Carl M. Johnson - a Chicago, IL Municipal Defense Lawyer

Chicago Municipal Defense Lawyer

Updated: 03/26/2026

Areas of Practice

Municipal Defense 50%
Civil Rights Defense 50%

Litigation: 100%

Attorney Information

Overview

Carl joined The Sotos Law Firm in 2025 and represents government agencies and police officers in both state and federal court. Prior to joining the firm, Carl served as Special Counsel at Phillips Lytle LLP, where he handled high-stakes litigation involving breach of contract, business torts, and consumer lending. Before that, he was a Senior Managing Associate at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP, representing clients in commercial disputes involving trade secrets, non-compete agreements, class actions, and intellectual property disputes. Earlier in his career, Carl served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of Chicago Law Department, focusing on Employment Litigation.

Carl received his law degree from Columbia University and a B.A. in Sociology from Yale University.

Awards and Honors

Honors

Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2024
40 Under 40 Gamechangers by WVON and Ariel Investments, 2024
National Black Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40, 2020

Education

Legal Education
- Columbia Law School, New York, New York, 2014
  J.D.
Non Legal Education
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 2010
  B.A.
  Honors: With Distinction
  Major: Sociology

Current Employment Position(s)

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Associate
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Past Positions

Phillips Lytle, LLP, Special Counsel, 2024 - 2025
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, Associate, 2020 - 2024

Languages

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English
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Bar Admissions

Illinois, 2014
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2015
U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2015

Other Affiliations

Illinois State Bar Association

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Contact

Chicago, IL

141 W. Jackson Blvd. #1240A
Chicago, IL 60604

Directions

Phone: 630-735-3300

Fax: 630-773-0980

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.jsotoslaw.com

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Carl M. Johnson - Chicago, IL