OVERVIEW
A talented and passionate advocate, Richard understands that litigation success is all about paying attention to the details and being thoroughly prepared to tackle any arguments or rebuttals raised by his opponent. Richard prides himself on his work ethic, commitment to his client’s objectives and his ability to tailor his litigation strategy to best accomplish his client’s goals.
Richard concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, employment-related litigation, contested probate litigation, and bankruptcy-related litigation. During his more than two decades of advocacy in federal and state courts, Richard has aggressively and successfully litigated numerous disputes through trial. While never hesitant to advance and defend his clients’ interests in the courtroom, he regularly finds unique methods to resolve controversies quickly and efficiently in alternative dispute resolution forums or through the negotiation of a favorable settlement.
Clients appreciate the time Richard takes to explore options, explain risks, and empower them with information so they can make informed decisions. His peers have acknowledged his professionalism and litigation acumen by selecting him as a member of the Litigation Counsel of America.
A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Illinois, Richard earned his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law. When not serving his clients, he enjoys skiing, playing golf, staying active physically and socially and, of course, he is an avid, die-hard Cubs fan.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Handles all aspects of commercial litigation including contract, negligence and fraud claims, breach of fiduciary duty claims, claims for tortious interference with contract and with expectancy, defamation and replevin actions lender liability claims, and construction and real estate disputes.
- Represents employers and employees in employment-related litigation, including those involving claims of trade secret misappropriation, violation of non-compete and restrictive covenant agreements and wrongful termination.
- Represents individuals and entities in partnership and corporate dissolution disputes involving breaches of fiduciary duty, shareholder disputes and redemption of membership interests in limited liability companies.
- Litigates probate disputes including contested supplementary proceedings, will and trust contests and estate inventory disputes.
- Handles bankruptcy-related litigation, including prosecuting and defending against fraudulent transfer and preference actions.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
- Representing potential licensee for Illinois Casino Gaming license in dispute with former member of limited liability company seeking damages for alleged lost profits and lost ownership interest in casino.
- Representing siblings in family dispute asserting claims for tortious interference with inheritance expectancy.
- Representing software solution company in dispute with competitor over alleged violation of Defend Trade Secrets Act.
- Representing lender in a complex dispute involving breach of promissory note and alleged fraud and breaches of contract
- Representing homeowners in construction litigation dispute against general contractor and architect.
- Representing provider of physical therapy services in numerous disputes with skilled nursing facilities.
NOTABLE CASE DECISIONS/ SETTLEMENTS
- Defeated preliminary injunction motion seeking to enjoin former employees and new employer from competing against former employer following six-day evidentiary hearing.
- Prevailed in four-day bench trial establishing clients’ ownership interest in family restaurant.
- Achieved jury verdict in favor of defendant in a $1.5 million breach of contract lawsuit concerning assignee’s alleged failure to honor oral agreement with “stalking horse” bidder.
- Prevailed in four-day bench trial on claims for fraudulent transfer filed by committee of unsecured creditors of a leading manufacturer of dry van trailers resulting in $11 million judgment in favor of committee.
- Achieved favorable settlement on behalf of financial institution that participated in $180 million equipment lease financing that was the centerpiece of an international fraudulent Ponzi scheme.
- Achieved favorable settlement on behalf of limited liability company and its managing member who asserted claims against defendant for failing to pay development fees in connection with major real estate development project in Chicago.
- Represented Bankruptcy Trustee in numerous adversary proceedings arising out of $200 million fraudulent Ponzi scheme.
- Achieved favorable settlement on behalf of lead lender sued by participating lenders for allegedly breaching participation agreement.
EDUCATION AND BAR ADMISSIONS
Education/Admissions
- University of Illinois, Gies School of Business, B.S., magna cum laude, 1988
- University of Illinois School of Law, J.D. cum laude, 1992
- State of Illinois Bar Admission, 1992
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1992
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1998
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, 2000
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, 2017
RECOGNITIONS/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Litigation Counsel of America
- Member, Chicago Bar Association
- Super Lawyer, 2020 – Present
