Litigation: Illinois

THE FIRM Baker & McKenzie's Chicago office offers a global practice with expertise in cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration, and is particularly well suited to the representation of foreign-owned multinationals sued in the USA. The team's clients include Tatung Company of America and Chunghwa Picture Tubes.

Sources say: "Baker attracts some high-caliber work." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Kent chairs the firm's litigation practice group and is championed by market sources for his "thoughtful, strategic" handling of complex criminal and fraud litigation. Peers commend his "talent for thinking three steps down the line."

THE FIRM This prestigious 60-lawyer litigation boutique has a broad practice ranging from pharmaceutical-related product liability work to environmental litigation on behalf of major chemical companies. The team serves as lead trial counsel in multidistrict litigation for a host of major clients, including the likes of Bayer, DuPont, Merck and Georgia-Pacific.

Sources say: "Bartlit Beck is an excellent litigation boutique with a value that stands out." "One of the top-rated trial firms in the country."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Beck is cited as a "terrific litigator" on account of his highly distinguished practice spanning patent, pharma and complex commercial litigation. He has recently acted as lead trial counsel in the defense of Bayer and Merck.

Adam Hoeflich is a force in multidistrict litigation, known for his counsel in complex class action matters ranging from pharmaceutical withdrawals to mass torts. Highly active on behalf of DuPont, he has recently led its Imprelis and Teflon litigations.

Fred Bartlit, most recently noted for his service as chief counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, is an esteemed veteran of the Illinois litigation market.

THE FIRM Cotsirilos is a multigenerational, family-run firm, native to the Chicago area. Working exclusively in white-collar criminal defense, the team handles high-profile and often confidential federal criminal and regulatory enforcement actions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Streicker is commended for his white-collar criminal litigation practice, which ranges from antitrust and healthcare fraud and abuse to SEC investigations and enforcement. 

Theodore Poulos also has an active white-collar criminal practice and is acknowledged by peers as "a wonderful attorney" for his representation of individual and corporate clients in federal grand jury investigations.

THE FIRM SNR Denton's Illinois litigation team has a long-standing position in the market and is recommended for its handling of both complex commercial and white-collar criminal litigation. In a notable highlight, the firm has been representing key client The Travelers Companies in a class action concerning whether a certain business practice used by insurance companies constitutes deceptive practice and/or breach of contract. Another key client is MetLife.

Sources say: "It's a very professional, experienced team." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Flessner heads the firm's white-collar and government investigations practice.

THE FIRM With a team of more than 25 commercial litigators, the Chicago office of Drinker Biddle handles federal multijurisdictional litigation, primarily in product liability, class action and mass tort matters. Recently, the group has represented Horizon Wind Energy in a number of zoning and permitting disputes and acted as co-national coordinating counsel on behalf of Johnson & Johnson.

Sources say: "Its Chicago office is excellent." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gordon Nash's prestigious white-collar criminal, securities and commercial litigation practice operates on both the trial and appellate levels, and affords him "instant credibility when he walks into any courtroom in Chicago."

THE FIRM This 75-attorney Chicago litigation practice has an impressive track record in trying commercial cases. Its recent work includes defending Motorola in commercial and IP litigation and Equity Residential in a breach of contract claim.

Sources say: "We've been really happy with them. It's one of our primary go-to firms on most issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Dockterman is respected by sources as "a skilled litigator with a good national reputation." With a practice in complex civil and business litigation, he has recently worked on behalf of Motorola, KeyCorp and Toys R Us.

THE FIRM Foley & Lardner's Chicago practice can be relied upon for a range of civil litigation matters and offers a team philosophy dedicated to lean, targeted staffing to maximize efficiency. It handles cases for an assortment of individuals and corporate clients, including, recently, ABN AMRO, Maywood Park and ACCO Brands.

Sources say: "I hold the firm and its attorneys in high esteem."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Bishop is a member of the team's complex commercial litigation practice.

THE FIRM Goldberg Kohn is a midmarket litigation firm with a 25-year legacy in the Chicago community, known primarily for the representation of private and public financial service clients. Particular expertise lies in bank and lending matters, as well as business disputes, corporate restructuring and IP.

Sources say: "It is a very high-quality firm with strength in many areas and does not try to be all things to all clients. The service level is excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Levy practices broadly in the area of complex litigation and is celebrated as "smart, efficient, responsive and simply wonderful." He recently represented Bank of America in a suit brought against Shelbourne Development Group for failure to repay more than $5 million loaned to it.

