Danita N. Merlau

Jonathan Amarilio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Jonathan, 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 Jonathan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew J. Fischer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Matthew J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Scriven-Young is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Environmental Law. David, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Felicia Gerber Perlman represents clients in a variety of complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings and insolvency matters. Ms. Perlman has advised debtors, creditors, lenders, investors, sellers, purchasers and other parties-in-interest in all stages of restructuring transactions from Chapter 11 reorganizations to out-of-court negotiations, workouts and acquisitions. She is a frequent speaker on bankruptcy topics. In addition, she has been recognized in Turnarounds & Workouts...

Robert B. Ellis P.C. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Robert B., 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 Robert B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amy Andrews is an experienced commercial litigator who focuses her practice on financial and complex commercial litigation for businesses large and small. Inquisitive by nature, she prides herself on developing a deep understanding of the business needs of her clients and diligently solving their legal issues, whether in or out of the courtroom. Amy has considerable experience representing a diverse portfolio of clients in complex litigation matters in federal and state courts nationwide. Wit...

Jon Ballis is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s leading law firms with 6,500 professionals (including more than 3,000 attorneys) around the world committed to the highest quality legal advice and unparalleled client service. In his role, Jon is responsible for establishing and executing upon Kirkland’s strategic priorities, including advancing business initiatives and promoting a culture of performance, collaboration and collegiality. ...

Julie S. Pleshivoy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Julie S., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Julie S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

To Tamara Hibbard, it’s never just a contract — it’s a specific parcel of real estate with a history, a future, and a complex web of stakeholders, from owners and investors to lenders, tenants, and local authorities. Tamara brings a keen awareness of context and a thoughtful ability to balance competing interests, understanding that every deal is shaped as much by people and priorities as by property and paper. With more than 20 years of real estate law experience, Tamara Hi...

Mark Filip, a former federal judge and high-ranking Justice Department official, helps to lead Kirkland’s government enforcement defense and internal investigations group, and serves as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. As a partner in the Firm’s Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices, Mark has successfully guided numerous Fortune 100 companies and financial institutions through complex mission-critical moments, counseling leaders and Boards of Directors on high-stak...