He received his B.A. in 1971 with Honors from the University of Illinois Chicago and J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1975. Prior to starting his private practice in 1979, he held positions as a Hearing Officer at the Illinois Commerce Commission, Cook County Assistant Public Defender, Illinois Assistant Attorney General and Counselor to Commissioners - Illinois Industrial Commission. Jay loves to bike and golf with his spouse Kim who is pursing a PhD. at the UIC College of Nursing. They have 5 children from Epidemiologist to high school sophomore.