Attorney Profile

About Jacob N. Smallhorn

Jacob N. Smallhorn

Attorney Jacob Smallhorn was born and raised in Charleston. During his childhood his family lovingly cared for more than 300 foster children. Jacob attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Political Science. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and received the distinction of James Scholar, for being on the Dean’s List for eight consecutive semesters.

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Award-Winning Education

Upon graduation, Jacob went to work as an in-district Legislative Liaison for the Illinois Speaker of the House, in State Representative Jack Franks District. After learning he liked interpreting the law more than helping make it, Jacob decided to go back to his Alma Mater to obtain his law degree. While at the University of Illinois College of Law, Jacob received several awards including the CALI Award for Advanced Legal Research and a Pro Bono Notation for completing more than 300 hours of legal public service.

A Diverse Background Of Legal Experience

Jacob’s first job out of law school was with a law firm in Northern Illinois. He concentrated his practice on Business litigation and workers compensation . Jacob then accepted an offer to work as legal counsel for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in Springfield, Illinois. While at the IDNR Jacob helped draft the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Rules. He helped sell a zoo and represented the Department in multiple large real estate transactions and claims.

Jacob, his wife Laura, children Morgan and Evan, decided to move back home in 2015 to be closer to family. Since 2015 he worked at a local law firm practicing in the same areas of law he practices in now. In the fall of 2018 Jacob decided to fulfill his dream and opened his own law firm in his hometown. In addition to providing legal services to his community, he is also a member of the Charleston Rotary Club, the Charleston Masonic Lodge, Serves on the Charleston Public Library Board, a member of the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association, the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, and Coles Together. Jacob is deeply committed to the revitalization of Coles County.