THE FIRM This Chicago litigation boutique maintains a small-shop feel while offering quality representation to disproportionately large marquee name clients such as Pfizer, Bayer HealthCare, Merck and Major League Baseball Advanced Media.

Sources say: "They're doing some good pharmaceutical work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tarek Ismail practices in the areas of complex commercial, product liability and IP litigation. He has recently been defending Bayer HealthCare in nationwide product liability litigation relating to its drug Magnevist.

THE FIRM Jenner & Block's Chicago office offers tremendous litigation depth and breadth, providing expertise across the board in IP, antitrust, securities, bankruptcy, commercial and white-collar criminal cases. Recently, the team has been active in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy examination, as well as the representation of Ventas in its case of tortious interference with business expectation.

Sources say: "Jenner & Block is a top-talent litigation firm providing exceptional, consistent client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Colman is cochair of the firm's professional responsibility practice and is known within the market for his work in complex civil and criminal litigation disputes. Clients praise his "friendly, approachable demeanor."

David Bradford cochairs the firm's national litigation department and is recognized by clients as "an absolute star" on the Illinois litigation scene.

Charles Sklarsky, cochair of the firm's white-collar defense and investigations practice, is recognized by peers as "one of the best in the city." He represents individuals and corporate clients in matters ranging from SEC investigation, enforcement and regulatory compliance to securities fraud and antitrust violations. 

Anton Valukas is "enormously respected" as chairman of the firm and a "leader of the Chicago legal community." He filled the role of lead attorney in the high-profile Lehman Brothers bankruptcy examination.

Thomas Sullivan, hailed by peers as the "dean of the white-collar Bar," is a seasoned litigator who remains active in investigations and other matters.

Since publication, Chris Gair has joined Gair Law Group, Ltd.

Since publication, Chris Gair has joined Gair Law Group, Ltd.

THE FIRM The Chicago office of this full-service global firm has approximately 100 litigators with specialties spanning SEC enforcement, product liability, tort litigation and IP matters. The firm's high-profile client list includes names such as PotashCorp, Standard Bank and Abbott Laboratories. The team recently represented PotashCorp in its successful defense of a $43 billion hostile takeover bid launched by BHP Billiton.

Sources say: "They were so persistent and it was so incredibly complicated. They really were amazing. There were some legal technicalities we never really understood. We're so pleased with their work. The amount of papers and arguments and motions they filed was phenomenal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Reidy, "top of the game in Illinois," is praised by peers for having compiled the firm's "seriously high level" litigation group. Clients celebrate his reputation as "one of the legendary Chicago litigators."

James Daly is coordinator of the firm's Chicago office and is known throughout the market for his involvement in prominent pharmaceutical cases. Much of his work comprises class action defense, general commercial litigation and fraud and False Claims Act suits.  

THE FIRM Katten Muchin's 66-lawyer Chicago litigation team represents major clients such as HSBC, FCStone and iStar Financials, offering expertise in, among other things, securities, white-collar criminal, civil and complex commercial litigation, as well as consumer class action and insurance and healthcare fraud. Notable cases include the representation of MEMC Electronic Materials in shareholder class actions filed in federal court in Missouri.

Sources say: "Katten Muchin provides excellent professional services."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Sheldon Zenner, national cochair of the white-collar criminal and civil litigation practice, "has an exceptional reputation." Calling on 30-plus years of litigation experience, he recently represented UBS Real Estate Securities in its subprime mortgage litigation.

Gil Soffer is praised by peers as "a substantive player" in the area of white-collar criminal litigation. He is the practice cochair for that area.

THE FIRM With 215 dedicated advocates, Kirkland's Illinois litigation practice is a true powerhouse and a go-to for high-stakes, complex matters. Market sources report being hugely impressed by the depth of talent and resources, which enables the firm to take on a staggering number of major cases simultaneously. The firm's prestigious client list includes the likes of Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil and BP, whom the firm is famously representing in various matters stemming from Deepwater Horizon. In a recent matter for long-standing client Dow, the firm defeated a wrongful death claim pursued by the family of a woman who died from alleged take-home exposure to asbestos. 

