Jim Smith is a nationally recognized consumer protection attorney with two decades of experience holding credit reporting agencies, banks, and debt collectors accountable. As co-founder of Fair Credit Attorneys, Jim focuses on cases involving inaccurate credit reporting, identity theft, and violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Before launching the firm, Jim spent over 14 years litigating class actions on behalf of consumers nationwide. In 2019, he partnered with longtime mentor Richard Doherty to build a firm dedicated to helping individuals correct credit reporting errors and pursue meaningful relief when those errors cause real-life harm.
Jim believes no one should be denied housing, employment, or financial opportunity because of inaccurate credit data. His practice blends aggressive legal advocacy with practical guidance, and he frequently works alongside family law attorneys and financial professionals to support clients navigating divorce and identity theft recovery.
Jim earned his law degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law in 2005 and lives in Orland Park, Illinois, with his wife and three children. Outside the office, he enjoys coaching youth baseball and spending time with his family.
Education
- University of Illinois Chicago – J.D. – 2005
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Federal Court Admissions
- 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
District Courts
- Arkansas Western District Court
- Colorado District Court
- Florida Middle District Court
- Georgia Northern District Court
- Illinois Central District Court
- Illinois Northern District Court
- Indiana Northern District Court
- Indiana Southern District Court
- Kentucky Western District Court
- Michigan Eastern District Court
- Michigan Western District Court
- New York Eastern District Court
- New York Southern District Court
- Tennessee Middle District Court
- Texas Western District Court
- Wisconsin Eastern District Court
