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Overview

A former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Abe helps clients navigate their most pressing and complex legal challenges.

Abe divides his current practice between sensitive investigations and high-stakes litigation. He regularly represents clients during both internal and government investigations, as well as government enforcement actions. Abe also represents clients in complex business disputes and commercial litigation matters, including those involving antitrust and class action claims. He has obtained exceptional results for clients at all phases of litigation—from highly favorable pre-suit resolutions through fully successful jury trials. Abe has significant experience in a variety of industries, including technology, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.

After beginning his legal career with a federal clerkship—an opportunity that gave him a front row seat to judicial decision making—Abe handled class action lawsuits, antitrust cases, and other high-stakes litigation matters at a leading global law firm before accepting a role in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. While at DOJ, he had first-chair responsibility for investigations and government enforcement actions, including under the False Claims Act and federal civil rights laws, as well as for defensive litigation matters on behalf of federal agencies.

As an AUSA, Abe worked directly with FBI agents and other investigators and gained first-chair jury trial experience. Notable examples include defending the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in a federal jury trial (receiving a unanimous defense verdict in under three hours); investigating and filing a landmark civil rights suit against the Chicago Cubs, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act at Wrigley Field (which resulted in a consent decree providing unprecedented access for wheelchair users at the stadium); and defending the U.S. Department of Education in a high-profile case brought by the Chicago Teachers Union.

Abe’s experience inside a U.S. Attorney’s Office offers significant advantages to firm clients: he has a deep understanding of DOJ, and he knows how to identify pathways and implement strategies for successful resolution as quickly as possible. After nearly five years in one of the most highly regarded U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country, Abe is an experienced advisor trusted both by clients and DOJ attorneys alike.

Clients appreciate Abe’s insider knowledge, his skill and experience in the courtroom, and his ability to track every detail of a complex matter. Known as a diligent communicator and thoughtful counselor, Abe impresses upon clients that their cases truly are a joint venture. He’s also known for always keeping his eye on the big picture and desired result: Abe is adept at defusing conflicts and avoiding unnecessary distractions in litigation so that matters can be resolved quickly, efficiently, and in the client’s best interests.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Special Commendation, DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, 2023

Education

  • J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law
    • magna cum laude
    • Loyola University Chicago Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief
  • B.A., University of Illinois
    • highest distinction in History

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Missouri (Temporary)
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Clerkships

  • Honorable Joan Humphrey Lefkow, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Experience
  • As Assistant U.S. Attorney, had first-chair responsibility for investigations and government enforcement actions, including under the False Claims Act and federal civil rights laws, as well as for various defensive litigation matters on behalf of federal agencies, including those involving alleged constitutional torts, employment discrimination, and administrative law issues.
  • Represented FEMA as lead lawyer in federal jury trial alleging harassment and retaliatory discharge; obtained unanimous defense verdict in less than three hours.
  • Investigated and filed landmark civil rights lawsuit against the Chicago Cubs, alleging ADA violations at Wrigley Field, primarily based on lack of wheelchair access; received commendation from DOJ's Civil Rights Division for work on case.
  • Represented U.S. Department of Education in emergency lawsuit filed by Chicago Teachers Union; defeated TRO and preliminary injunction motions and obtained dismissal.
  • In private practice, represented global industrial equipment manufacturer as part of trial team in month-long product liability jury trial; obtained unanimous defense verdict.
  • Represented health insurers in antitrust matters brought by allergy services provider; cases resolved in federal district court through summary judgment or favorable resolution prior to trial.
  • Represented health insurers in class actions alleging violations of the Affordable Care Act's preventive services requirements; defeated class certification and obtained summary judgment.
Outside the Office

Abe loves to spend his free time with his wife, their two young daughters, and their beloved family dog, with weekends often finding him at soccer practice, swimming lessons, the library, or the zoo. A former college tennis player and high school state champion, he also makes an effort to hit a tennis court at least once a week.

In his downtime, Abe is an avid reader and consumer of various podcasts, especially those relating to history, politics, or international affairs.