Derek W. Strain

Bill is chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group. He is a litigator who manages employment-related disputes before federal and state courts and administrative agencies throughout the country, and he also serves as a strategic partner to companies and executives concerning the broad spectrum of critical business and employment matters that impact their operations. Bill’s litigation practice encompasses the full spectrum of employment matters. He litigates and advis...

Stephanie advises on complex tax issues, investment structures, acquisitions and sales of special assets, trust and probate administration and charitable giving. She serves as a fiduciary consultant on litigation matters for corporate fiduciaries and interfamily disputes. Stephanie also represents taxpayers on contested tax matters, including federal and state audits and administrative appeals. Stephanie’s clients include high net worth individuals, family offices and corporate fiduciar...

Gary D. Blachman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Gary D., 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 Gary D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Grossmann is global chair of Katten's Corporate practice. Mark knows how to make deals happen. For more than 20 years, he has guided principals and finance sources alike through critical transactions that have helped them grow, compete and realize value. He is known for a refreshingly direct approach that cuts away extraneous issues and gets to the heart of what the parties need. Mark knows that lawyers are often seen as obstacles who can bury the deal in the legal details. He takes a di...

James P. Navarre is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. James 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 James P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Aaron D. Charfoos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Aaron D., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Aaron D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven J. Pearlman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Steven J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sharone Levy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Public Finance Law. Sharone, 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 Sharone is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gary I. Levenstein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Venture Capital Law. Gary I., 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 Gary I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael R. Friedberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Michael R., who practices law in Lake Forest, Illinois, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.