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CHICAGOBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 3, 2019 Lori Lightfoot’s victory ‘nothing but good’ for The former Big Law partner’s election enhances the reputation of a firm already known for government service.

BY CLAIRE BUSHEY ing her success as the new leader of of Chicago. It has represented pub- a great city.” lic entities in a plan to build a hotel It’s all upside for law firm Mayer Another Mayer Brown lawyer at Navy Pier, widen the Stevenson Brown as former partner Lori Light- with government experience is one Expressway and upgrade the Red foot takes the top job at City Hall. of Lightfoot’s biggest supporters, and Purple el lines. Last night’s victory for the one- former Attorney General Anthony Licata, a partner in the time underdog burnishes the repu- Tyrone Fahner. He may be in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & tation of a law firm with a history mix for a role in her administration. Hollister, said Mayer Brown is a dis- of lawyers leaving for government Others include Bill Daley, who tinguished law firm selling quality work. It doesn’t hurt the firm’s joined the firm in 1985 at 36 and service, not clout, and Lightfoot’s chances to win more business from later became U.S. commerce sec- election won’t change that. the city and related agencies, ei- retary, chief of staff to President “I’m sure there will be people who ther, although city ethics rules and and third-place will seek them out for that reason, concern for appearances will slow runner-up in the ’s race. Both but I think they will be disappoint- any developments there. Michael Scodro and Mitchell Hol- ed,” he said. “Lori is a reformer, so “It’s certainly a feather in their zrichter are back at the firm after I think she’ll be especially sensitive cap,” said Trisha Rich, a legal eth- government service, Scodro as Illi- to appearances like that.” ics partner in the Chicago office of nois solicitor general and Holzrich- City ordinance forbids elected of- Holland & Knight. “It’s going to be ter as deputy chief of staff to former ficials from influencing decisions nothing but good for the firm.” Gov. Bruce Rauner. about any organization in which Mayer Brown is one of the largest In a 2017 interview with trade they hold a financial interest, for a law firms in the country, with $1.39 publication Law360, Mayer Brown year before or after the decision, Rich billion in revenue in 2018, and general counsel Andrew Marov- said. Lightfoot resigned from Mayer 1,570 lawyers. itz said having lawyers who had Brown in May to pursue her may- Mayer Brown congratulated Light- worked in government benefited oral bid, but she could have received foot this morning on and the litigation practice, showing “our earned compensation at a later date. Facebook. A statement called her “a ability to handle pretty high-stakes Still, Lightfoot’s victory benefits shining example of our firm’s com- litigation in a political arena.” the firm in the long run, Rich said, mitment to public service, and we Mayer Brown, like dozens of even if “they may have to sit out for join the citizens of Chicago in wish- firms, already does work for the city a minute.”

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