Passen Powell Jenkins

09/09/2026

Congratulations to our partner, Jordan Powell, on his appointment as Treasurer of The Illinois Society of Trial Lawyers!

Founded in 1934, The Society of Trial Lawyers is an elite, invitation-only group, which comprises many of Illinois’ top trial lawyers on both the defense and plaintiffs’ sides.

If you have questions about the Society or would like to learn about membership, please reach out to Jordan.

08/20/2026

We prepared this case the same way we prepare every case — as if it were going to trial. It involved a young child with a serious head injury, a daycare that failed to act quickly, and a pre-existing condition that gave the defense a ready-made causation argument. Before we ever sent a demand, we had already retained the medical and damages experts, built the timeline, and pressure-tested the liability and causation issues from every angle the other side would raise.

That work is why the case resolved for $6.8 million without a lawsuit ever being filed. Credit to Matthew Passen and Jordan Powell for the result, and to the family for their trust throughout the process.

07/10/2026

EXCESS VERDICT ALERT!!! - We are happy to report that Jordan Powell and Matthew Passen obtained an excess verdict on Wednesday in Winnebago County. They had the privilege of representing a wonderful family for injuries their husband and father sustained in an automobile crash. They further alleged that the injuries prevented him from receiving timely cancer treatment.

The jury agreed and returned a verdict in the amount of $1,434,865. The last offer prior to trial was $400,000, and defense counsel recommended the jury award only $130,000.

The verdict is in excess of the insurance policy limits, but the insurance company is expected to pay the entire amount plus pre-judgment interest to avoid a likely successful bad faith action.

When an insurance company is not treating our client's fairly, we will have a jury force them to.

05/19/2026

04/22/2026

Don't forget to register for the Trial Superstars program hosted by the CBA to take place on June 11, 2026 at The Metropolitan Club

Matt Passen has put together an accomplished panel of speakers, and this is a must attend for any trial lawyer.

Early Bird Registration Until May 1.

https://learn.chicagobar.org/products/trial-superstars-on-presenting-your-case-061126

04/17/2026

PPJ is proud and honored to sponsor the Chicago-Kent 2026 Public Interest Awards. On Wednesday, April 22 at 5 pm the law school will honor students and lawyers that have devoted their time to engaging in public interest and pro bono work.

As a past recipient of the Alumni Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award, Matt Jenkins continues to be heavily involved in pro bono work and supports the work that law students are doing at Chicago-Kent.

The event is free. Should you want to attend, you can register here:

https://lnkd.in/gs7qm7VN

04/10/2026

PPJ recently filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago and a police officer arising from an unauthorized pursuit that resulted in a fatal crash.

Attorneys say they have evidence showing Evan Solano, who chased and shot Alvarez in the back, initiated a deadly “ghost” pursuit that killed 29-year old Eliseo Maya late at night on the Northwest Side in February 2025.