Ranking tables

Corporate/M&A | USA

Illinois

This chapter includes company acquisitions, dispositions and related financing arrangements, mergers, joint ventures capitalizations, entity selection and formation, operating and partnership agreements and governance matters. Also covers those transactions designed to help restructuring within companies and their subsidiaries by change of ownership. Priority is placed on primary representatives, those acting for buyers and sellers, whilst those acting for financial advisors, underwriters and the banks financing such transactions are also considered.

Rankings overview for Lawyers

All Lawyers profiles

S

Senior Statespeople

  1. Charles W Mulaney Jr
    S
    Charles W Mulaney Jr
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Senior Statespeople | 24 Years Ranked
    Charles Mulaney is a standout name in the market and is active on some of the largest transactions in the space. He regularly advises on multibillion-dollar acquisitions.
  2. Frederick B Thomas
    S
    Frederick B Thomas
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Senior Statespeople | 24 Years Ranked

    Frederick Thomas has extensive expertise acting for clients in the food and beverage sector. He is highly respected for the depth of his experience on transactions such as M&A.

  3. Michael A Pucker
    S
    Michael A Pucker
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Latham & Watkins LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Senior Statespeople | 17 Years Ranked
    Michael Pucker acts on substantial transactional mandates in sectors including hospitality and real estate. His practice covers deals such as M&A.
E

Eminent Practitioners

  1. Joseph P Gromacki
    E
    Joseph P Gromacki
    Jenner & Block LLP
    Jenner & Block LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Eminent Practitioners | 23 Years Ranked

    Joseph Gromacki co-chairs the corporate team at Jenner & Block LLP. He assists clients acquiring and selling businesses, including multibillion-dollar transactions.

1

Band 1

  1. Bradley Faris
    1
    Bradley Faris
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Latham & Watkins LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    Bradley Faris undertakes matters such as acquisitions and joint ventures in the upper echelons of the marketplace. His client base includes those in the healthcare and aviation sectors.
  2. Paul L Choi
    1
    Paul L Choi
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 1 | 24 Years Ranked

    Paul Choi enjoys a top reputation for his distinguished corporate practice. He possesses experience in complex takeover defense, securities matters and M&A. He serves as co-chair of Sidley Austin LLP's global M&A practice.

2

Band 2

  1. Andrew L Weil
    2
    Andrew L Weil
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    DLA Piper LLP (US) | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 2 | 19 Years Ranked

    Andrew Weil acts for clients selling and acquiring businesses. He frequently advises public and private companies on cross-border mandates. His additional expertise includes private equity and finance.

  2. Brian J Fahrney
    2
    Brian J Fahrney
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 2 | 11 Years Ranked

    Brian Fahrney acts on high value M&A. He regularly represents clients in sectors such as finance, insurance and energy.

  3. Richard C Witzel
    2
    Richard C Witzel
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years Ranked
    Richard Witzel is active on high-value acquisitions. He notably serves clients in the life sciences sector.
3

Band 3

  1. Christopher Drewry
    3
    Christopher Drewry
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Latham & Watkins LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 3 | 2 Years Ranked

    Christopher Drewry is a talent in the shareholder activism space. In addition to his activism defense practice, he also advises on high value M&A transactions.

  2. Max Schleusener
    3
    Max Schleusener
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Latham & Watkins LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 3 | 2 Years Ranked

    Max Schleusener maintains a high quality transactional practice. He offers strong counsel to public and private companies and private equity firms and their portfolio companies.

  3. Neal Aizenstein
    3
    Neal Aizenstein
    Cooley LLP
    Cooley LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 3 | 24 Years Ranked
    Neal Aizenstein of Cooley LLP boasts considerable international experience. He acts on corporate venture investments and divestitures.
  4. Olivia Tyrrell
    3
    Olivia Tyrrell
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked

    Olivia Tyrrell is involved in high value transactions on behalf of a range of clients. She frequently handles cross-border matters.

  5. Shilpi Gupta
    3
    Shilpi Gupta
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 3 | 5 Years Ranked
    Shilpi Gupta is experienced across both domestic and international M&A, covering industries including aerospace, beverages and automation.
  6. William Kucera
    3
    William Kucera
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 3 | 17 Years Ranked

    William Kucera is an established name in the M&A market. He acts on deals in sectors such as technology and insurance.

4

Band 4

  1. Andrew Gilbert
    4
    Andrew Gilbert
    Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC
    Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked

    Andrew Gilbert maintains a thriving M&A practice, advising a broad roster of clients. He has experience in the insurance, energy and technology industries, among others.

  2. Beth Berg
    4
    Beth Berg
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked

    Beth Berg is an experienced attorney who offers excellent advise in M&A, corporate governance and SEC-related matters. She is additionally experienced in issues concerning shareholder activism.

  3. Brent Williams
    4
    Brent Williams
    K&L Gates
    K&L Gates | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked

    Brent Williams has experience assisting with transactions across a wide range of industries, including healthcare and financial services. His expertise includes advising in complex M&A, venture capital transactions and private equity buyouts.

  4. David J Malliband
    4
    David J Malliband
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked

    David Malliband has built a strong reputation for his expertise in significant multi-jurisdictional transactions. He currently serves as the managing partner of Baker McKenzie's Chicago office.

  5. James R. Whitney
    4
    James R. Whitney
    Barack Ferrazzano
    Barack Ferrazzano | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked

    James Whitney is widely acknowledged to be a foremost corporate lawyer in the market. He is able to advise on a broad range of matters, and serves as chair of the firm's corporate and securities group.

