite case
• $737,000 recovery in a car accident involving a significant shoulder injury
• $792,000 recovery in an underinsured motorist (UIM) arbitration
• $717,000 recovery in a separate underinsured motorist (UIM) claim

Since 2001, the firm has helped clients recover more than $100 million in compensation.

Litigation Across Illinois and Beyond

Over the years, the firm’s attorneys have appeared in courtrooms throughout Illinois trial courts, appellate courts, and federal court. Certain matters required coordination with out-of-state or national defendants. Preparation remains consistent regardless of venue.

Trial readiness strengthens negotiation. Preparation strengthens results.

Measured Growth. Enduring Standards.

Today, the firm brings more than 95 years of combined personal injury litigation experience, led by John’s tenure as a nationally recognized trial lawyer. Thousands of individuals and families have been represented.

Despite expansion, the firm remains intentionally structured for accessibility. Clients speak directly with attorneys. Calls are returned. Strategy is explained clearly and candidly.

Client experience remains central to the firm’s identity:

“No matter how much we grow, our commitment to service does not change. We want every client to feel as though they are our only client. That means returning calls, answering questions honestly, preparing thoroughly, and standing beside them at every stage. Personal attention is not an extra, it is our responsibility.”

The Enduring Theme

From Wheaton in 2001, to the Naperville relocation in 2003, to the newly built expansion across the hall in 2013, and the St. Charles location added in 2020, the firm’s history reflects disciplined, intentional growth rooted in community presence.

Different cases. Different injuries. Different courtrooms.

One standard:

Grow steadily. Serve personally. Deliver excellence.