Eric S. "Rick" Rein

Matthew M. Murphy is a partner in the Financial Restructuring group, a member of the Special Situations Group, and the chair of the Chicago Office. He advises a variety of clients in complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings, and troubled company M&A. Mr. Murphy has counseled clients up and down the capital structure through out-of-court and Chapter 11 restructuring initiatives, the purchase of or investment in distressed companies, and post-petition lending.

Recognized by her peers and clients as a leader in commercial real estate, Amy Blumenthal has more than 35 years of experience in all areas of real estate, including office, retail, hotel, industrial and luxury residential properties, often concentrating on acquisitions, sales and financing, as well as real estate development. Her clients, from a variety of industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, and food and beverage, value her ability to listen and understand their priorities and nee...

Sanford E. Perl (Sandy) concentrates on the corporate, securities and tax aspects of complex business transactions, including leveraged buy-outs of public and private companies; strategic mergers, acquisitions, investments and joint ventures; venture capital and growth equity investments; divestitures; initial public offerings; private equity fund formations; executive compensation; and debt and equity restructurings and workouts. He manages transactions in a wide variety of industries, inclu...

Thomas Arden concentrates on federal court litigation in the areas of unfair competition, trademark , copyright , advertising, and related areas; licensing and transfers of copyright and trademark interests; litigation before the United States Trademark Trial & Appeal Board; Internet domain name disputes throughout the world; and foreign copyright and trademark matters. Mr. Arden’s litigation experience includes appeals before the Seventh, Eighth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals ...

With nearly 30 years of experience working with clients that include household brands and, in particular, mid-market businesses, John is able to remain calm and focused when encountering challenging environments. He helps clients to reduce stress in service of negotiating their desired resolution. Because copyright and trademark litigation is frequently used as a competitive tool, John works to ensure efficiency and preserve client resources throughout the litigation process, including elimin...

Mark Zimmerman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Patent Law. Mark practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Mark Zimmerman since 2027. 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 Mark Zimmerman is held by other lawyers.

Brian Audette is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Brian practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Brian Audette since 2027. 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 Brian Audette is held by other lawyers.

Ziemowit T. Smulkowski is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Ziemowit T. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Ziemowit T. Smulkowski since 2026. 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 Ziemowit T. Smulkowski is held by other lawyers.

Philip A. Bareck is a shareholder with Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca PC in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the firm in 1991, became a partner in 2003, and a shareholder in 2007. His practice is focused on W orkers’ Compensation Law - Claimants , representing injured workers throughout Illinois in workers’ compensation and occupational disease matters. Philip also serves as an Adjunct Professor at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he teaches Workers&rs...

Kevin Van Wart is a partner Kirkland's Chicago office, where he concentrates in complex litigation, including mass tort claims, class action lawsuits, product liability and pharmaceutical claims, and high stakes commercial disputes. Kevin has served as lead trial and appellate counsel in a wide variety of cases throughout the country and teaches trial advocacy at the University of Chicago Law School. The National Law Journal featured Kevin's successful trial work in naming Kirkland to its 200...