Erin McAdams Franzblau

Bob Hayward – named a “Notable Gen X Leader” by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2021 and a “Trailblazer in the Midwest” by The American Lawyer in 2022 -- helps lead the team that has been awarded “Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year” numerous times by Law 360. Bob provides direct, thoughtful and practical advice to publicly-traded corporations — across all industries — and private equity funds and their portfolio companies in all ...

Mr. Sevin concentrates his practice exclusively in the area of family law, representing parties in the litigation and resolution of sophisticated matrimonial and family related matters. He counsels clients on a wide range of divorce-related issues including custody disputes, analysis of complex financial matters, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and the disposition of marital and non-marital assets. Mr. Sevin’s peers and colleagues have recognized him as a leading advocate for his...

Representation and counseling of substantial industrial corporations and private investment funds, primarily in connection with public and private business combinations, dispositions and similar transactions, international business transactions, private equity investments, advanced planning for unsolicited acquisition proposals, public and private securities offerings, disclosure issues and other general corporate and securities matters.

Gene Zelek is a Partner in the Corporate and Litigation Practice Groups and serves as Co-Leader of Freeborn's Antitrust and Trade Regulation Practice Group. Gene focuses his practice on marketing-related law, applying extensive counseling, transactional and litigation experience on behalf of a wide variety of leading consumer and industrial businesses and consulting firms throughout the world. His areas of emphasis include antitrust, pricing and distribution, as well as branding, licensing, i...

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.

John O’Neil’s legal knowledge, business savvy, and leadership of complex transactions have earned him a reputation as a global leader in private equity fund matters. John heads the Investment Funds Practice Group, the Firm’s leading-edge global platform that provides innovative and bespoke legal strategies to sponsors and funds of all kinds. John is also a member of the Firm's Executive Committee. John has been recognized by Chamber’s Global, Chambers USA, IFLR 1000, L...

Mercedes Badia-Tavas provides legal and business guidance to clients on a broad range of immigration law cases, with focus on Fortune 500 and small companies alike. Mercedes supports her firm’s offices and clients across various states on immigration employment transfers and up-to-date compliance. As an immigrant herself, Mercedes finds particular fulfillment in helping companies and individuals immigrate to the United States and participate in the American dream through startups and bu...

Phil Comella is a partner in Taft’s Environmental group. His practice spans both regulatory counseling and environmental-based litigation. With over three decades of experience in environmental law and a focus on the solid and hazardous waste industry, he regularly counsels owners and operators of landfills, treatment facilities, recycling operations, and waste generators on compliance, enforcement, and litigation matters arising under environmental laws.

Scott is a trial lawyer who concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on class actions. He was formerly managing partner of the firm, and served on its Executive Committee. Scott has considerable jury and nonjury trial experience, and represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He has advocated for clients in a broad range of matters, including antitrust, fraud and business torts, health care, breach of contract and...

Howard has always understood that business involves risk. Howard works with his clients to understand their business, their goals, and their level of risk tolerance. That understanding enables him to craft solutions that work for his clients. It is one reason why he has represented many of his clients for decades. For more than 40 years, Howard has served as a trusted lawyer and adviser to clients ranging from some of the world’s largest and best-known real estate, tech, software, and o...