Sonnenschein Names New Managing Partner of Chicago Office

August 2, 2006

(CHICAGO, August 2, 2006)--Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP announced today that Robert F. Messerly has been appointed managing partner of the law firm’s Chicago office.  Messerly, a 19-year Sonnenschein veteran, most recently was vice-chair of the national Real Estate Practice Group.  He succeeds James Klenk and Pamela Baker; Klenk became a managing partner in 2000 and was joined by Baker in 2002.

“Pam and Jim have provided many years of dedicated and inspired leadership to the Chicago office and we deeply appreciate their service,” said Duane C. Quaini, Sonnenschein chairman.  “We look forward to the continued impressive growth of the office under Bob’s guidance and wish him the greatest success as he assumes his new responsibilities.” 

Messerly, who joined Sonnenschein in 1987, represents some of the country’s preeminent institutional real estate investors and lenders on a global, national and local basis.  His practice is concentrated in the areas of large portfolio acquisition and disposition, equity investments and real estate finance.  A member of Sonnenschein’s Pro Bono Committee, he also serves on the board of directors of the not-for-profit corporation that operates Legacy Charter School, an elementary school established by the firm in 2005 in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. 

“I am honored to be asked to lead the Chicago office and thank my colleagues for their support,” said Messerly.  “Pam and Jim have done an outstanding job as co-managing partners and I am privileged to follow in their footsteps.” 

Messerly received a J.D. degree from Northwestern University Law School and a B.A. degree from Xavier University. 

Sonnenschein, with more than 700 attorneys and other professionals in 10 U.S. cities and a global reach, serves the legal needs of many of the world’s largest and best-known businesses, nonprofits and individuals.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

Media Contact:

Linda Butler
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(312) 876-3453
LButler@sonnenschein.com