Feb 13, 2023 | Chicago Office

Roetzel’s Firmwide Growth Continues in Chicago Office

CHICAGO, Illinois (February 13, 2023) — Roetzel is pleased to announce the arrival of two new shareholders in the Chicago office and a continued investment in key practices across the firm, adding to the 30+ attorneys who have joined in the last 12 months and a headcount now exceeding 170 firmwide.

Hillard M. Sterling joins the firm’s expanding Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Group and will be focused on building the firm’s Technology and Cyber Law Group. A veteran litigator with over 30 years of experience, Sterling litigates a variety of commercial-litigation matters; however, his focus on technology and cyber-related work is of particular note and a critical service offering for current and prospective clients.

“Hillard is a highly respected and experienced litigator,” said Bob Blackham, Roetzel Chairman. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the technology-law arena, which will be invaluable.”

Sterling handles technology system-implementation disputes, data-breach defense, software development and licensing issues, privacy statutory-penalty cases, insurance defense, professional liability cases, and a variety of other business disputes for companies, shareholders and LLC members. He also advises clients on developing and implementing best practices before, during, and after data breaches and incidents. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from Georgetown University Law Center after receiving his B.A. from Northern Illinois University, summa cum laude.

Jeffery Ramirez joins the firm’s Estate Planning Group. Adding to the firm’s well-established planning, probate & trust administration, trust & guardianship litigation, and wealth transfer services, Ramirez represents individuals, families and businesses in a variety of estate and trust matters. He has represented many clients in the administration of decedent’s estate, probate and trust litigation, as well as guardianships for disabled individuals and minors.

Ramirez is a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and serves on the Board of Directors for Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. Earning his B.S. with honors from DePaul University in accounting and a minor in economics, Ramirez went on to attain his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.

“We are excited to welcome Sterling and Jeff to the firm and our growing Chicago office,” remarked David Hochman, Shareholder-in-Charge of Chicago Office. “Their respective areas of focus and experience will further enhance the service offerings our clients require and expect from Roetzel.”

Other notable news in the Chicago office includes the promotion of Adam Hirsch to shareholder (Complex Business & Commercial Litigation), as well as the addition of associates Joe Ramos (Complex Business & Commercial Litigation), Delaney Perl (Corporate & Transactional, Health Law) and Brett Simpson (Corporate & Transactional).

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