Brett J. Geschke

Barry F. Irwin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law and Trademark Law. Barry F., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barry F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Recognized for his national reputation and success as a child advocate, Dov Apfel has investigated and litigated birth trauma and obstetrical malpractice claims involving children with cerebral palsy and other neurological and intellectual disabilities throughout the United States for over forty years. Those in the legal profession who have worked with Mr. Apfel consider him to be the premier “lawyer’s lawyer” in the area of birth trauma litigation. When families and lawyers...

Rich brings 30 years of commercial real estate experience to understanding each client’s objectives and achieving them proactively and efficiently. Clients routinely seek Rich’s market knowledge and depend on him to handle their largest transactions, as well as their day-to-day real estate deals. Rich represents large real estate investors and lenders, as well as technology companies, in projects located across the country. As a co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano’s nationally pro...

As a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group, Emer focuses her practice on patent litigation and counseling in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With extensive experience representing clients in Hatch-Waxman and patent infringement disputes in federal court and before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), she deftly guides clients through complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Emer frequently partners with pharma and biotech clients early in the product lifecy...

Chris P. Kallos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law. Chris P., 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 Chris P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As a partner in Barack Ferrazzano’s Real Estate group, Julie has extensive experience in a wide variety of commercial real estate transactions, representing both sponsors and investors in all facets of commercial real estate. She is recognized as an industry leader in matters pertaining to real estate development. Julie regularly advises clients in some of the largest and most complex projects in the U.S., from the predevelopment stage through asset stabilization and disposition. She wo...

Michael Melzer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Michael, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John has more than 40 years of experience advising hundreds of financial institutions and their boards on mergers and acquisitions, bank regulatory issues, corporate governance, and securities law matters. John is straight-forward, a good sounding board and strategic thinker, meticulous, and personable. John is the founder and former co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano’s Financial Institutions Group and has advised hundreds of financial institutions on strategic, corporate governance and othe...

Joel T. Cooper focuses his practice on transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, development and partnership and joint venture formation, with a special emphasis on private equity fund formation and private equity investment. As a partner in Hahn Loeser’s Chicago office, Joel is a part of the Business Practice Area, focusing in corporate and real estate law. Joel represents institutional sponsors of private equity funds, major money center banks, life insurance companies and ot...

John F. Kinney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Antitrust. John F., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.