Gavin J. O'Keefe

As a commercial litigator and counselor with more than 20 years of experience, Matt brings a creative, pragmatic, and efficient approach to helping clients resolve complex legal and business problems. Matt is co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Group. He has significant, first-chair trial experience in a wide variety of business disputes. He regularly represents clients in matters involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, non-competes, and post-closing disputes. Matt ...

Melissa A. Vallone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Patent Law. Melissa A. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa A. Vallone 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 Melissa A. Vallone is held by other lawyers.

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 ...

Ron Damashek recognizes that litigation is a place very few people want to be, but all too many people end up. Operating from that mindset makes Ron a practical lawyer, working to get to the bottom line quickly and enabling his clients to make educated, cost-effective decisions. Regardless of whether the path leads to settlement, arbitration, or trial, Ron stands side-by-side with each client, prepared and ready to succeed. As counsel to secured creditors, Ron regularly litigates and works ou...

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...

Andrew White advises real estate investors, funds, sponsors, and operating companies on private equity capital raising, finance, investment, and development of commercial real estate. He also counsels on the formation of joint ventures to own, operate, develop, and finance a full range of property classes, including office, industrial, multifamily, hotel, and retail properties. Additionally, Andrew represents purchasers and landlords in sales, leasebacks, and the financing of single-tenanted,...

With more than two decades of experience, Paul Quinn represents private equity funds and their portfolio companies in leveraged acquisitions and dispositions, corporate governance, and restructurings. Paul also represents management teams in employment and compensation arrangements, distressed-focused private equity funds in acquisitions in bankruptcy court and out-of-court processes; and private equity and venture capital funds in minority growth equity investments. Ranked by Chambers USA , ...

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...

Libby concentrates her practice in estate planning in the area of probate with a focus on the estate tax aspects, contested estates and trust reformation. Libby has practiced before the Tax Court and has represented several tax-exempt organizations, including both private foundations and public charities. She has administered numerous large estates and has successfully negotiated favorable settlements with the Internal Revenue Service both at the audit and appellate levels on issues such as v...

Kevin L. Kolton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Kevin L. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Kevin L. Kolton since 2010. 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 Kevin L. Kolton is held by other lawyers.