Jenner & Block Co-Managing Partner Randy Mehrberg, Chicago Office Managing Partner Melissa Root, and Former Chair Tony Valukas are listed among just 20 Chicago lawyers in Crain’s Chicago Business’ Who’s Who in Law guide. The list is published in Crain’s Chicago Business’ The Book 2024, a reference guide of Chicago leaders who “know how to get big things done in Chicago." Jenner & Block is the only firm with three lawyers named to the list.
Randy started his legal career with Jenner & Block and left to serve in leadership positions with several large publicly traded companies and in government. 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 involvement includes serving on the boards of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the United Way of Greater Chicago, the Millennium Park Foundation, and HistoryMakers. He is also a member of the Association of General Counsel, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club, the Economic Club of Chicago, and the University of Michigan Law School Dean’s Advisory Council.
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 and as a Co-Chair of the Women’s Forum affinity group. Melissa’s civic involvements include serving as a Trustee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and on the Executive Committee of the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Board. She is an alumna of Leadership Greater Chicago and was a 2023 Daniel Burnham Fellow.
Tony is a legendary 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. Tony started his career at the US Attorney’s Office, joined Jenner in 1976, left to serve as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois from 1985 to 1989, and then returned to the firm. He served as Chairman of Jenner & Block from 2007 to 2017. A leader in the legal community, Tony chaired the inaugural Chicago Bar Foundation’s groundbreaking “Investing in Justice” Campaign in 2007. His community involvement includes membership of the National Association of Former US Attorneys, the Chicago Inn of Court, Lawrence University, and the Commercial Club.
Crain’s has also recognized Partner Joe Torres as a Notable Leader in Employment and Labor Law and honored Debbie Berman, Dean Panos, and Andrew Vail as Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys.
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