Alumni Newsletter

As a valued member of our alumni community, you are an integral part of the Jenner & Block network. We’re thrilled to stay in touch through our Alumni Newsletter, where we share exciting updates from our alumni and showcase recent developments at Jenner.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and we encourage you to join our Jenner & Block Alumni LinkedIn group to stay connected. Don’t forget to continue sharing your updates with our Alumni Team via the Alumni Survey. It’s wonderful to reconnect!

Jenner Stands Firm

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Jenner & Block filed a lawsuit in DC federal court to challenge an executive order targeting our firm. That same day, the court ordered a Temporary Restraining Order. We will continue to do our job as independent advocates for our clients and appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of support we’ve received, including from the alumni community.

Please visit JennerFirm.com for more information. We will be providing updates in the Jenner Alumni LinkedIn group, which you can join here. If you would like to learn about ways to help, please contact StandFirm@jenner.com.

Alumni Survey

We want to hear from you! Complete our brief Alumni Survey to share feedback on Jenner’s Alumni Programming and how we can better meet your needs.

Leadership Announcement

In January, Washington, DC Partner Ishan Bhabha stepped into the role of Co-Managing Partner, joining Chicago Partner Randy Mehrberg. A respected litigator with extensive experience in trial and appellate matters, Ishan co-leads our Education and Technology Practices. He succeeds New York Partner Katya Jestin, who will continue to contribute to the firm as a member of the Policy Committee and as co-leader of our Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice. Read more.

Meet Niteesha Gupte, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Career Strategy

Niteesha leads the firm’s Alumni Relations and Career Strategy program. She is responsible for driving engagement and relationship building between the firm and its alumni, as well as counseling Jenner attorneys and alumni along their career paths. Learn more.

Alumni in the News

Three Jenner & Block Alumni Confirmed as Judges

We are proud to celebrate three incredible Jenner & Block alumni. Congratulations to Amir H. Ali on his confirmation to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, to Sunil Harjani on his confirmation to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and to Nicole Berner on her confirmation as a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Amir, Sunil, and Nicole have demonstrated exceptional legal talent, and their appointments are a testament to their extraordinary expertise and service. We are honored to have them as part of our Jenner & Block legacy.

Featured Alumni

Podcast | “Win or Lose, Integrity Matters: In the Courtroom with Bob Byman,” Trial Tested

On a recent episode of the American College of Trial Lawyers’ Trial Tested podcast, Jenner & Block alumnus Bob Byman joined Partner and Trial Tested host, Terri Mascherin, to reflect on his career of high-profile, complex litigation cases and a Supreme Court argument reversing a Ruth Bader Ginsberg decision. Listen here.

Welcome Back

Ambassador David Pressman Returns to Jenner & Block

Distinguished national security litigator, diplomat, and strategist Ambassador David Pressman has returned to Jenner & Block in the firm’s New York office. During his previous tenure at the firm, Ambassador Pressman co-founded both the National Security and Crisis Practice and the Human Rights and Global Strategy Practice and served on the firm’s Management Committee. Learn more.

Former DOJ Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zachary C. Schauf Returns to Jenner & Block

Zachary C. Schauf has returned to Jenner following two years of service as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. Zach is a partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office, and a member of the Energy, Appellate and Supreme Court, and Government Controversies and Public Policy practices. Learn more.

Jenner & Block Expands Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice with Addition of Special Counsel Jenna Bressel

Jenna Bressel has returned to the firm as Special Counsel in the Chicago office. Jenna brings significant experience in employee benefits and executive compensation law. Jenna advises public and private employers on a wide range of benefits and compensation matters, including healthcare reform and the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit plans and programs. She has extensive experience in equity and incentive compensation arrangements and Section 409A compliance. Learn more.

In Practice

Global Hearing Preparation: Helping Clients to Navigate Public Hearings Across Jurisdictions

Building upon our highly regarded experience in Congressional Investigations, Jenner’s recently launched Global Hearing Preparation Practice provides clients with comprehensive strategies to address the issues they face across proceedings and jurisdictions, including civil litigation and regulatory actions. Our team has prepared clients to successfully navigate public hearings, forums, and inquiries across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. Learn more.

Jenner Launches India Practice

Over the past few years, Jenner has invested in growing our capabilities to partner with Indian clients and law firms to assist in critical disputes and investigations work. Led by partners who have lived and worked in India and are Indian-qualified, our new India Practice supports Indian parties across a range of disputes and investigations. We have many close relationships with Indian counsel, recognizing that many clients prefer their domestic and foreign counsel to work closely together. We travel to India multiple times a year and are active participants in Indian legal organizations. A Jenner & Block team from the practice also recently secured an exceedingly rare vacatur of international arbitration award against Meleveetil Damodaran, the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Learn more.

In Case You Missed It

Jenner & Block Named to The American Lawyer’s A-List 

Jenner & Block has been named to The American Lawyer’s 2024 A-List. The 20 ranked firms are described as “the best of the best,” showcasing high performance across a combination of factors including revenue per lawyer, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, racial diversity, and gender diversity. Read more.

New Findings in Credit Suisse Investigation, featured in the Wall Street Journal

Partner Neil Barofsky was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal cover story for uncovering new revelations regarding Credit Suisse's historical ties to Nazi-era clients. With the backing of the US Senate Budget Committee, the investigation has gained critical momentum with a full report expected by early 2026. For more information, please read the full Wall Street Journal article as well as the Senate Budget Committee’s release.