Sources say: "When you want to make a statement you hire them. When they walk into a litigation, especially with numerous other parties, the others step back and realize you are a force to be reckoned with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Godfrey counsels large corporate clients in large class action suits at trial and appellate level and has a lead role in the BP representations. Clients praise his ability to digest and translate complex legal issues. 

Robert Kopecky is recognized for securities class action and shareholder derivative suits. He was part of the team that secured a major victory for Motorola in securities fraud and shareholder derivative actions.

John Hickey has a broad practice, with experience in IP, environmental, product liability, consumer fraud, securities, antitrust and contract litigation. Clients include prominent names such as Anheuser-Busch and Boeing.

Emily Nicklin is praised by clients for her "tremendous courtroom strength" in cases involving professional liability, securities, contract, tort and discrimination for clients such as PwC and Medtronic.

Mark Filip has recently reemerged on the Illinois litigation team after having previously served as the Deputy Attorney General. He now leads the firm's government, regulatory and internal investigations group and is hailed by numerous sources for his talent in this space, with one confirming: "Everybody loves him."

Sallie Smylie focuses on pharmaceutical and medical device liability, as well as commercial, securities and employment matters.

THE FIRM Latham is particularly recognized for the strength of its white-collar criminal defense, securities and professional responsibility practices, although it has recently been active in important IP litigation on behalf of a major pharmaceutical company. The group in Chicago is relatively lean but the the firm's stellar national footprint draws major clients such as Honda, Chevron and Nalco.

Sources say: "They're very strong, I'm always happy to be working with them. I know I'm going to get great representation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sean Berkowitz is acknowledged by peers as "an outstanding all-around lawyer," whose move to the firm has really strengthened its practice in white-collar practice. As global chair of the litigation department, his recent activity has involved representing GE against a 'clawback' claim.

Zachary Fardon is lauded as "a hidden jewel" of the Chicago white-collar market. Clients praise his "consummate professionalism," while one peer pays him the ultimate compliment of saying: "I'd hire him if I were in trouble!"

THE FIRM This Chicago-originated firm has recently been busy in large-scale class action and product liability cases on behalf of the likes of Dow Chemical and BASF. In the BASF case, the team is defending against allegations that manufacturers conspired to fix the price for certain urethane products. The team is also extremely highly regarded for appellate work, offering leading brief writers and strategic thinkers. In the white-collar and criminal investigations arena, the team has been active in antitrust and tax cases.

Sources say: "Mayer Brown has maintained a phenomenal practice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vincent Connelly is esteemed by clients and peers as "a tremendous lawyer and premier guy." With a practice covering both criminal and civil litigation, "he's a real student of the law, with particular strength in the appellate area."

Michele Odorizzi has a highly regarded practice devoted primarily to appellate work. Peers acknowledge her skill in brief-writing for securities, accountants' liability and shareholder derivative matters. 

Stephen Shapiro, founder of the firm's supreme court and appellate litigation practice, is acknowledged by peers as "one of the best oral advocates and most convincing writers I've ever seen." His recent activity has centered around Merrill Lynch's class action race discrimination case. He is "truly a unique talent."

James Ferguson practices mainly in IP and complex commercial litigation, but is also known in the Illinois community for his involvement in white-collar defense cases.

Herbert Zarov's practice in mass tort, appellate and commercial litigation is praised by clients, who laud his efforts as "adviser and strategic thinker." Recently, he has represented the medical device company Medtronic in its defense following the market withdrawal of defibrillator leads.

THE FIRM The Chicago-based litigation practice of this prominent national firm takes on high-stakes and complex commercial and white-collar criminal cases for clients located locally and abroad. Particularly suited to handle cross-disciplinary litigation in the areas of tax and healthcare, the team displays consistency in its ability to bring legal and regulatory disputes to trial. Recently, the group has worked on behalf of Orbitz Worldwide in a series of multijurisdictional tax disputes, and for the chemical company Celanese in its $4 billion case concerning methanol supplies to Trinidad.

Sources say: "It's an excellent firm with accomplished attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Rosenbloom is a litigator recognized for his strength in the representation of hospitals and pharmaceutical clients in medical reimbursement and healthcare disputes. Clients suggest that "he is one of the finest white-collar defense attorneys in America," with specific praise highlighting his "deep and substantive personality."

Jeffrey Stone is credited with "having built one of the best white-collar groups in the country." He splits his time between an active litigation practice centered around healthcare fraud and abuse and co-management of the firm.

