Joseph Franke

Derek concentrates his practice on the resolution of complex labor and employment disputes, as well as the development, implementation, and promotion of positive workplace practices and cultures to avoid disputes. Derek counsels clients on compliance with the myriad of labor and employment laws and regulations they face at the federal, state, and local levels. He assists with the negotiation, preparation, and administration of employment agreements and compensation programs, and regularly adv...

Colin Dunn is a highly successful premise liability lawyer, aviation accident attorney, and partner at Dunn Harrington LLC. He obtained his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago, graduating magna cum laude. Mr. Dunn was eighth in his class of 169, and served on the Law Journal. During law school, he worked for the Honorable Justice Ann Williams of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals as well as for the Honorable Judge Ronald Guzman of the United States District Court for ...

Joseph has close to 20 years of experience advising financial institutions on corporate and securities matters. Joseph uses a practical and efficient approach to help clients achieve their goals and has successfully completed over 100 M&A and capital market transactions. He also actively serves as outside corporate counsel for bank clients, including publicly traded companies. Joseph is co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano's Financial Institutions Group. He is a frequent speaker at industry conf...

Ross Emmerman is a broad-based transactional lawyer focusing on domestic and cross-border middle- market mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and other financings and joint venture arrangements. He counsels public and private companies, family offices, and other buyers and sellers of businesses on structuring and negotiating complex business transactions, including purchases and sales of distressed businesses, executive compensation and general corporate matters. Ross also regularly rep...

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...

Damon M. Lyon is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Damon M. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Damon M. Lyon 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 Damon M. Lyon is held by other lawyers.

Jeffrey K. Ekeberg is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Jeffrey K. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey K. Ekeberg 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 Jeffrey K. Ekeberg is held by other lawyers.

Megan New is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Megan practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Megan New 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 Megan New is held by other lawyers.

Todd Schafer is recognized as one of the best trial lawyers of his generation. As the son of founding partner Timothy Schafer, Todd was immersed in the courtroom at an early stage of his career and was given an opportunity to try many cases at a young age. Demonstrating exceptional skill and tenacity, he quickly earned a reputation for winning challenging cases and achieving remarkable results, even in conservative jurisdictions. At just 30 years old, Todd secured a landmark $32.5 million ver...

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...