Brenda Friedman

Leslie Smith is a litigation partner and was a long-time member of the Firm’s Global Management Committee. She concentrates her practice in the areas of antitrust, class action, and consumer fraud litigation. The Legal 500 stated that Leslie has a ‘good strategic approach’, ‘demonstrates personal commitment to the company’s cause’ and ‘acquires and deploys the best firm talent appropriately’. Leslie is highlighted as “2017 Life Science Sta...

Nicholas Berg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Nicholas, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Wu is a nationally recognized antitrust lawyer who focuses his practice on defending antitrust litigation in federal courts around the country, defending mergers and acquisitions before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division and State Attorneys General and counseling clients on antitrust compliance issues. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/wu-stephen/

Barry A. Chatz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Barry A., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barry A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don brings to the table more than 30 years of experience advising companies and executives on best practices in executive and board compensation. Working within the framework of tax, accounting, SEC reporting, and bank regulatory issues, Don helps guide his clients on how best to recruit, incentivize, and retain top talent as well as advise individual executives in their transition into and out of C-Suite positions. Don is a partner in Barack Ferrazzano’s Compensation & Benefits Gro...

Bob Hayward – named a “Notable Gen X Leader” by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2021 and a “Trailblazer in the Midwest” by The American Lawyer in 2022 -- helps lead the team that has been awarded “Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year” numerous times by Law 360. Bob provides direct, thoughtful and practical advice to publicly-traded corporations — across all industries — and private equity funds and their portfolio companies in all ...

Rich Ungaretti’s practice encompasses all aspects of commercial real estate. He represents owners, developers, lenders and investors in acquisitions, sales, leasing, work outs and development. His practice includes the formation of partnerships, joint ventures and limited liability companies. My focus Real Estate Transactions Today, many real estate deals are large and complex. My work involves managing the process, structuring the transaction and leading the negotiations. Recently, I m...

Chair of the firm’s Associations and Foundations group, Paula Goedert represents nonprofit organizations, including professional societies, trade associations, public charities and private foundations. Paula offers a depth of experience in guiding nonprofits through the challenges they face, and appreciates the opportunity to help make a difference. Paula serves as general or lead counsel for many national associations that represent prominent economy-drivers, industries and professiona...

Melissa A. Siebert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Melissa A., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Craig P. Mannarino is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Craig P., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Craig P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.