Theodore S. Potkonjak

Hon. Theodore S. Potkonjak (Ret.) joined MDR LAW LLC as Of Counsel in 2025, bringing over two decades of judicial experience and a distinguished legal career in criminal defense, civil litigation, and personal injury consulting. Known for his fairness and legal acumen during 22 years on the bench in Lake County, Ted also served as a state’s attorney, public defender, and private practice attorney, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the legal system. His addition strengthens the firm’s capacity to deliver reliable, top-tier legal representation to clients across the Chicago area.

Ted has been married for 37 years and has three adult children.

MDR LAW LLC announces naming Hon. Theodore S. Potkonjak (Ret.) Of Counsel to the Firm!

• See the announcement: HERE

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Member, Illinois Judges Association
• Member, Lake County Bar Association
• Past President, Serbian Bar Association of America
• Recipient of the Czar Dushan Award for exemplary leadership and outstanding achievements in the legal profession
• 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

Employment History

• Dec 2024 – Present: Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak – Criminal Defense & Civil Consulting
• Apr 2002 – Oct 2024: Associate Judge, 19th Judicial Circuit – Criminal & Civil Court
• 1995 – 2002: Hearing Officer, Waukegan Unit 60 School District – Student Expulsion Hearings
• 1993 – 2002: Special Public Defender – Felony Defense
• 1991 – 2002: Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak – Criminal Defense Trial Attorney
• 1987 – 1991: Associate, Law Office of Smoker and Starck
• 1982 – 1987: Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office – Division Chief, traffic; Prosecuted all reckless homicide cases and supervised Assistant State’s Attorneys in the Traffic Division; Felony Trial Prosecutor in the Career Offenders and Narcotics Unit

Education

• California Western School of Law – Juris Doctor, 1982
  • Member: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
• MacMurray College – Bachelor of Arts in History & Political Science, 1978

Community Involvement

• Current Board Member, Waukegan Historical Society
• Past Coach: Mock Trial (Antioch High School), youth baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer in Waukegan and Antioch