LAWYER PROFILE
Sheldon Zenner

Sheldon Zenner

USA 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Katten

USA

Practice Areas

Drawing on nearly 40 years of combined experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney, Sheldon Zenner expertly navigates his clients through high-stakes matters, including government and internal investigations, regulatory proceedings, all phases of criminal matters and related civil litigation. Sheldon's diverse client base is made up of corporations, high-ranking executives and company owners across a wide range of industries, including financial services, health care and entertainment. Importantly, his representation of clients goes beyond advising on purely legal issues; it encompasses practical business implications, operational issues, public scrutiny, reputational damage and other considerations relevant to corporate and individual clients with businesses or livelihoods on the line.

Career

Served as chair of Katten’s Litigation department, and head of white collar litigation for Katten for over 20 years. His skills as a trial lawyer and negotiator have been chronicled in numerous books and films.

Co-chair of the Legal Assistance Foundation’s (LAF) Campaign for Justice; named winner of LAF’s 2010 Champion for Justice Award.

Assistant US Attorney (ND Ill) 1981-89, where he served as Deputy Chief, Special Prosecutions and Criminal Divisions.

Clerked for Judge Marvin Aspen (ND Ill) (1980-1981).

Personal

Northwestern University School of Law, JD

Northwestern University, BA

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - Illinois

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial
Sheldon Zenner is known for his representation of both individuals and corporate clients in a range of government investigations into alleged criminal conduct, including those relating to fraud, price fixing and FCPA violations.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Sheldon is a very nuanced and methodical thinker.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
  • Sheldon is the rare lawyer that can draw from decades of experience while still being completely relevant and in tune with how one reaches commercially reasonable solutions.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
  • Sheldon is exceptionally reliable and communicative. He analyzes complex issues quickly, identifies the most strategically significant points, and articulates clear, actionable recommendations.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Katten (116)

California

District of Columbia

Illinois

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership