Terry Truax is senior partner of the firm with a distinguished career representing blue chip and emerging companies on a variety of significant matters across the United States, Asia, and Europe.
From 2014, through end of 2019, Terry served as the firm’s Managing Partner, and, starting in 2020, he returned to practice as litigator and trial lawyer.
A committed advocate for indigent persons, Terry continues to maintain an active pro bono practice with a focus on representing defendants accused of serious felonies, as well as a variety of other pro bono engagements.
Terry also has been actively involved as a leader in the Chicago community. He currently serves on the board of Breakthrough Urban Ministries, an organization based in East Garfield Park committed to opening doors of opportunity for children and families who have often been left behind. He is a former trustee and continued strong advocate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He recently completed service on the boards of Lawndale Christian Legal Center, with whom he and the firm still partner on various criminal defense matters, and The Garden of the Phoenix Foundation, which is committed to the promotion of the historic garden in Jackson Park, and the 160+ year relationship between Japan and the United States. Terry also is a past board member of the Chicago Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bar Association, and the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic.
Credentials
Service / Recognition
Overview
Terry Truax is senior partner of the firm with a distinguished career representing blue chip and emerging companies on a variety of significant matters across the United States, Asia, and Europe.
From 2014, through end of 2019, Terry served as the firm’s Managing Partner, and, starting in 2020, he returned to practice as litigator and trial lawyer.
A committed advocate for indigent persons, Terry continues to maintain an active pro bono practice with a focus on representing defendants accused of serious felonies, as well as a variety of other pro bono engagements.
Terry also has been actively involved as a leader in the Chicago community. He currently serves on the board of Breakthrough Urban Ministries, an organization based in East Garfield Park committed to opening doors of opportunity for children and families who have often been left behind. He is a former trustee and continued strong advocate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He recently completed service on the boards of Lawndale Christian Legal Center, with whom he and the firm still partner on various criminal defense matters, and The Garden of the Phoenix Foundation, which is committed to the promotion of the historic garden in Jackson Park, and the 160+ year relationship between Japan and the United States. Terry also is a past board member of the Chicago Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bar Association, and the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Admissions
- Illinois, 1988
Education
- University of North Carolina School of Law, JD, with honors, 1988
- Florida State University, BA, History, 1983
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1993
- US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1991
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1988
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
- US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2001
Service / Recognition
Awards
-
The BTI Class Action Leaders, 2026
- The Tom Sullivan Lifetime Achievement Pro Bono Award, 2024
- Jenner & Block Mentorship Award, 2023
- The Albert E. Jenner Pro Bono Award, 2007
- FDLA 20 for 20 First Defender Award, 2015
- Lexology, Client Choice Award, Litigation
- The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation: Intellectual Property, 2020, 2024, 2026
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property Litigation, 2011-2024
- Legal 500, Intellectual Property, 2007; Trade Secrets, 2007
- Managing Intellectual Property, Patent Star, 2018, 2021; IP Star, 2013-2025
- Leading Lawyers Network, Commercial Litigation, 2015-2019
Community
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Board of Trustees
- Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Board of Directors
- Chicago Bar Foundation, Board of Directors, 2008-2014
- Lawndale Christian Legal Center, Board Member
Service to the Bar
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association