James Gay
Attorney
After working in a small firm helping people recover for their injuries, Jim founded James Gay Law, LLC in 2010 to assist individuals who have suffered catastrophic losses due to the conduct of others in personal injury, medical malpractice, workers compensation and wrongful death claims. Jim brings a strong record of success recovering millions of dollars on behalf of his clients.
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Jim obtained two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and returned to Chicago to obtain his law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 2008. While in law school, Jim was a law clerk at a prestigious personal injury firm in Chicago where he developed his deep desire to help people and a passion for the civil justice system.
Jim has been recognized for his hard work and success throughout the years and continues to earn respect from his colleagues. Jim is a highly skilled trial attorney, obtaining numerous jury verdicts in his clients’ favor. Having grown up in the Chicagoland area from a working-class family, Jim understands how hard it can be dealing with the ramifications of a serious injury.
Jim resides on the northwest side of Chicago in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood with his wife, Caitlin, and two sons, LJ and Tommy. When not practicing law, Jim spends time getting involved in his community. Jim also serves as the Chapter Advisor for the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Loyola University-Chicago and serves on the Alumni Corporation Board for the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Beta Beta Chapter at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Joseph H. Murphy
Associate Attorney
Joseph H. Murphy is an Associate Attorney at James J. Gay Law, where he is dedicated to representing individuals and families who have been harmed by the negligence of others. Throughout his education and legal career, Joseph has been driven by a simple belief: everyone deserves a strong advocate – regardless of their background, financial resources, or the challenges they face. He is passionate about holding doctors, insurance companies, corporations, and other powerful institutions accountable when their actions cause ordinary people harm. Originally from Piedmont, South Carolina, Joseph’s humble beginnings instilled in him the importance of advocacy and the impact that a strong voice can have on the lives of others. His upbringing shaped his commitment to ensuring that all individuals have access to justice and meaningful representation.
Joseph earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of South Carolina. He is a proud first-generation graduate and credits his success both in his education and career to the Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of South Carolina.
Having fallen in love with Chicago while in high school, Joseph made it his goal to move to the city to attend law school and build his legal career. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, graduating in May 2025. While in law school, Joseph distinguished himself both academically and professionally. He completed a judicial externship with The Honorable Daniel A. Trevino, clerked at a prominent medical malpractice firm, and gained hands-on litigation experience at a personal injury firm handling motor vehicle accident and premises liability claims.
After graduating, Joseph successfully passed the Illinois Bar Examination and became licensed to practice law in November 2025. He then served as a Judicial Clerk in the Circuit Court of Cook County before joining James J. Gay Law in May 2026. Outside of the office, Joseph enjoys reading, exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods and parks, attending Chicago White Sox games, and cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks during football season. He remains active in his community and alma mater, serving on the Board of Governors for Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, where he advises current members at the University of South Carolina. He also serves as a Board Member of the Chicago Gamecock Alumni Association.
Cynthia Prado
Legal Assistant
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Cynthia graduated with a degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. After working for other attorneys who specialize in workers compensation and personal injury cases, a temporary position at James Gay Law turned into a full-time position.
Her work ethic is on display every day as she diligently returns phone calls, submits correspondence, and onboards new clients. Cynthia enjoys assisting clients with any questions they might have about their case and she also enjoys the learning experiences the law firm offers her. She learns about new terminology, new methods of working and new ways to help the clients she comes in contact with every day.
The positive work environment also inspires Cynthia as she goes about her day. In her spare time, she enjoys watching sports and reading a good book.
Liz Villagran
Legal Assistant
While she grew up in the Chicagoland area, Liz graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. After graduation, she found a position at a law firm in the city. When James Gay Law was looking for new hires, she was happy to find she could help the firm continue to grow.
Her day-to-day tasks vary, as do the cases she assists with, but Liz’s organizational nature helps with maintaining files and schedules. Liz finds the complicated cases the most rewarding. She learns something new with every worker’s comp case and appreciates the straightforward nature of motor vehicle collision cases. She helps Spanish-speaking clients communicate with the rest of the staff.
Liz enjoys knowing that clients are taken care of at James Gay Law and has even referred people she knows to the law firm. She enjoys the work environment and her coworkers. In her spare time, Liz enjoys creating mixed media art and staying active by playing sports like rugby and softball.
Anelle Sanchez
Law Clerk
After growing up in Orange County and attending Cal State Fullerton for an undergraduate degree, Anelle received her Juris Doctor from DePaul University here in Chicago. She was on the editorial board for DePaul’s College of Law Journal of Women, Gender & the Law and was the symposium editor during her last term.
Anelle’s desire to accomplish tasks in a timely manner helps with the many items on her daily to-do list. She does research for cases, drafts pleadings, motions, and demand letters. Her position as the law clerk at James Gay Law allows her to interact with clients and help people through her work on cases. She became interested in personal injury law when she took an insurance law class in law school and now she gets to help those with similar cases to those she studied.
Anelle enjoys the opportunity she has at James Gay Law to work with an area of the law that interests her and help people in the process. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering and being outdoors, taking walks along the river or lake when she can.
Dunya Maki
Law Clerk
Dunya Maki is a Law Clerk at James J. Gay Law and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at DePaul University College of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduating with highest honors.
Dunya is a member of DePaul University’s Moot Court Society and is excited to continue developing her advocacy and litigation skills throughout law school. At James J. Gay Law, she assists attorneys with legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, organizing case materials, and supporting litigation matters. She is excited to begin her legal career with the firm and looks forward to contributing to the team’s commitment to client advocacy.
Outside of the office, Dunya enjoys spending time at the beach, listening to music, working out, and spending time with family and friends. She is committed to providing thoughtful, detail-oriented support to the firm’s attorneys and clients while continuing to grow as a future litigator.
Olivia Barone
Law Clerk
Olivia Barone is a third-year law student at DePaul University College of Law. After working as a staff editor, she now serves as Managing & Business Editor of the DePaul Journal of Health Care Law.
Olivia graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 2024. During her undergraduate studies, she was an active member of Empowering Women in Law, an organization dedicated to mentorship and professional development for aspiring attorneys.
As a Law Clerk, Olivia supports attorneys with legal research, document drafting, client communication, and trial preparation. She previously gained courtroom experience as a judicial extern at the Richard J. Daley Center, where she observed proceedings and further developed her legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Outside the office, Olivia enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new recipes, and traveling.