Jason is an arts appreciator, societal scholar, and cultural commentator who wonders what inspires.
Aesthetics and creativity are essential elements of Jason's life. He has a deep love of the arts, and he has been active in the creative and performing arts for nearly thirty years. He performed with multiple winterguards and drum corps from around the country, and studied acting, dance, vocal performance, and flute performance, all in conservatory settings. He is currently studying for a master's degree in film and visual culture. He also studied the philosophy of art and aesthetics, art theory, and cultural theory as related to art and performance, all in rigorous academic settings. His experience as a professional artist includes serving as choreographer, designer, consultant, and technician to multiple drum corps and marching bands from around the Midwest. Jason has sat on the executive boards for several arts, theater, and performance organizations in the Chicago area. He loves attending concerts and live music shows, as well as theater and dance performances of all sorts.
Jason's fascination with creativity has led him to engage widely and deeply with the artistic world. His passion for creative expression has helped him relate to and foster meaningful relationships with artists of all levels and of varying backgrounds. Jason's curious and open-hearted nature helps him to ask thoughtful questions that encourage artistic growth and exploration. His goal is always to engage in a way that helps him to explore the artistic world critically but without negativity. He's worked hard to nurture an aura of gentle enthusiasm, and he is always excited to explore the many contexts in which artistic expression flourishes.
Ever the aspiring polymath, Jason's scholarly work historically focused on behavioral science, tax policy, international and comparative law and taxation, and political philosophy. His current academic interests include the philosophy of art and art criticism (especially regarding cinema and screen cultures), social policy, political sociology and messaging, fiscal and monetary policy, and social entrepreneurship. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Chicago.
As a legal professional, Jason counsels his law firm's attorneys on sensitive professional responsibility and liability issues, including the application and interpretation of relevant rules of professional conduct. He identifies ethical conflicts, develops appropriate solutions in collaboration with firm partners and other stakeholders, and facilitates resolution of issues regarding new client and matter intake, as well as new attorney and staff hiring. He also advises firm attorneys on professional practice issues and firm policies, and he works closely with the firm's general counsel and director of loss prevention in connection with risk management issues. On a pro bono basis, Jason assists creative and performing artists with their legal, tax, and business issues. He also assists arts-related institutions and organizations, as well as various other nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations.
Jason grew up in Milwaukee, but Chicago is really his home. He is an avid news-radio and podcast listener, and he enjoys learning about coffee, tea, beer, whisky, wine, and cheese. He tries--with varying success, given his schedule--to read at least one non-academic book each month and watch at least one independently-produced documentary each week.
"I am not your lawyer." In Jason's social media handles, he adopts the suffix "esq." And indeed, Jason is a lawyer. However, for the avoidance of doubt, unless you have an express agreement with him to the contrary, Jason is not your lawyer. Nothing on this website is intented to be or should be construed as legal advice.
The suffix "esq." is short for "esquire," and it has a rich history and multiple uses over the centuries. It originated in medieval England, where it was initially used as a title of respect or social rank, just below the status of a knight. The term comes from the Old French word "esquier," meaning "shield-bearer," as esquires often served as attendants to knights. But the usage of "esq." has evolved over time, and its meaning has shifted depending on the context and geographical region. In some countries and professions, "esq." may be used as a mark of respect or to denote a specific social standing, though these uses are less common and may be considered archaic.
In the United Kingdom, the term "esquire" has traditionally been used as a courtesy title for various social classes, including younger sons of noblemen, members of the gentry, and later, for all men who did not possess a higher title. Today, the usage of "esq." in the UK is less common and less formal. It may still be used in certain social settings, on official correspondence, or in legal documents, but it does not seem to carry any legal or professional significance.
In the United States, the use of "esq." has become more specific over time, primarily as a professional suffix for attorneys and lawyers. The tradition of using "esq." for lawyers can be traced back to the colonial period, when many American legal practices were modeled after the English system. Today, the use of "esq." as a suffix for an individual's name typically indicates that the person is a licensed attorney, though it is of course not a requirement for practicing law. Some jurisdictions have specific rules about the use of "esq." by attorneys, but generally, using it is a matter of personal preference or professional courtesy.
So why does Jason use it? His use of "esq." subtly references his legal background without expressly inviting legal inquiries. It also acknowledges historical and literary lawyers—in classic courtroom stories and narratives, for example, the use of "esq." was more prevalent for designating characters who were attorneys or otherwise represented the law. For Jason, this suffix pays tribute to the inspirations for his study and practice of law. And in a world influenced by aesthetics, it adds a touch of panache to his social media handles, while also nodding cheekily to his background.
