John V. Kalantzis - Chicago, IL
Attorney at Clifford Law Offices
Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago, IL
120 North LaSalle Street 36th Floor Chicago, IL 60602
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
22
Years
Experience
Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
Updated: 10/30/2026
Areas of Practice
- Personal Injury
- Aviation Law
- Wrongful Death
Attorney Information
Overview
John V. Kalantzis is a complex personal injury attorney with a practice spanning aviation law, wrongful death, and serious, multi-jurisdictional injury cases. He represents individuals and families in high-stakes litigation involving corporate negligence and systemic failures, combining strategic advocacy with a thoughtful, client-centered approach to help those he represents navigate life’s most difficult circumstances.
As a member of the firm’s nationally recognized aviation practice, John has advocated for survivors and families affected by several of the world’s most significant aviation disasters. He served on the team that represented dozens of families in the federal litigation arising from the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. He also helped represent four flight attendants in litigation against Boeing after a door plug separated from an Alaska Airlines aircraft during Flight 1282 on January 5, 2024. John is currently involved in litigation stemming from the January 2025 crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 near Washington, D.C., the November 2025 crash of UPS Flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky, and the developing litigation related to Air India Flight 171. His work includes navigating the complex jurisdictional, damages, and liability issues unique to international aviation litigation while advocating for accountability on behalf of families affected by catastrophic loss.
Beyond aviation litigation, John has represented clients in wrongful death, motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, and catastrophic injury matters. He also has significant experience implementing alternative dispute resolution in complex cases, helping guide high-stakes claims toward resolution while developing litigation and settlement strategies without compromising accountability. Throughout his practice, he has remained committed to holding negligent corporations and other wrongdoers accountable while pursuing meaningful results.
John’s work has earned recognition from leading legal profession organizations. He has been selected to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2022 for Aviation Law and Personal Injury Litigation. He shares his knowledge of aviation law through continuing legal education programs, including presentations for the Chicago Bar Association’s International CLE Program and the Travel Law Conference in London. He is active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the American Association for Justice. He serves as a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Assembly and the ISBA Tort Law Section Council, as well as the Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee.
A first-generation Greek American born and raised in Chicago, John maintains strong ties to the city’s Greek American community. Fluent in Greek, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Hellenic Museum. In that role, he helps preserve and share Greek history, culture, and the Greek American experience. He also serves on the board of the Chicago Law Museum and participates in the Hellenic Bar Association’s mentoring program, supporting the next generation of attorneys. His longstanding commitment to community service reflects the same values of advocacy, integrity, and service that define his legal practice.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Best Lawyers® in America, 2022 – Present, Aviation Law
- Best Lawyers® in America, 2022 – Present, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Selected to the 2027 Illinois Super Lawyers® List
Other Sources of Feedback About John V. Kalantzis
Included on the 2027 Illinois Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
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Notre Dame Law School, London, England, May, 2004
J.D.
Non Legal Education
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Northwestern University, June, 2000
B.A.
Major: Economics
Current Employment Position(s)
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Partner
Past Positions
- Curcio Law Offices, Attorney, 2017 – 2019
- Kalantzis Law Firm, Founding Partner, 2008 – 2017
- Resurgence Financial, In-House Counsel, 2005 – 2008
Languages
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English
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Greek
Published Works
Articles
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“Cleared for Resolution: ADR in Aviation Disputes.” PLI Chronicle: Insights and Perspectives for the Legal Community, 2025
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 2004
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2018
Other Affiliations
- Hellenic Bar Museum, Board of Trustees, 2024
- Justinian Society of Lawyers
- American Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Chicago Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation Committee
- Illinois State Bar Association, Assembly Member
- Illinois State Bar Association, Bar Elections Supervision Committee
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Tort Law Section, Council
- Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Photo
Contact
120 North LaSalle Street
36th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone Number: 312-815-7022
Email: Send a message
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