Jillian S. Cole

In addition to her lender and creditor work, Jill has developed deep experience representing court-appointed receivers. She is frequently retained to guide receivers through the challenges of commercial foreclosure, eviction, and building and zoning litigation, and has built a reputation as a go-to attorney in this highly specialized area. She represents receivers of all sizes, from those managing single properties to those overseeing complex, multi-property portfolios, and provides practical, strategic counsel that balances legal compliance with business realities.

Jill’s practice also includes substantial experience in business litigation. She regularly represents companies and entrepreneurs in contract disputes, partnership and shareholder conflicts, fiduciary duty claims, and other commercial controversies. Her business clients value her ability to combine sharp litigation skills with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach that prioritizes both legal outcomes and long-term business objectives.

Beyond her financial, receivership, and business litigation work, Jill also represents large property owners in defending against housing discrimination claims filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. She understands the nuances of both fair housing laws and the administrative process, and has successfully protected clients against a range of discrimination allegations. By combining litigation skill with regulatory insight, Jill provides property owners with strong defenses and proactive strategies to mitigate future risk.

With a reputation for responsiveness, tenacity, and practical problem-solving, Jill has become a trusted advisor to banks, fiduciaries, businesses, and property owners alike. Her diverse experience allows her to approach disputes from multiple perspectives, crafting solutions that are legally sound, strategically effective, and aligned with her clients’ broader business goals.

Jill was honored in 2024 as one of the Top Women Lawyers in Chicago by Law Bulletin Media and Chicago Lawyer magazine at the 5th Annual Salute! Top Women in Law Awards. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for 2025 and 2026 in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and was named a Leading Lawyer by the Leading Lawyers Network in both 2024 and 2025. Earlier in her career, Jill was selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars every year from 2011 through 2017.

She earned her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and her B.A. from Brandeis University. Beyond her practice, Jill contributes her time and leadership as a member of the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet.