New Jersey Trial Lawyer · 30+ Years Experience

Fighting for Justice.
One Case at a Time.

Tim McIlwain is one of fewer than 10 attorneys in New Jersey — out of approximately 62,000 — personally trained by legendary trial lawyer Gerry Spence at the prestigious Thunderhead Ranch in Wyoming.

Handling cases in personal injury, civil rights, employment law, and more across eight states.

💬 Free Case Evaluation ☎ (609) 808-2883

“Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”

— Abraham Lincoln

About Tim McIlwain

A Trial Lawyer Who Fights for the People

Timothy McIlwain is a trial lawyer and graduate of the advanced level of the prestigious Gerry Spence Method. For more than 30 years, he has focused his practice on impact litigation in the areas of civil rights, consumer and employees' rights, and sports law. Tim McIlwain represents the people — the little guy.

In 2008, Tim spent a month at Gerry Spence's Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming, training from 9am to 9pm on jury trial skills with the nation's best trial lawyer instructors. In August 2025, he completed the Gerry Spence Method Advanced Level — approximately two weeks of intensive advanced jury trial training at the ranch.

Tim is an adjunct professor teaching sports law at Temple University's Fox School of Business. He has made numerous television and radio appearances, including FOX Business "Varney & Company," "On the Record" with Greta Van Susteren, and NPR.

“The day our country stops operating under a jury system, is the day I stop being a lawyer.”

— Tim McIlwain, Esquire
Tim McIlwain, Esq. — New Jersey Trial Lawyer
Tim McIlwain, Esq. New Jersey Trial Lawyer
Tim McIlwain — AI Professional Caricature in the Courtroom
The Courtroom Warrior Professional Caricature
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30+ Years of Trial Experience

Handling cases across eight states with a focus on justice for individuals.

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Gerry Spence Method Graduate

Advanced Level graduate — one of fewer than 10 NJ lawyers trained by the legendary Gerry Spence.

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Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in the country.

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Featured in National Media

FOX Business, NPR, New York Times, USA Today, and more.

Areas of Practice

Fighting For Justice

Each case is a story. Our mission is to make sure your story is told — the right way. Tim McIlwain uses techniques and strategies from the Gerry Spence Method to fight aggressively for every client.

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Personal Injury

Accidents, slip & falls, catastrophic injuries, and all forms of physical harm caused by negligence.

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Civil Rights

Police brutality, prisoner rights, and constitutional violations by government entities.

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Employment Law

Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and employment contract disputes.

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Civil Litigation

Complex civil disputes with demand for jury trial across multiple jurisdictions.

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Business Disputes

Contract breaches, partnership disputes, and commercial litigation.

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Bad Faith Insurance

When insurance companies wrongfully deny, delay, or undervalue legitimate claims.

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Product Liability

Defective products that cause injury, including manufacturing and design defects.

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Sports & Entertainment

Athlete rights, likeness disputes, sports injury litigation, and entertainment contracts.

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Intellectual Property

Protecting creative works, trademarks, and proprietary business assets.

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Wrongful Death

Seeking justice and compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.

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Auto Accidents

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injury or property damage.

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Workers' Compensation

Workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and denied workers' comp claims.

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Wills & Estate Planning

Estate planning, wills, trusts, and estate litigation to protect your family's future.

Never hesitate to ask... Do I have a case?

Get Your Free Case Evaluation

What Sets Tim Apart

Trained by the Best

Of the approximately 62,000 lawyers in New Jersey, fewer than 10 have been personally trained by legendary trial lawyer Gerry Spence.

Scales of Justice
Elite Training

Gerry Spence Method
Advanced Level Graduate

In July 2008, Tim spent a month at Gerry Spence's legendary Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming — a 70,000-acre sanctuary dedicated to training trial lawyers. From 9am to 9pm daily, he honed jury trial skills under the guidance of the nation's finest trial lawyer instructors.

In August 2025, Tim completed the Gerry Spence Method Advanced Level — approximately two weeks of intensive advanced jury trial training at the ranch, working with the nation's best jury trial instructors.

The Gerry Spence Method (formerly Trial Lawyers College) is now led by Joseph H. Low IV, Esq., carrying forward the legacy of the legendary Gerry Spence who never lost a criminal case in his career.