Michael Pope head's the firm's product liability group and maintains a strong practice in business litigation, reinsurance disputes and liability insurance policies. Recently, his work has included the defense of herbicide manufacturer Syngenta. 

Joel Chefitz leads the firm's securities litigation group and is recognized by peers as an experienced trial lawyer. He handles antitrust disputes, complex business litigation and class action defense work. Recently he succeeded in winning the dismissal of a class action suit against client Care Investment Trust. 

THE FIRM This litigation team has a three-pronged focus on complex commercial, business and securities, and financial services litigation. It acts on behalf of some impressive clients, including WellPoint and Capital One. In a recent matter, the firm defended CompuCredit against a class action alleging the company's credit card marketing programs violated the federal Credit Repair Organizations Act and the California unfair competition law.

Sources say: "The service is excellent and the results are strong."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Hartsell is cochair of the firm's consumer financial services litigation practice group. He "consistently provides top-notch work" in cases alleging improper and illegal conduct by financial institutions and was heavily involved in the CompuCredit case mentioned above. Clients assert that "David is one of the best consumer litigators in the USA."

THE FIRM Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg houses a nationwide litigation practice native to Chicago, whose broad range of expertise boasts a clientele of premier financial institutions and a caseload of both commercial and white-collar criminal matters.    

Sources say: "They have an incredible passion for what they do."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Scott Fisher cochairs the firm's litigation practice group and is considered by clients to be "excellent litigation counsel and a sound business adviser." With a practice centered around class action defense with components of antitrust and commercial litigation, "he has an absolute command of the law and the legal process."

Michael Sher's white-collar and criminal defense practice is notable for his representation of clients such as Walgreens and Avis.

Nicholas Berberian, chair of the firm's securities and commodities litigation practice, splits his practice between the representation of financial services companies and their employees before state and federal courts and regulatory agencies. Clients "have a very high opinion of his capabilities."

THE FIRM At the heart of this international firm's US operations, Reed Smith's Chicago office has gained traction in government investigations and white-collar defense matters.

Sources say: "Their work product is very high-quality." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Miller, a partner in the firm's global regulatory enforcement group, is a key contact.

THE FIRM Existing as part of the largest and most diverse practice offered by the firm, Schiff Hardin's Illinois litigation group houses a team of attorneys recognized for white-collar, commercial and fiduciary duty representations of business clients. Recent cases of note include a lender liability suit and a $3 billion suit involving private MBS.

Sources say: "Schiff Hardin has a strong Chicago presence with litigators that attract high-profile work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hailed by peers as "a terrific lawyer, one of the best in Chicago," Ronald Safer is managing partner of the firm and co-leader of the white-collar crime and corporate compliance group.

Barry Alberts has a practice centered around civil litigation, with an emphasis on business disputes. Peers assert that he is "an especially skilled lawyer." 

Matt Crowl, acknowledged in the market for his representation of private and governmental clients in civil litigation, is described by peers as "an excellent lawyer and a great guy."

THE FIRM Schopf & Weiss is a 19-attorney Chicago litigation boutique honed to provide quality, personalized representation for high-profile clients such as Sears, Motorola and Tyson Foods. It handles a range of litigation and has recently been involved in a patent infringement dispute on behalf of Goss International Americas and various fraud actions.

Sources say: "They've built a terrific, respected litigation boutique." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman of the firm Steven Weiss shows particular finesse in trade secret and IP matters, as well as employment noncompete litigation.

William Schopf "brings a great level of practicality to the business of legal practice." Recently, he has worked on behalf of Goss in its patent infringement suit.

THE FIRM Sidley fields a formidable 200-litigator team in Illinois that handles SEC enforcement, accounts liability and ERISA matters, among other things. Its impressive track record of victories as well as its full-service offering and national network make it an obvious choice of counsel for prominent clients such as AT&T, Microsoft and Johnson & Johnson. The team recently secured a huge verdict on behalf of AT&T at the Third Circuit Court of Appeal in a class action brought under ERISA and the ADEA with potential liabilities of $6 billion.

Sources say: "The Sidley team provides superb service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Scott Lassar has, as noted by clients, "had great success in his legal career," with a white-collar criminal defense practice centered on securities and tax fraud, insider trading and environmental crimes. Peers highlight his "terrific insight and quick thinking."

