Derek W. Strain

Ian D. Wagreich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Ian D., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ian D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barry A. Hartstein has earned a national reputation for a career that includes more than 30 years of counseling and representing employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters. He is a frequent writer, commentator and lecturer on workplace issues. He also has extensive experience as a litigator and has defended employers nationwide in individual and class action claims and wage and hour collective actions. He has particular expertise dealing with the EEOC on both a local and natio...

Aurelija Fitzpatrick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Aurelija, 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 Aurelija is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael J. Baum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Michael J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Over the past 25 years, Brian Heidelberger has represented a multitude of the nation’s most revered brands and agencies in the marketing of their products and services. Recognized as Chicago “Lawyer of the Year” in Advertising Law by Best Lawyers and cited by Chambers USA as a “practical solutions-oriented lawyer” and an “expert in the field of advertising,” Brian is sought after by clients for his cutting-edge legal and industry knowledge, responsive...

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

Paul T. Fox focuses his practice in commercial litigation for more than 30 years. He regularly represents litigants in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate level, as well as before arbitration panels, mediators and other alternative dispute resolution forums. An experienced trial lawyer, Paul typically tries cases every year. He has been a member of the Trial Bar for the United States District Court in Chicago for the past 20 years. He also teaches trial advocacy at Northw...

A highly skilled civil, criminal, and appellate litigator, Joel Bertocchi handles appeals in state and federal courts and represents clients in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, providing counsel on compliance policies and related issues. He has argued cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal Circuits and state appellate courts, and served as Illinois’ Solicitor General, the chief appellate lawyer for the State. A former federal prosecut...

Jennifer T. Nijman is a founding partner of the environmental firm Nijman·Franzetti LLP with wide ranging experience in litigation defense and enforcement issues as well as issues involving waste and contaminated property. She was formerly a partner and chair of the environmental practice group at the Chicago office of a national law firm. Ms. Nijman represents clients in environmental litigation and enforcement defense, including toxic tort claims, private party disputes, and actions ...

Melissa A. Vallone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. 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.