Gerry Spence Method ↗ | Joseph H. Low IV ↗

Professional Affiliations & Credentials

Gerry Spence Method at Thunderhead Ranch — Graduate of the Advanced Level Course

Advanced Level Graduate — August 2025

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — Life Member

Life Member — Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Professional Credentials: Gerry Spence Method, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Trial Lawyers College Thunderhead Ranch, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Distinguished Justice Advocates Top 1%
Distinguished Justice Advocates — Top 1% • American Inns of Court Foundation • National Employment Lawyers Association • Sports Lawyers Association • Adjunct Professor, Temple University

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from real clients. Tim McIlwain fights for the people — and the results speak for themselves.

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★★★★★
“It was like having John Wayne in Court with me! He destroyed the big law firm lawyers at trial. It was incredible to watch and I was glad he was on my side.”
W

William

Client · 2026

★★★★★

Amazing in the Courtroom

Tim assisted me on a matter that has been ongoing for a few years. He was able to identify and grasp my situation right from the beginning. He is down to earth and "gets it". Tim was amazing to watch in the court room as he was able to get the important points across in my situation, and uncover the inaccuracies that the other party was claiming without being cunning or aggressive. He has way of getting his point across that the judge listens. Without his assistance, I believe matters would not have gone in my favor. He will go to bat for you when no one else will and actually listen to you.

K

Kerry

2025

★★★★★
Personal Injury

I Needed a Lawyer, and Found a Friend!

Timothy's research into my case was thorough and thoughtful. It was obvious that he had the experience and expertise I needed, but his care and concern for the human side is what really set this counsel apart. Finding an attorney with his integrity, thoughtfulness and courtroom savvy was a blessing to me. His tenacity in the pre-trial and throughout the ordeal, and his knowledge and insight into the law and how it should protect me sent a strong message; do the right thing, or meet my lawyer, Timothy McIlwain in the courtroom! I can't recommend him highly enough even if we did lose the case (which we did not!)!

G

George

2014

★★★★★
Employment & Labor

Trustworthy, Tenacious and Thorough

Tim McIlwain always treated my issues as if they were his. He is professional, creative and charismatic. Mr. McIlwain in my opinion is an expert in the area of discrimination/employment claims. I would not hesitate to recommend him and I would definitely rather have him on my side especially during a trial and depositions.

S

Scott

2014

★★★★★

Excellent Work

Very thankful for everything Tim has done. He is not only extremely professional but awesome and friendly to work with. I'm glad I had someone represent me who not only did their job effectively but also added a personal attention to detail.

C

Cristale

2014

In the News

National Media Appearances

Tim McIlwain has been featured on major national media outlets for his legal expertise and advocacy.

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Television

FOX Business

Varney & Company

Tim McIlwain discusses the legal implications of major sports and entertainment disputes on national television.

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Television

FOX News

On the Record with Greta Van Susteren

Legal commentary on high-profile civil rights and personal injury cases reaching national attention.

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Radio

NPR

National Public Radio

In-depth analysis of consumer rights, employment law, and the American jury system.

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Print

New York Times

Featured Coverage

Tim McIlwain's cases and legal expertise featured in America's paper of record.

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Print

USA Today

National Coverage

Commentary and case coverage in the nation's most widely circulated newspaper.

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Print

Press of Atlantic City

Local Coverage

Extensive coverage of Tim's advocacy for South Jersey clients and community impact.

Coming Soon

The McIlwain Law Podcast

Tim McIlwain will be launching a podcast featuring interviews, legal insights, and discussions on justice, civil rights, and the American jury system. Stay tuned.

Get in Touch

Free Case Evaluation

Contact McIlwain Law Firm for a free consultation. We handle cases across New Jersey and eight states.

All consultations are confidential. We typically respond within 24 hours.

Main Office

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McIlwain Law Firm

2312 New Road

Northfield, NJ 08225

☎ (609) 808-2883
🖨 (609) 450-7017 fax
✉ tim@mcilwainlaw.com

Offices by Appointment

Atlantic City Princeton Hoboken Marlton Red Bank Cape May