John A. Hughes

Sandy brings a unique perspective combining his legal and business experience to assist his clients in viewing legal issues outside the box. Sandy’s clients appreciate his practical approach to counseling and structuring transactions and relationships to both prevent and solve problems in a manner that leads them to realize their strategic and operational goals. Sandy’s international background and experience have made him especially valuable to international clients looking to se...

Leslie Smith is a litigation partner and was a long-time member of the Firm’s Global Management Committee. She concentrates her practice in the areas of antitrust, class action, and consumer fraud litigation. The Legal 500 stated that Leslie has a ‘good strategic approach’, ‘demonstrates personal commitment to the company’s cause’ and ‘acquires and deploys the best firm talent appropriately’. Leslie is highlighted as “2017 Life Science Sta...

Tobias E. Schlueter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Tobias E., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tobias E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Megan New is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Patent. Megan, 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 Megan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lawrence B, Swibel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Lawrence B,, 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 Lawrence B, is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert J. Cooney, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Robert J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Julie Seymour represents and counsels banks and borrowers, including hospitals, health systems, educational and cultural institutions and long-term care providers; governmental issuers; underwriters; and trustees in connection with tax-exempt and taxable financings. Since 1990, Julie has been involved in billions of dollars of tax-exempt bond financings, including fixed and variable rate structures, as well as secured and unsecured lending transactions. What do you focus on? In my finance pra...

Richard L. Dees advises owners of privately and publicly held companies and wealthy families on control, tax, and business planning issues. Richard helps clients save estate taxes and develop succession plans targeted for S corporations, and regularly consults with other lawyers, accountants, financial planners, insurance consultants and trust officers on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) litigation and structuring business transactions. He also has experience on the farm estate tax valuation ru...

Daniel A. Dorfman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Daniel A., 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 Daniel A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.