  6. Jennifer L Keating
    4
    Jennifer L Keating
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked

    Jennifer Keating is noted for her experience in advising on M&A and divestitures.

  7. Jessica Fairchild
    4
    Jessica Fairchild
    Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC
    Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked

    Firm co-founder Jessica Fairchild offers superb advice on M&A, matters of corporate governance and venture capital transactions.

  8. Jodi A Simala
    4
    Jodi A Simala
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 15 Years Ranked

    Jodi Simala's clients include manufacturers and food and beverage companies. She handles a range of deals including M&A and joint ventures.

  9. Marc F Sperber
    4
    Marc F Sperber
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 17 Years Ranked

    Marc Sperber acts for clients in sectors including energy and food and beverages. He often handles cross-border M&A.

  10. Michael DeFranco
    4
    Michael DeFranco
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 4 | 6 Years Ranked

    Michael DeFranco advises clients on high-value M&A and securities matters. His client base includes public and private companies from across a broad range of industries.

5

Band 5

  1. Craig A Roeder
    5
    Craig A Roeder
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 16 Years Ranked

    Craig Roeder's experience includes advising on multibillion-dollar acquisitions. He also handles securities transactions.

  2. 5
    David Clark
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    David Clark advises household-name clients on complex M&A transactions across a broad range of industries.

  3. Dieter A Schmitz
    5
    Dieter A Schmitz
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 6 Years Ranked

    Dieter Schmitz is a strong choice to handle a range of cross-border M&A transactions.

  4. Edward Best
    5
    Edward Best
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 21 Years Ranked

    Edward Best comes highly recommended for his M&A expertise, with a focus on advising financial institutions and insurance companies.

  5. Erin Kirchner
    5
    Erin Kirchner
    Cooley LLP
    Cooley LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Erin Kirchner of Cooley LLP is a strong choice to handle a range of acquisitions and divestitures. Her clients include international corporations.

  6. Esther Chang
    5
    Esther Chang
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Esther Chang offers high quality advice to clients in significant domestic and cross-border M&A. She's active across many industries, including energy and fintech.

  7. Jason Morelli
    5
    Jason Morelli
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Latham & Watkins LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Jason Morelli has garnered recognition in the market for his work on significant, cross-border M&A transactions.

  8. Jason Wagenmaker
    5
    Jason Wagenmaker
    Akin
    Akin | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Jason Wagenmaker of Akin is widely respected for his excellent corporate practice. He is particularly active in M&A deals in the infrastructure space.

  9. Jonathan A. Blackburn
    5
    Jonathan A. Blackburn
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Jonathan Blackburn stands out for his high quality advice in public and private M&A. He is active in a range of industries.

  10. Paul W Theiss
    5
    Paul W Theiss
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 23 Years Ranked
    Paul Theiss advises clients in sectors such as telecommunications on the full spectrum of deals.
  11. Ross Emmerman
    5
    Ross Emmerman
    Loeb & Loeb LLP
    Loeb & Loeb LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 11 Years Ranked

    Ross Emmerman of Loeb & Loeb LLP is a notable figure in mid-market M&A. He regularly undertakes work in the family office and private equity space.

  12. Russell Shapiro
    5
    Russell Shapiro
    Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC
    Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Russell Shapiro is an excellent attorney who advises across a range of corporate transactions. He is active in high stakes M&A.

  13. 5
    Scott Kapp
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    DLA Piper LLP (US) | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Scott Kapp is a strong choice to handle a variety of transactions. His broad client base includes public companies, investors and entrepreneurs.

  14. Scott Williams
    5
    Scott Williams
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Scott Williams advises clients on significant M&A transactions and matters of corporate governance. He is active in life sciences, financial services and energy deals.

  15. Steven J Gavin
    5
    Steven J Gavin
    Winston Taylor LLP
    Winston Taylor LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 13 Years Ranked
    Steven Gavin has a notable presence in the financial sector. He acts on substantial acquisitions and provides advice on corporate governance.
  16. Ted Cominos
    5
    Ted Cominos
    Eversheds Sutherland
    Eversheds Sutherland | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Ted Cominos is a standout corporate attorney who offers expertise across a great many transactions. He regularly advises on significant domestic and international M&A.

  17. Thomas E. Keim, Jr.
    5
    Thomas E. Keim, Jr.
    Venable LLP
    Venable LLP | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Band 5 | 18 Years Ranked
    Thomas Keim of Venable LLP is a respected practitioner who acts on M&A and investments. He represents various clients in the financial sector.
U

Up and Coming

  1. Faisal Delawalla
    U
    Faisal Delawalla
    Jones Day
    Jones Day | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Up and Coming | 2 Years Ranked

    Faisal Delawalla is recognized as an emerging M&A practitioner. He advises public and private companies on transactions across various industries.

  2. Kait E Kelly
    U
    Kait E Kelly
    Barack Ferrazzano
    Barack Ferrazzano | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Up and Coming | 4 Years Ranked

    Kait Kelly is an up-and-coming talent in the market. She is particularly experienced in matters concerning luxury consumer products, and serves as co-chair of the firm's luxury group.

  3. Kyle Shires
    U
    Kyle Shires
    Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC
    Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Up and Coming | 2 Years Ranked

    Kyle Shires is a rising star who recognized for his representation of public companies and private clients in complex M&A transactions.

  4. Piotr Korzynski
    U
    Piotr Korzynski
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Corporate/M&A
    2026 | Up and Coming | 2 Years Ranked

    Piotr Korzynski is an up-and-coming talent. He has experience handling domestic and cross-border transactions for a range of top multinational clients and is broad in his sector expertise.