Bob came to McKenna straight from law school and after two years as a law clerk to a Cook County Circuit Court Law Division judge. He has devoted his career to toxic tort litigation defense, insurance defense and business litigation. He represents some of the largest corporations in the country. He has represented silica companies for over 25 years and also has brought Kohl’s Department Stores into the McKenna stable of clients, handling its Illinois litigation issues. He also serves as an arbitrator in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims.
He is a former co-chairman of the product liability committee of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel who also finds time to serve as a lecturer on topics such as toxic torts, tort reform, expert evidence, negotiations and civil procedure. His dedication to his profession and to serving the interests of the people and organizations his represents is recognized throughout the legal community and has allowed him to rise with the firm to the position of partner.
Bob is a faithful Chicago Cubs and Wisconsin Badgers fan. In his spare time, he can be found riding his bike along the lakefront. He is dedicated to his family and is proud of the fact that both of his children chose to attend the University of Wisconsin.
Acts as coordinating counsel and substantive defense counsel for major mineral producer with responsibility for all phases of litigation nationwide in state and federal courts, including coordination of overall defense strategy, expert and non-expert related discovery, preparation and production of corporate/company witnesses, management of local counsel and trial.
Representation of various entities in services based and product liability related asbestos litigation pending throughout Illinois in both state and federal courts, including pumps, valve, boiler, and HVAC related equipment, as well as insulation contractors.
Representation of a chemical distributer in a multi-plaintiff case obtaining dismissal after discovery, and obtaining award of sanctions due to frivolous nature of the litigation.
Successfully defended major cellphone company in litigation in which claimants alleged that cellphone use caused cancer. Claims were dismissed after an evidentiary hearing.
Defended suburban village against claims in federal court that its police officers had violated the civil rights of plaintiffs. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants.