David R. Novak

Norah Jones is a founder and principal of C3 Legal LLC. Norah’s practice focuses primarily on representing public charities and private foundations. She also advises family offices and founders in the creation and operation of new philanthropic vehicles. She has a particular passion for organizations focused on economic justice and community safety.

Julie Sirlin Pleshivoy advises high‑net‑worth families, family offices, and entrepreneurs on the full spectrum of wealth transfer and tax planning. Combining sophisticated tax knowledge with a background in investment management, she develops estate plans that safeguard family assets and support smooth transitions across generations. Leveraging her experience and an LL.M. in Federal Income Taxation, Julie brings a distinctive financial perspective to structuring business ventures, succession ...

Peter J. Strand is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Copyright Law and Entertainment Law - Music. Peter J. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Peter J. Strand since 2007. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Peter J. Strand is held by other lawyers.

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...

Marc H. Trachtenberg is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Advertising Law and Trademark Law. Marc H. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Marc H. Trachtenberg since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Marc H. Trachtenberg is held by other lawyers.

Michael Falk is a partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Michael advises clients in connection with qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive and equity compensation, Code Section 409A, Code Section 280G, and the compensation aspects of mergers and acquisitions. His experience includes assisting clients with the design and implementation of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and equity/incentiv...

James P. Chivilo is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Construction Law. James P. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized James P. Chivilo since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which James P. Chivilo is held by other lawyers.

Edward J. Kus is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law and Real Estate Law. Edward J. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Edward J. Kus since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Edward J. Kus is held by other lawyers.

Steven H. Sklar is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Steven H. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Steven H. Sklar since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Steven H. Sklar is held by other lawyers.

Lee is an intellectual property litigator and advisor who manages sophisticated portfolios for clients with worldwide operations. His practice includes the full range of intellectual property dispute and transactional matters, with an emphasis on trademark, copyright, trade secret, trade dress, privacy and litigation. Lee serves as lead counsel before state and federal courts and administrative agencies throughout the country, and he also coordinates efforts to resolve similar international d...