Jenner & Block Co-Managing Partner Randy Mehrberg and Partners Melissa Root and Tony Valukas are among only 16 honorees featured in Crain’s Chicago Business’ Who’s Who in Law guide. The list is published in Crain’s Chicago Business’ The Book 2023, a reference guide of Chicago leaders.
Randy started his legal career with Jenner & Block and left to serve in leadership positions with several large publicly traded companies in the energy industry and elsewhere. He returned to the firm most recently in 2016, when he helped launch our Energy Practice. In 2020, Randy was selected to serve as co-managing partner with Katya Jestin. In addition to Randy’s experience as an in-house leader and trusted outside advisor, he is deeply committed to serving the Chicago community. His civic involvements include serving on the boards of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the United Way of Greater Chicago, the Millennium Park Foundation, HistoryMakers, and the Latin School of Chicago. He is also a member of the Association of General Counsel.
Melissa joined the firm in 2005 and, in 2022, was elevated to the first managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office. She is a co-chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice and a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy whose career has been highlighted by her work in high-profile bankruptcies including those of Puerto Rico and USA Gymnastics. Melissa also devotes a substantial amount of time to pro bono work. A leader in the firm, she serves on the Management Committee, as a co-chair of the Women’s Forum affinity group, and on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Melissa’s civic involvements include serving on the Executive Committee of the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Board, a board member of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, and is an alumna of Leadership Greater Chicago.
Tony is an esteemed lawyer who has led some of the most significant investigations in US history, including, among others, the examination into the failure of Lehman Brothers Holdings and the internal investigation for General Motors regarding recalls stemming from faulty ignition switches. He previously served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and chaired the inaugural Chicago Bar Foundation’s groundbreaking “Investing in Justice” Campaign. His community involvement includes membership of the National Association of Former US Attorneys, the Chicago Inn of Court, Lawrence University, and the Commercial Club.
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