James Casement |

Casement Group

James Casement | Casement Group

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Firm Summary

After graduating from NIU in 1984, Jim started his career as a CPA for a local accounting firm for a year before taking a job as an assistant controller for a local wholesale insurance company. In September of 1986, Jim decided to form his own CPA firm, located in Addison Illinois. This was the start of a successful organization for 16 years when it was sold in September of 2002. Jim was operating a successful Financial Planning and Mortgage Broker company when he decided to pursue his lifetime dream of obtaining his law degree. At the age of 42, Jim entered law school in Lansing Michigan traveling every weekend to pursue his dream while maintaining his business interest. After two semesters, Jim accelerated his education by attending law school full time. In a little over two years, Jim obtained his law degree (with honors) from Thomas Cooley Law School. Jim took the July 2007 Illinois Bar Exam and passed it on his first attempt, The Law Office of James P. Casement was soon opened and ready for business. In February 2008, Jim took and passed the Florida Bar. Jim is licensed to practice Law in the States of Illinois and Florida. While attending Cooley Law School, Jim interned with Legal Services of South Central Michigan. He was able to learn about elder issues and family issues. Jim (under Michigan Law) was able to represent clients in court under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Jim also interned at the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office representing numerous clients from initial client interview to a jury trial and everything in between. It is during this time; Jim developed a passion for criminal law and defense, work he still does to this day.

Work Philosophy

John Calvin Coolidge said it best.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

I believe that hard work and determination are qualities that will overcome other flaws, we can if we want to, get it done.

Education

Elgin Community College, Elgin, Illinois
Associates Culinary Arts, June 2011, with High Honors

Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan
Juris Doctor, Litigation, May 2007, Cum Laude

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
Bachelor of Science, Accounting, May 1984

College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Associates in Arts, June 1982

Professional Experience

2007-Present Casement Group Law office, President
2001-2010 Casement Mortgage Brokers, Inc., Vice President, manager/loan originator.
1987-Present H.D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc., Registered Representative, Financial Planner, successfully implement, design and monitor millions of dollars in assets for individuals, corporation and pension/profit sharing plans.
1993-Present H.D Vest Advisory Services, Inc., Investment Advisor
1986-2003 Casement Financial Services P.C., (formally James P. Casement, CPA, Casement & Company, CPA’s) President, 09/86 to 09/02. Sold CPA firm, (September 2002). Started and operated a successful CPA/Tax firm, build from a one man operation into a successful three CPA firm with many employees. Over the 16 years in operation, never a down year with a compound growth of over 15% annualized.

Professional Licenses

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 1984
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 1990
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) 1992
Certified Funds Specialist (CFS) 1994
Investment Co & Var. Contracts Representative NASD Series 6, 11/13/87
Direct Participation Programs Rep. NASD Series 22, 11/28/88
Uniform Securities Agents Law NASD Series 63, 2/12/92
General Securities Agent Law NASD Series 7 GS, 6/25/93
Insurance Producer State of Illinois ACC/Health 10/31/1990
Insurance Producer State of Illinois VAR Contract 07/23/92
Security Principal License NASD Series 24, 1/19/00
Licensed Private Pilot, 1995
Registered IHSA high school baseball umpire, 2002
Licensed Loan Originator, State of Illinois 2005-2012
Attorney, Licensed in IL 2007, Licensed In FL 2008

Civic/Volunteer

Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce, President and Board Member, 1993-97
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Board Member and Director of Stewardship, 1994-1999
YMCA, Elgin Illinois, volunteer coach, 1994-95
The Center for Epilepsy Education, Board Member and Chairman of Golf Outing, 1998-99
Elgin Classic Little League, Coach, Manager, Board Member and President, 1995-2000
Elgin Continental Little League, Manager, 2003-2005
Tribal Chief, YMCA Indian Guide Program, 1993