Introduction
Elsner Law Firm is a multidisciplinary legal practice headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Established in 1985, the firm has grown to employ over 250 attorneys and support staff, offering a wide array of legal services to corporate, nonprofit, and individual clients. Elsner's reputation is built upon a commitment to client service, ethical practice, and community engagement. The firm’s mission emphasizes strategic legal counsel, innovative solutions, and measurable results across all practice areas.
History and Background
Founding and Early Years
The firm was founded in 1985 by John M. Elsner, a former partner at a prominent Chicago boutique firm. Elsner identified a market need for a practice that combined deep expertise in commercial law with a client‑centric approach. The original team comprised seven attorneys specializing in corporate transactions, litigation, and real estate. By 1990, Elsner Law Firm had secured its first major corporate client, establishing a foothold in the financial services sector.
Expansion and Diversification
Throughout the 1990s, Elsner strategically expanded its practice areas to include intellectual property, environmental law, and family law. The firm opened a second office in New York in 1997, followed by Los Angeles and Dallas in 2004 and 2010, respectively. Each new location was chosen to serve growing client bases in technology, entertainment, and energy. By 2008, the firm had surpassed 100 attorneys, positioning itself as a regional leader in multidisciplinary legal services.
Recent Developments
In 2015, Elsner Law Firm launched a dedicated corporate venture fund, providing pro‑investment legal support to startups and emerging enterprises. The firm also adopted a flexible work policy in 2018, promoting diversity and inclusion across all levels of the organization. The recent COVID‑19 pandemic prompted the firm to adopt hybrid work models, enabling continued service delivery while prioritizing employee well‑being. Elsner's continued growth reflects a blend of strategic practice development and adaptation to evolving legal and business landscapes.
Practice Areas
Corporate & Commercial Law
Elsner offers comprehensive counsel on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities, and corporate governance. Attorneys assist clients with due diligence, negotiation, and regulatory compliance, ensuring alignment with federal and state statutes. The firm also advises on capital structure optimization, shareholder agreements, and private placement financing.
Lawsuits & Litigation
Elsner’s Litigation Department handles civil, commercial, and class‑action cases across multiple jurisdictions. Expertise includes antitrust, contract disputes, intellectual property infringement, and product liability. The team emphasizes evidence‑based strategies, contingency agreements, and settlement negotiations to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
Real Estate & Construction
The Real Estate Group advises developers, investors, and landowners on acquisition, financing, zoning, and lease agreements. The firm represents clients in construction disputes, environmental assessments, and regulatory approvals. Its real‑estate counsel is known for integrating market analysis with legal risk assessment.
Intellectual Property
Elsner’s IP practice supports patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets across technology, life sciences, and media. Attorneys handle prosecution, litigation, licensing, and portfolio management. The firm’s IP team collaborates closely with research and development departments to protect proprietary innovations.
Family & Personal Law
The firm offers family law services, including divorce, child custody, alimony, and domestic partnership agreements. Attorneys prioritize client confidentiality and emotional support, providing mediation and counseling referrals. Family law counsel extends to estate planning, wills, and trusts.
Key Attorneys
John M. Elsner
Founder and Senior Managing Partner, John M. Elsner, has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s culture. With over 35 years of legal practice, he specializes in complex corporate transactions and regulatory compliance. His leadership has guided Elsner through significant growth phases and positioned the firm for continued success.
Dr. Aisha Patel
Partner and Chair of the Intellectual Property Group, Dr. Aisha Patel brings a dual background in chemical engineering and law. She is recognized for patent litigation across biotechnology and nanotechnology. Her work has earned her recognition in industry‑specific legal rankings.
Michael R. Thompson
Senior Litigation Partner, Michael R. Thompson, focuses on antitrust and consumer protection cases. He has led high‑profile litigation involving major corporations, achieving substantial settlements and precedent‑setting rulings.
Leila K. Moreno
Family Law Senior Associate, Leila K. Moreno, has over 12 years of experience in complex family disputes. She is noted for her mediation expertise and for developing client‑centered resolution strategies.
Notable Cases
United States v. Apex Corp. (2011)
Elsner represented a major consumer electronics company in an antitrust case involving allegations of price fixing. The firm negotiated a settlement that avoided a protracted trial and secured a favorable regulatory review. The outcome was cited in subsequent antitrust analyses.
City of Chicago v. Green Energy Partners (2014)
In a landmark environmental case, Elsner defended a renewable‑energy developer against zoning violations. The firm secured a favorable ruling that allowed the construction of a 50‑MW solar farm, influencing city zoning policy and green‑energy initiatives.
Doe v. University of Texas (2018)
Elsner acted for a plaintiff alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. The firm achieved a settlement that included monetary compensation and reforms in the university’s hiring practices. The case prompted policy changes at several higher‑education institutions.
National Bank v. FinTech Solutions (2020)
The firm defended a fintech startup in a securities‑law dispute. Elsner’s counsel helped the client navigate complex regulatory frameworks and avoid costly litigation, ultimately leading to a favorable settlement that preserved the company’s operations.
Community Involvement and Pro Bono Work
Legal Aid Initiatives
Elsner Law Firm maintains a robust pro‑bono program that provides free legal services to low‑income families, veterans, and underserved communities. The firm partners with local nonprofits to offer workshops on legal rights, estate planning, and immigration matters. Over 500 pro‑bono cases have been handled annually.
Scholarship and Internship Programs
Elsner sponsors scholarships for students pursuing law degrees, focusing on those from underrepresented backgrounds. The firm also offers paid internships to law students, enabling early exposure to multidisciplinary legal practice. Each year, more than 30 students receive internships, many of whom return to the firm as associates.
Environmental Stewardship
The firm participates in community clean‑up projects, tree‑planting initiatives, and sustainable building consultations. Through its Environmental Law Group, Elsner advises on green‑building certifications, helping local developers achieve LEED certification and reduce carbon footprints.
Rankings and Recognition
Industry Awards
Elsner has been recognized by multiple legal publications. In 2019, the firm was listed among the top 100 national law firms by U.S. News & World Report. The Litigation Department received the “Best Litigation Firm” award from the Chicago Bar Association in 2020. The firm has also been cited in Chambers Global and Legal 500 for its corporate and IP practice.
Employee Recognition
The firm consistently receives high employee satisfaction scores, reflecting a culture that values professional development and work‑life balance. In 2021, Elsner was awarded “Best Place to Work” by Legal Business Journal, acknowledging its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Client Satisfaction
Client retention rates for Elsner exceed 90%, a figure that aligns with the firm’s strategic focus on personalized service. Annual client surveys indicate high satisfaction with communication, legal outcomes, and the perceived value of counsel.
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