Biography

Jim has been a trial and appellate attorney for 30 years. He has argued two cases before the United States Supreme Court, and briefed a third. He has successfully tried hundreds of trials in state and federal court. Jim has also tried over 100 cases, representing individuals, groups and companies in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations before the SEC, CFTC, NFA and FINRA, and counsels them on compliance policies and related issues. Mr. Koch also provides strategic advice to clients, in and outside the litigation context, on the application of complex statutes and regulatory issues, including RICO and fraud.Prior to co-founding Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona, he spent five years as a prosecutor at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and worked as an attorney at the National Futures Association. Jim has an undergraduate degree from Loyola University, a law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Master’s Degree in Education from Northwestern University.

Jim has taught part-time at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Education and Social Policy, and is an adjunct trial advocacy professor at the Northwestern University School of Law.

Jim served as President of the New Trier School Board in Winnetka, Illinois, and was on the executive Committee and Board of Governors of the North Suburban Special Education District.

Career Highlights

Accomplishments on behalf of clients.

Successfully defended over $500 million in claims in state and federal courts and in arbitrations throughout the country relating to commodities, fraud, securities, and various churning and unsuitability claims.

Over 50 appellate arguments throughout the United States, including cases in the Second, Fifth, Seventh, Ninth and Eleventh Federal Appellate Circuits.

Cases before the United States Supreme Court

Argued the case of Illinois v. Wardlow, regarding the scope of the Fourth Amendment in police investigations.

Argued the case of FSLIC v. Ticktin, regarding the federal jurisdiction of FSLIC matters.

Leader

New Trier School Board, Winnetka, IL, 2003 – Present; President-2005-06;2008-09;2009-10.

Executive Committee and Board of Governors, North Suburban Special Education District, 2003 – Present (President 2008 – 09)

Teacher

Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University School of Law

Northwestern University Graduate School of Education and Social Policy