Willkie Adds Two White & Case Partners to Grow Chicago Office

Willkie Farr & Gallagher has poached a pair of White & Case finance partners in Chicago, where the firm has grown its roster to nearly 80 lawyers in three years.

Jacob Schtevie and Brad Laken have joined Willkie’s Chicago office, the firm announced Monday. They represent banks, direct lenders and other debt investors in transactions.

Willkie launched the office in March 2020, when the firm hired former Jenner & Block chairman Craig Martin.

The office that got its start with trial lawyers who handle investigations and large litigation matters. The new partners bolster its transactional practice focused on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, asset management, finance and restructuring, Martin said in an interview.

“What we are doing now is moving into a phase in which we’ll continue to focus on our core litigation, investigations and private wealth practice but you’ll also see us start strengthening horizontally by deepening those practices Willkie is strong on throughout the country and world,” said Martin.

The firm’s Chicago office has about 55 lawyers who handle trials and investigations; five who advise private wealth clients; and nearly 20 corporate lawyers who handle private equity, finance, and employee benefits matters, Martin said.

The duo’s move was brokered by Sabina Lippman, partner and co-founder of global legal recruitment firm Lippman Jungers.