Joan A. Akalaonu

Brandon applies his extensive litigation experience to help his clients reach resolutions that advance their business interests. From advising motor vehicle manufacturers on disputes with their distribution networks to counseling real estate clients on disputes concerning properties they own or lend against, Brandon seeks to understand what drives his clients’ businesses and lets that guide his approach in the conference room or the courtroom. Brandon regularly counsels motor vehicle an...

Pat Nash is a partner in the Restructuring Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He represents a variety of clients in complex business reorganizations, troubled company M&A, debt restructurings, and financing matters. He has counseled companies experiencing financial difficulties, purchasers of and investors in distressed companies, and lenders to and creditors of such companies. Pat also has extensive cross-border insolvency experience. Described as “very commercial, very smart and v...

Jon Ballis is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s leading law firms with 6,500 professionals (including more than 3,000 attorneys) around the world committed to the highest quality legal advice and unparalleled client service. In his role, Jon is responsible for establishing and executing upon Kirkland’s strategic priorities, including advancing business initiatives and promoting a culture of performance, collaboration and collegiality. ...

James H. Cundiff advises clients on family wealth and business planning, federal estate, gift and generation-skipping tax planning, and estate and trust administration. James represents entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and other business leaders and wealthy individuals on estate and tax planning matters. Counseling closely held businesses and family members, James is actively engaged in the structuring of family businesses as well as business control and succession planning, multi-generat...

Matthew Antinossi's practice includes all ERISA-related areas, and he has extensive experience with the employee benefits aspects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including ESOP transactions. In addition to his transactional practice, Matthew is frequently involved in representing debtors in the employee benefits aspects of bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring. Such representations frequently involve resolution of complex ERISA Title IV issues. A significant portion of Matthew's...

Craig Annunziata is the managing partner of the Chicago office and a partner in the Tampa office. He represents management in employment-related disputes. The majority of his practice is before federal and state courts and alternative dispute forums throughout the United States. He also defends management against charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and related state agencies. A significant portion of his practice is devoted to counseling management, prio...

For five years, attorney Craig D. Brown worked as a Cook County prosecutor fighting for victims of violent crimes. The experience proved insightful, as Craig recognized the importance of representing people in need of justice and the devastating effects crime can have on victims. As a personal injury trial lawyer, Craig continues to use that perspective in his practice, representing clients who have been the victims of severe traumatic injuries, wrongful death , product liability , and medica...

Gregg Dorman is a partner in Nixon Peabody’s Real Estate group and has more than 35 years of experience representing sellers, purchasers, landlords, tenants, owners, investors, and developers on real estate transactions across industries and asset types, including retail, office, industrial, mixed-used, healthcare, entertainment, and sports venue projects. My focus I represent clients on all aspects of complex commercial real estate transactions, including the acquisition, disposition, ...

Leonidas L. Bezanis II , a partner at Beermann LLP , brings extensive experience in litigation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution to help clients navigate a wide range of family law matters. Whether representing high-net-worth individuals, high-profile clients, or families facing life’s challenges, Mr. Bezanis approaches each case with the same dedication, ensuring that every client feels understood and supported. His ability to handle complex financial estates and intricate...

Samantha Maxfield Lerner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Samantha Maxfield, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Samantha Maxfield is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.