Walter Carlson, a litigator with particular experience in federal securities fraud suits, is regarded by peers as "a gentleman and a terrific lawyer." Recently he has acted as lead counsel in Johnson & Johnson's shareholder derivative litigation.  

William Conlon is global coordinator for the firm's complex commercial litigation practice and remains an active name on the Chicago market. Peers cite his reputation as a "terrific guy and good choice" for solid legal advice.

Charles Douglas is managing partner of the Chicago office and chair of the firm's Investing in Justice Campaign, funding legal services for individuals in the wider Chicago area. He was heavily involved in the AT&T matter. 

David Graham is a global cochair of the firm's securities litigation and SEC enforcement team, with a focus on complex securities fraud, antitrust and consumer class action litigation. Clients praise his clarity, responsiveness and professional demeanor.

Constantine Trela chairs the Chicago office's appellate practice and is described by clients as "a fantastic appellate specialist, absolutely top-notch in his field."

John Gallo is praised by sources for his strategizing in criminal and internal investigations and litigation.  

THE FIRM Skadden's 50-attorney litigation practice makes up roughly a third of its overall presence in Chicago. Its huge global profile and depth of resources make it a very attractive option for clients seeking assistance in multijurisdictional and large-scale litigation. It has recently been active in shareholder securities litigation, which is widely acknowledged by market sources as a major strong point.

Sources say: "They do outstanding work - very client service-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Recognized on the market for his government-related trial and appellate work, Ryan Stoll is praised by clients for his "excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills."

Matthew Kipp's concentration in securities litigation and government investigations has won him a reputation for defending against alleged accounting irregularities and improper business practices by high-profile companies and their audit committees. Peers assert that he "knows his stuff backwards and forwards."

THE FIRM This leading litigation boutique has a national practice and is revered in the Chicago market for its representation of executives of major corporations subject to investigation. The firm's expertise extends from business and commercial litigation to multijurisdictional representations and governance and internal investigations.

Sources say: "The team is a dogged, focused advocate for its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Stetler is praised by clients as "a brilliant trial strategist" with "a mind for navigating complex federal cases." Much of his recent work has been in the arena of pharmaceutical fraud litigation. Peers assert that "he's a cut above, my first choice to represent high-end executives."

Joseph Duffy's white-collar defense and complex commercial practice is backed by more than 30 years of litigation experience.

Mark Rotert's federal, state and appellate trial expertise is praised by peers, who suggest he is "a very fast study, extremely quick on his feet."

THE FIRM Thompson Coburn's experienced Chicago litigation team is acknowledged in the market for defending and pursuing matters ranging from breach of contract to business torts to product liability. It also has an effective dispute resolution practice.

Sources say: "I have never been as impressed with a group of attorneys!" 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Todd Rowden is lauded by clients as "a highly effective litigator with a great depth of banking knowledge." He focuses on complex commercial matters.

THE FIRM With a trial reputation initially built on the representation of railroad and heavy manufacturing companies, Winston & Strawn's Chicago litigation practice has since expanded to include the pharmaceutical, telecommunications and media industries. It handles the full range of complex, high-stakes litigation on behalf of clients such as Dell and Abbott Laboratories. 

Sources say: "It continues to be a significant player."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman of the firm and "a truly premier litigator," Dan Webb is acknowledged by peers for "parachuting into cases" and proving "spectacular in court." Put simply, he is "a giant in the field." Recently, he has been representing defendants, including in a high-profile false advertising matter recently filed against the Corn Refiners Association.

Kimball Anderson is "a quality litigator," practicing in patent and trademark infringement, professional and product liability, class actions and insurance coverage. He recently served as lead counsel for Dell in a trademark infringement case brought by Sharp.

Bruce Braun is the youngest member of the firm's executive committee and has a litigation practice centered around complex commercial and white-collar criminal matters. He is held in high regard in the Chicago market, and peers say: "He truly is the real thing." 

Robert Sperling has extensive experience representing high-profile companies in complex securities and commercial litigation. He recently defeated a 2.8 million person class action brought against Morgan Stanley and Chicago Parking Meters over the privatization of Chicago's parking meters.

Caryn Jacobs has broad-based expertise in the areas of accounting and audit defense, federal securities and ERISA litigation, fraud, class certification, bankruptcy and general commercial litigation.