Jeffrey S. Wrage
Attorney/Partner
Assistant Name:
Sandy Lessentine
Paralegal:
Ann Cierniak

Areas of Practice:
--Personal Injury
--Wrongful Death
--Medical Negligence
--Insurance Disputes
--Business and Commercial Litigation
--Employment Law
                 
Professional Credentials:

--J.D., Valparaiso University School of Law, 1994
--B.S., Business Economics & Public Policy, Indiana University - Bloomington, 1991
--Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, National Board of Trial Advocacy

Bar Admission:

--Indiana, 1994
--Illinois, 1994
--U.S. District Court, Northern & Southern Districts of Indiana
--U.S. District Court, Northern
District of Illinois
--U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit

Additional Achievements:

--National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2003
--Certified member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Membership Associations:

--Brain Injury Association of Indiana
--Indiana State Bar Association
--Illinois State Bar Association
--Porter County Bar Association
--Indiana Trial Lawyers Association - Sustaining Member
--The American Association for Justice, formerly The Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Publications and Presentations:

--Numerous publications
--Numerous legal presentations at various functions

Published Cases:

--Numerous appellate cases

Personal:

--Born in Rockford, Illinois, Dec. 6, 1968

"The social purpose of tort law is accident and injury prevention.  It is only when we fail in our initial purpose that we move to the secondary purpose, which is compensation for the injured person." - Harry M. Philo

As a plaintiffs’ advocate, Mr. Wrage represents individuals and families in state and federal courts in all types of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, including auto, heavy truck, motorcycle, medical negligence, product liability and construction cases.  Mr. Wrage’s previous experience defending these types of cases serves him well in counseling his clients on what to expect in the litigation process and in helping them reach a successful conclusion.  Due to his prior experience on the “other side”, Mr. Wrage understands how insurance companies and defense attorneys evaluate and defend cases.    

Mr. Wrage also handles business and commercial litigation including real estate, contract, construction, and employment discrimination claims for individuals and businesses.  In addition, Mr. Wrage becomes involved in complex litigation for the firm’s municipal and conservancy district clients.

Mr. Wrage’s extensive civil jury trial experience in state and federal courts resulted in him applying for and becoming approved as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  Board certification is a credential above and beyond a license to practice law.  The certification is awarded to attorneys who meet a rigorous set of litigation and examination criteria established by the NBTA which is accredited by the American Bar Association to assist consumers in finding experienced and highly qualified trial lawyers.  Mr. Wrage is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum which is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Mr. Wrage is the only Valparaiso attorney, and 1 of only 8 Indiana lawyers, to have earned both distinctions.

Active within his church as a lector at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Jeff also previously served as pastoral council co-leader and a member of the Catholic Parish Alliance.  Also active within the community, Mr. Wrage discusses legal topics at local area schools, civic gatherings, labor union meetings, Chamber of Commerce programs and at Indiana University Northwest.  Jeff also devotes time to the Valparaiso Lions Club where he previously served on that club’s executive council.