Chicago

Since opening in 2001, Arnold & Porter’s Chicago office has grown considerably, and is now home to over 50 lawyers. We provide sophisticated litigation, transactional, and regulatory capabilities for clients based in the area, as well as those with commercial interests throughout the Midwest. We also routinely partner with colleagues throughout the firm to provide seamless service across the United States and around the globe. 

A diverse group of clients rely on our Chicago attorneys to serve as trusted advisors on complex issues in a host of the firm’s core practice areas, including corporate, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, finance (leveraged loans, private capital, structured products, asset securitization), financial services, bankruptcy & restructuring, real estate, healthcare, life sciences, environmental, financial services, antitrust, commercial litigation, intellectual property, food and beverage, consumer products, government contracts, employee benefits, securities enforcement, and white collar defense. 

Our leading practitioners leverage deep industry and government experience to achieve successful results. Areas in which we are particularly well known locally include:

Corporate & Finance

Our team provides guidance on a wide array of intricate transactions, including mergers & acquisitions, dispositions, going-private transactions, joint ventures and other private equity transactions, mezzanine financing, and venture capital. Additionally, we advise on an array of secured and unsecured lending transactions, refinancings, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, mortgage loans, receivables financings, loan portfolio acquisitions, and both senior and subordinated loan participations.

Bankruptcy & Restructuring

We are dedicated to guiding lenders, creditors, distressed companies, and other stakeholders through restructurings in and out of court and in cross-border transactions. Our team oversees large and middle-market restructurings, distressed M&A, and change of control transactions. We also represent banks negotiating and restructuring troubled loans and providing additional financing, providing comprehensive support to borrowers coping with financial distress.

Commercial Litigation

Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in numerous jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts, as well as in international arbitrations. We manage complex disputes across various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, banking, healthcare, and life sciences. Our practices cover breach of contract, securities enforcement, data privacy, mass torts, trade secrets, ERISA, fraud, qui tam actions, and financial litigation before the DOJ, SEC, FINRA, and state attorneys general. Additionally, we conduct sensitive investigations related to workplace culture, harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation.

Intellectual Property

We excel in patent and trademark litigation across multiple industries, adeptly managing high-stakes lawsuits and complex cases involving trade secrets and multiple patents. Our team represents clients in matters concerning patents, trademarks, copyrights, false advertising, and unfair competition, ensuring robust protection of their intellectual assets.

Food and Beverage 

We advise local and international clients on operational, regulatory, and environmental health and safety issues affecting the development, production, sale, and distribution of food and beverages, dietary supplements, agricultural products, and chemicals. 

Real Estate

We advise on real estate acquisitions, development, financing, dispositions, and foreclosures and deed-in-lieu transactions for a wide range of clients, including bondholders in defaulted financings. We also assist clients in the acquisition and redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties, and provide strategic counsel on public-private partnerships, corporate incentives, and tax increment financing.

A number of lawyers and practice areas in our Chicago office are routinely recognized by Chambers, Legal 500, The American Lawyer, Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers, IFLR1000, Managing Intellectual Property, and World Trademark Review.