Kelly A. Starr

Kevin represents his clients in all aspects of patent law, including due diligence investigations for mergers and acquisitions, patent counseling and prosecution, strategic management of patent portfolios, and opinion preparation, focusing his practice primarily on the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Kevin’s work encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, including therapeutics such as cellular therapies, gene therapies, vaccines, large molecules (bio...

Phillip W. Nelson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Phillip W., 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 Phillip W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeremy is a real estate attorney with nearly 25 years of experience who acts as a true counselor to his clients. Learning first the business and objectives of his clients, Jeremy utilizes his broad wealth of legal and market knowledge to aid his clients in the successful structuring and execution of their transactions and business goals, balancing strong advocacy with measured deal-making spirit. Ultimately, Jeremy’s goal is to be a long-term strategic partner to his clients. Jeremy is ...

Sean G. Wieber is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Consumer Protection Law. Sean G., 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 Sean G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jim Gaughan is a tough, talented, and experienced commercial litigator who has used his considerable experience and equanimity to successfully represent clients in a wide range of complex and challenging class action lawsuits in jurisdictions across the country. He is relentless about preparation and tactics, constantly weighing and analyzing the respective strengths of his clients, as well as their adversaries, in order to create the most effective and efficient legal strategies.

Jim Cruger, a partner in Perkins Coie’s national Private Equity practice, concentrates his practice in the areas of mergers, acquisitions, formation of private investment vehicles and joint ventures. Jim has represented numerous private equity funds and public companies in transactions during his 28 year career. Public company representation has included Deutsche Post DHL, Leggett & Platt (NYSE), Voyager Learning Company (NASDAQ) and Strategic Hotel Capital (NYSE). Fund representati...

Peter E. Pederson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - ERISA. Peter E., 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 Peter E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Terence M. Dunleavy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law. Terence M., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Terence M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Garret Leach is a nationally recognized first chair trial lawyer who focuses on patent and other intellectual property litigation. He is a registered patent attorney and has successfully led litigation teams in district courts throughout the country as well as at the International Trade Commission. He has also argued for his clients before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. His appellate arguments include a successful argument in front of ...

Steve Napolitano is a corporate partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Steve represents private equity funds, family offices and public and private corporations in connection with leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, going private transactions, growth equity financings, senior and mezzanine debt financings, joint ventures, recapitalizations and restructurings. He also has substantial experience representing private equity sponsors, corporations and senior managemen...