Four Jenner & Block Partners Recognized in Crain’s “2020 Notable Women in Law”
Recognition
September 16, 2020
Partners Gayle E. Littleton, Gail H. Morse, Julie J. Olenn, and Erin R. Schrantz have been recognized in Crain’s “2020 Notable Women in Law” for their efforts in “expanding the role of the women's resource group to make sure that young associates get the skills and confidence they need to succeed.” Honorees are also recognized for providing advice to clients, or the general public, on the many legal questions that have arisen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms. Littleton’s profile highlights her work in investigations related to fraud, whistleblower complaints, harassment and discrimination, and anti-corruption. It notes her involvement as co-chair of the firm’s Chicago Women’s Forum, as well as her involvement representing Commonwealth Edison and Exelon in the government’s public-corruption investigation that resulted in a deferred-prosecution agreement with the Justice Department.
Ms. Morse’s recognition describes her efforts in co-authoring analyses of tax implications of federal coronavirus relief acts, including the CARES Act. Leading the firm’s national state and local Tax Practice, Ms. Morse’s profile highlights her work achieving federal tax exemption for One Roof Chicago, a nonprofit working to build housing for aging LGBTQ individuals. It also mentions Ms. Morse’s pro bono work in securing property tax exemptions for parcels of property to be included in the construction of a new family support center for the historic YWCA Evanston/North Shore.
Ms. Olenn’s profile highlights her role as co-chair of the firm’s Private Wealth Practice, as well as her focus on multigenerational tax planning and trust administration. It also recognizes her work in helping lead an initiative to train firm lawyers in the preparation of health care powers of attorney for individuals working at health care organizations and community nonprofits, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Ms. Schrantz’s recognition explains her role as a member and former co-chair of the Women’s Forum, where she promoted mentor programs to advance junior female partners to equity. The profile highlights her efforts in internal investigations, such as her work leading a team that conducted an investigation into faulty ignition switches at General Motors, as well as leading a compliance team for the monitor of Credit Suisse AG after the bank’s settlement with the New York Department of Financial Services, part of a broader $2.6 billion settlement.
Related Lawyers
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
Recognition
September 16, 2020
Partners Gayle E. Littleton, Gail H. Morse, Julie J. Olenn, and Erin R. Schrantz have been recognized in Crain’s “2020 Notable Women in Law” for their efforts in “expanding the role of the women's resource group to make sure that young associates get the skills and confidence they need to succeed.” Honorees are also recognized for providing advice to clients, or the general public, on the many legal questions that have arisen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms. Littleton’s profile highlights her work in investigations related to fraud, whistleblower complaints, harassment and discrimination, and anti-corruption. It notes her involvement as co-chair of the firm’s Chicago Women’s Forum, as well as her involvement representing Commonwealth Edison and Exelon in the government’s public-corruption investigation that resulted in a deferred-prosecution agreement with the Justice Department.
Ms. Morse’s recognition describes her efforts in co-authoring analyses of tax implications of federal coronavirus relief acts, including the CARES Act. Leading the firm’s national state and local Tax Practice, Ms. Morse’s profile highlights her work achieving federal tax exemption for One Roof Chicago, a nonprofit working to build housing for aging LGBTQ individuals. It also mentions Ms. Morse’s pro bono work in securing property tax exemptions for parcels of property to be included in the construction of a new family support center for the historic YWCA Evanston/North Shore.
Ms. Olenn’s profile highlights her role as co-chair of the firm’s Private Wealth Practice, as well as her focus on multigenerational tax planning and trust administration. It also recognizes her work in helping lead an initiative to train firm lawyers in the preparation of health care powers of attorney for individuals working at health care organizations and community nonprofits, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Ms. Schrantz’s recognition explains her role as a member and former co-chair of the Women’s Forum, where she promoted mentor programs to advance junior female partners to equity. The profile highlights her efforts in internal investigations, such as her work leading a team that conducted an investigation into faulty ignition switches at General Motors, as well as leading a compliance team for the monitor of Credit Suisse AG after the bank’s settlement with the New York Department of Financial Services, part of a broader $2.6 billion settlement.
Related Lawyers
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News and Insights
Event
Amanda Shafer Berman to Speak on Energy and Administrative Law at WEN-DC Webinar
As the Supreme Court's new Term begins, Jenner & Block Partner Amanda Shafer Berman will join a Women's Energy Network of Washington, DC (WEN-DC) webinar on how the Court's decisions are shaping the energy sector.
October 14, 2026
Publications
Partner Amanda Shafer Berman Quoted in Bloomberg Law on Senate Permitting Overhaul Bill
Partner Amanda Shafer Berman was quoted in an October 5 Bloomberg Law article, "Permitting Deal Gives Projects Defense Against Litigation Delays," on the Senate's new permitting overhaul package and its expected impact on litigation over federal permitting reversals.
October 2026
Event
Partner John Storino to Speak at Sandpiper Partners' “AI and Outside Counsel Guidelines Roundtable”
On October 8, Partner John Storino will serve as a panelist at the “AI and Outside Counsel Guidelines Roundtable,” hosted by Sandpiper Partners in Chicago.
October 8, 2026
Event
Partner Meghan Greenfield to Speak on Supreme Court Climate Case at Edison Electric Institute's Fall Legal Conference
On Wednesday, October 7, Partner Meghan Greenfield will speak on a panel titled "Boulder County v. Suncor Energy: What the Supreme Court's Climate Case Means for the Energy Industry" at the Edison Electric Institute's Fall Legal Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
October 7, 2026
Publications
The Form Rules Everything: A Seventh Circuit Ruling on ERISA's Substantial Compliance Doctrine
Partner Joseph Torres and Special Counsel Jennifer Beach authored an article for Employee Relations Law Journal examining the Seventh Circuit's decision in Packaging Corp. of America Thrift Plan for Hourly Employees v. Langdon, a ruling that addresses both the standard of review in ERISA interpleader actions and the continued viability of the substantial compliance doctrine for changing plan beneficiaries.
October 5, 2026