Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Allaband Kendra M

In the vibrant legal landscape of Chicago, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, now operating as Faegre Drinker, stands as a prominent and highly regarded international law firm. Within its esteemed ranks is attorney Kendra M. Allaband, contributing to the firm's comprehensive legal offerings. Located at the prestigious address of 191 N Wacker Dr #3700, Chicago, IL 60606, the firm benefits from a prime position in the city's central business district, making it easily accessible and reflecting its significant presence in the legal community. Clients can reach the Chicago office directly at (312) 569-1328 or via mobile at +1 312-569-1328, ensuring efficient and reliable communication for their legal needs within the "Nearby Lawyers" category.

The environment at Faegre Drinker's Chicago office, situated in a high-rise on North Wacker Drive, is indicative of a sophisticated and professional legal practice. The firm operates within a modern, well-equipped setting designed to facilitate complex legal work and confidential client consultations. This central location not only provides convenience but also positions the firm at the nexus of Chicago's corporate and legal activity, demonstrating a deep engagement with the local and broader business communities. The firm's global reach, with offices across the United States, London, and Shanghai, further enhances its capabilities to handle intricate legal challenges with both local relevance and international implications.

Faegre Drinker, as a full-service international law firm, offers an extensive array of legal services, addressing the intricate transactional, litigation, and regulatory challenges faced by a diverse clientele, from emerging startups to multinational corporations. While the firm's services are broad, Kendra M. Allaband's specific areas of expertise contribute significantly to its profile. Her practice areas include Health, Labor & Employment, and Family Law, as indicated by various legal directories. This specialized focus within the broader firm allows for targeted and in-depth counsel for clients facing issues in these particular domains.

Within Health Law, Kendra M. Allaband is adept at navigating the complex regulatory landscape, potentially advising on matters such as health and welfare plan compliance, ERISA, and issues arising from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Her background includes experience with health and welfare plan compliance issues, providing creative solutions to implementing increasing regulations affecting those plans. She has advised on offering COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for employees to comply with ERISA and assisted companies in establishing on-site medical clinics. Her experience with the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation underscores her capabilities in benefits and executive compensation matters, a critical area for many corporate clients. Her involvement in the Pediatric Ethics Program at Lurie Children's further highlights her engagement with the healthcare sector and ethical considerations within it, indicating a comprehensive understanding of the field.

In Labor & Employment law, Kendra M. Allaband likely assists employers with a range of issues, including compliance with employment laws, employee benefits, and related litigation. Her prior work, as evidenced by her objection to a withdrawal and motion to enforce a settlement in a case involving Illinois Bell, demonstrates her experience in managing legal disputes related to employment and corporate matters. While family law is also listed among her practice areas, the primary public information available points towards her strong capabilities in corporate and regulatory aspects of health and employment law, particularly within the context of large organizations and their employee benefits schemes.

Several features distinguish both Faegre Drinker as a firm and Kendra M. Allaband within it. Faegre Drinker is known for its "client-designed" approach, where business goals drive their legal strategies. They prioritize listening to understand client priorities, bringing fresh ideas, and delivering excellence without arrogance. The firm prides itself on its collaborative culture, with attorneys and professionals committed to working together to solve complex challenges. This collaborative spirit ensures that clients benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of a large, integrated firm.

The firm has consistently received high accolades, including being named to BTI Consulting's "Most Recommended Law Firms" list and earning rankings in prestigious guides like Chambers USA and Chambers Global. Faegre Drinker's commitment to pro bono work is also a notable feature, with 100 hours of pro bono work counting as billable hours, demonstrating their dedication to community service and access to justice. Furthermore, the firm emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances their ability to understand and serve their clients effectively.

Kendra M. Allaband's professional background highlights her expertise within these areas. Her role as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, and Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Lurie Children's, a major healthcare institution, indicates a deep understanding of corporate operations, human resources, and compliance within a highly regulated industry. This in-house experience provides her with a unique perspective on client needs, allowing her to offer practical and business-savvy legal advice. Her experience in settling significant pension obligations and advising Fortune 500 companies on benefits and executive compensation matters further showcases her sophisticated legal capabilities. Her education from Loyola University Chicago School of Law also grounds her in the local legal community.

Promotional information, while not in the form of direct client reviews for Kendra M. Allaband specifically, is strongly conveyed through the reputation and recognition of Faegre Drinker as a whole. The firm's consistent top-tier rankings in various legal publications and its broad range of practice areas serve as compelling endorsements. The emphasis on client focus, innovation in service delivery, and a collaborative team approach are key promotional messages. For instance, Faegre Drinker's "Client Pledge" emphasizes value, innovation, quality, and effective communication, all of which are attractive qualities for prospective clients. Their commitment to offering alternative fee arrangements also highlights their flexibility and focus on client value.

The firm's success in handling high-stakes matters, as indicated by its appearances in major cases and consistent recognition for its litigation prowess (e.g., being a "Law Firm of the Year" for Litigation – Labor and Employment), indirectly promotes the capabilities of its individual attorneys, including Kendra M. Allaband, who contribute to this overall success. The firm's proactive approach to thought leadership, through insights, events, and webinars on complex legal topics like health plan fiduciary responsibilities and PBM challenges, further positions them as authorities in their fields. The fact that the firm offers a broad range of transactional, litigation, and regulatory services from their Chicago office at 191 N Wacker Dr #3700, makes them a comprehensive solution for diverse legal needs.

In conclusion, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, now known as Faegre Drinker, with its Chicago office at 191 N Wacker Dr #3700, Chicago, IL 60606, and contacts at (312) 569-1328 and +1 312-569-1328, is a leading international law firm. Within this robust firm, attorney Kendra M. Allaband specializes in Health, Labor & Employment, and Family Law. Her extensive experience in corporate benefits and executive compensation, coupled with her background in a major healthcare institution, provides clients with invaluable strategic counsel. The firm's professional environment, client-centric approach, broad service offerings, and consistent industry recognition all contribute to its strong promotional appeal within the "Nearby Lawyers" category. For individuals and businesses in Chicago seeking sophisticated and dedicated legal representation in these specialized areas, Kendra M. Allaband and Faegre Drinker represent a top-tier choice.