Theodore Potkonjak

Attorney

Ted is an experienced aggressive litigator with over 42 years experience as an attorney.

Ted began his legal career in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, advancing quickly to a Division Chief and felony trial attorney in the Career Offenders and Narcotics Unit. After five years in the State's Attorney's Office, he spent 15 years in private practice, predominantly handing criminal matters, including major felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, and traffic cases, this included many murder jury trials. He also served as a Special Public Defender, handling difficult felony cases for the Lake County Public Defender's Office.

After 20 years of practicing law, Ted was appointed to the Bench as an Associate Judge in Lake County, serving for 22 1/2 years, retiring in October 2024.

In December 2024, he re-opened his law office beginning his criminal defense practice again.

In June 2025, Ted, in addition to his own criminal defense practice became part of Miroballi Durkin Rudin Lucas and Rosenblum (MDR-Law) in Chicago as Of Counsel, MDR is a long established firm that handles civil matters, including but not limited to personal injury, medical malpractice, construction, injuries, Worker's Comp., wrongful, death cases, nursing home, negligence, and sexual assault allegations.

The association with this prestigious civil law firm allows Ted to better service potential clients in much more than criminal defense matters.

Ted has just been engaged by the 22nd Judicial Circuit (McHenry County) to represent criminal defendant's that have a conflict with the McHenry County Public Defender's Office. This selection was based on his qualifications and experience in the field of criminal law.

Even though he is affiliated with MDR Law, the main focus of his practice is defending and protecting the rights of people facing criminal charges that have been brought against them.

Practice Areas:

Education:

  • California Western School of Law, San Diego, California, 1982, J.D.
  • MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois, 1978, B.A. History and Political Science

Admissions:

  • Illinois, 1982
  • Northern District of Illinois, 1982

Associations:

  • Member, McHenry County Bar Association
  • Member, Illinois Judges Association
  • Member, Lake County Bar Association
  • Past President, Serbian Bar Association of America
  • Member, Serbian Attorney Association
  • Past National Board Member and 1st Vice President, Serb National Federation (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Current Member, Serbian National Federation Dispute Resolution Committee
  • Past Member, Waukegan School Board, 1989–1995
  • Founding Member and Past President, St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church (Lake Forest/Mettawa)
  • Former Board Member, Midwest Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church

Honors & Awards:

  • Top Criminal Defense Lawyers - Chicago Lawyer Selected By Peer Recognition, 2025
  • Leading Lawyers, Leading Lawyer, 2025
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