Now Available: Jenner & Block Releases 2025 Edition of the Illinois Civil Litigation Guide

The 2025 edition of the Illinois Civil Practice Guide, co-authored by Partner Andrew Vail and Associates Christopher Blythe, Sriya Chadalavada, Savannah McNeily, and Kendall Wharton, provides comprehensive guidance on Illinois civil rules and procedures. This edition has been updated to address revisions to Illinois Supreme Court rules, case developments, and questions raised by practitioners throughout the last year, as well as practice pointers on e-service. Access the Guide here.

Now Available: "2025 Federal Class Action Deskbook," LexisNexis

The 2025 edition of the Federal Class Action Deskbook, authored by Partner Howard Suskin, has been published to provide practitioners with in-depth insights into litigating class actions in federal courts. Learn more and order a copy of the book here.

Webinar: The New ESG Landscape: What Global Companies Need to Know

On January 29, Jenner hosted a webinar discussing important developments around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk and compliance. Presenters included Partners Lucy Blake, Ambassador Keith Harper, Anne O’Leary, Jennifer Lee, Caroline Cease, and Stephanie Sebor. Learn more.

Pro Bono Impact and Opportunities

Jenner’s commitment and passion for public service has a long history and it continues to be a vital part of who we are as lawyers and as people. Put simply, pro bono is in our DNA. Please reach out to our Pro Bono Counsel, Nura Maznavi or our Pro Bono Partnership Lawyer, Angelina Smith at probono@jenner.com.

Jenner & Block Surpasses $250 million Pro Bono Commitment

Jenner & Block surpassed its five-year commitment of providing $250 million in free legal services to those in need of access to justice, made in 2021, a year and a half ahead of schedule. Read More.

Jenner & Block Tops The American Lawyer’s 2024 Pro Bono Scorecard

The American Lawyer ranked Jenner & Block as the #1 firm for pro bono work in the United States on its 2024 Pro Bono Scorecard. The firm ranked second for international pro bono service. Read more.

Welcoming our New Laterals to Jenner

Since our last edition, we had the pleasure of welcoming 13 Partners and two Special Counsel to the firm:

 

Congratulating Newly Elevated Partners and Special Counsel

We are delighted to announce the elevation of nine lawyers to the partnership and six lawyers to special counsel since our last edition. Congratulations to all of those promoted!

 

Fond Farewells

With gratitude for their contributions and wishing them continued success, we want to recognize our esteemed partners who have recently transitioned from the firm:

Thanking Andy Bart for Nearly Two Decades of Service

Andy Bart recently retired from Jenner & Block, capping a distinguished career as a national leader in media and entertainment law. As the founder of the firm’s Content, Media, and Entertainment (CME) Practice, Andy built a team recognized among the best in the United States. His groundbreaking work in copyright, trademark, and privacy law, including landmark cases in the music and film industries, has left an indelible mark on the media and entertainment sector. As Andy returns to his love for music through his NPR radio show (check out Jazz Flight on WLQN), we congratulate him on his retirement and are grateful for his leadership, contributions, and lasting impact on the firm.

Congratulating Harry Roper on His Retirement, following 20 Years of Service

Following Harry Roper’s recent retirement from Jenner & Block, we celebrate his remarkable career that shaped our firm’s patent litigation practice. Harry’s leadership and expertise elevated our practice, making it a recognized leader in the field. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Harry was widely respected as one of Chicago’s top patent trial lawyers. His contributions extended beyond his legal skills; he was a mentor, collaborator, and key figure in the firm’s growth. We are grateful for Harry’s exceptional service and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Matt Price Joins Constellation as General Counsel

Matt Price, former Co-Chair of Jenner & Block’s Energy Practice, joined Constellation as General Counsel in December 2024. His expertise covered critical areas such as market design, carbon regulation, and transmission policy, earning him recognition as a 2024 Energy MVP by Law360. At Constellation, Matt will oversee legal affairs, continuing his legacy as a strategic and influential leader in the energy sector. Read more.

Select 2024 Highlights

Jenner & Block’s 15 Years in California Celebration

In 2009, Jenner & Block opened its Los Angeles office. Fifteen years of dedication to our clients has led to tremendous success and growth in the Golden State, with three offices in California including our newly opened Century City office and recently expanded San Francisco office. Last summer we gathered clients, alumni, Jenner personnel, and friends of the firm to honor our 15-year anniversary. As we reflect on this achievement, we also recognize the challenges faced by many in our Southern California community due to the wildfires earlier this year. In keeping with our firm's values, Jenner & Block has raised nearly 120 thousand dollars to support relief and recovery efforts. In the spirit of community, we remain committed to supporting those affected.

Black Lawyers Forum Alumni Holiday Party

Jenner’s Black Lawyer Forum members and alumni met in December for dinner in Chicago to celebrate the holiday season. 

Government Alumni Event in DC

In November, we hosted a happy hour in Washington, DC where Jenner alumni who work in the federal government gathered, along with in-house counsel alumni and current Jenner attorneys.

Professional Development

As a member of our alumni community, you are not only part of the firm’s rich tradition of excellence, but also a part of the Jenner & Block family.  From judges and general counsel to professors and entrepreneurs, our alumni exemplify Jenner & Block’s core values as they shape what’s next, with a deep seated commitment to excellence, pro bono, and community service.

Career Development Support

As alumni, you have access to a variety of resources including firm-sponsored networking events, continuing legal education programs, pro bono opportunities, and practice-specific conferences at each of our offices. The firm provides career assistance resources, including access to career coaching on request. We hope our alumni will stay in touch, and invite you to reach out to us via alumni@jenner.com and to join the Jenner & Block Alumni LinkedIn page. 

Get Involved

If you are interested in being a speaker or panelist at a Jenner-sponsored program or event, please contact Niteesha Gupte, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Career Strategy.