John H. Stassen

For decades, individuals and institutions involved in the complex world of financial services, particularly derivatives and commodities, sought the unparalleled expertise of John H. Stassen. A senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, one of the world's most prestigious law firms, Mr. Stassen built an extraordinary career centered in Chicago, a global hub for futures and options trading. While the provided address "300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL, Chicago, IL 60654, USA" describes a general area within downtown Chicago, it signifies his practice at Kirkland & Ellis's prominent office in the city. Though Mr. Stassen passed away on March 19, 2023, his legacy and contributions to the legal and financial sectors remain profoundly influential. For those seeking legal services from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, their Chicago office can be reached at (312) 861-2000 or +1 312-861-2000.

John H. Stassen was not merely a lawyer; he was a pivotal figure in shaping the regulatory and legal landscape of the derivatives market. His profound knowledge, strategic insight, and dedication earned him a reputation as a giant of the futures bar, impacting countless businesses and guiding major financial institutions through tumultuous periods.

John H. Stassen practiced at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a firm renowned for its sophisticated legal services and prominent offices globally. The Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis, where Mr. Stassen was a senior partner, is typically situated in a state-of-the-art facility within Chicago's central business district. Such an environment is characterized by modern architectural design, advanced technological infrastructure to support complex litigation and transactional work, and highly secure facilities for handling sensitive client information. The general address description of "300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL, Chicago, IL 60654, USA" points to a highly accessible location near major transportation hubs like Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station, and within walking distance of the financial and legal districts along LaSalle and Clark Streets. This strategic positioning in the heart of Chicago's financial sector underscored Mr. Stassen's close ties to the industry he served and provided a fitting backdrop for his high-level legal work.

John H. Stassen's legal career was singularly defined by his profound specialization in derivatives law. His services primarily catered to the financial services sector, and his expertise encompassed a wide range of legal and regulatory matters related to futures, options, and commodities. Key areas of his practice included:

• Derivatives Law: This was his core area of focus. He possessed an unparalleled understanding of the complex legal frameworks governing financial derivatives.
• Representation of Futures Exchanges: Mr. Stassen served as the principal outside counsel to several major futures exchanges, most notably the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), for many years. This role involved providing comprehensive legal and regulatory counseling, ensuring compliance with evolving laws, and representing these institutions in critical legal challenges.
• Crisis Management and Litigation: He played a crucial role in guiding the CBOT through significant and challenging events, such as the infamous Hunt silver crisis (1980) and the Ferruzzi soybean crisis (1989). His expertise extended to major litigation under the Commodity Exchange Act and federal securities laws, where he provided strategic defense and counsel.
• Regulatory Development: Mr. Stassen was instrumental in the development and registration of the National Futures Association (NFA), a self-regulatory organization for the U.S. futures industry. His contributions were vital in establishing the regulatory infrastructure that governs the market today.
• Business and Regulatory Counseling: Beyond litigation, he provided extensive advisory services, helping clients navigate complex business challenges and regulatory requirements within the financial industry.

John H. Stassen's career was marked by numerous distinctive features and significant contributions, establishing a lasting legacy:

• Academic Excellence: He earned his undergraduate degree in communication studies from Northwestern University in 1965 and his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Harvard Law School in 1968, laying a strong intellectual foundation for his legal career.
• Peer and Industry Recognition: His unparalleled expertise was recognized through numerous accolades. He was selected as one of America's Leading Business Lawyers in Banking & Finance by Chambers USA 2004-2005. In 2006, he was inducted into the Futures Industry Association's (FIA) Futures Hall of Fame, established in 2005 to honor outstanding contributions to the global futures and options community. This induction signifies his profound and lasting impact on the industry.
• Leadership in Legal Committees: Mr. Stassen served as a past chairman of the derivatives law committees for both the Chicago Bar Association and the American Bar Association, demonstrating his leadership and influence within the legal profession.
• Intellectual Contributions: He authored significant legal scholarly works, including "Propaganda as Positive Law: Section 3 of the Commodity Exchange Act - (A Case Study of How Economic Facts Can Be Changed by Act of Congress)," published in the Chicago-Kent Law Review, showcasing his deep analytical skills and contribution to legal thought.
• Humor and Engagement: Beyond his serious legal acumen, he was fondly remembered for his humorous introductions at the annual Kent Commodities Law Conference in Chicago, indicating a personable and engaging side to his professional persona.
• Philanthropy and Alma Mater Devotion: Mr. Stassen was a devoted alumnus of Northwestern University, actively involved in various capacities. He served on the Northwestern Library Board of Governors, including a tenure as chair, and established the Stassen Family Endowed Fund to support the university libraries. His extensive contributions to his alma mater reflected his commitment to education and community.

For institutions and sophisticated clients within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, particularly those with complex legal needs in derivatives and financial services, John H. Stassen's name was synonymous with authoritative legal counsel. His long tenure as a senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, combined with his role as principal outside counsel to the Chicago Board of Trade, conveyed a level of trust and expertise that few could match. His induction into the Futures Industry Association's Hall of Fame served as the ultimate testament to his impact and a powerful promotional endorsement. For any entity navigating the intricate regulatory landscape of commodities and futures, Mr. Stassen was undoubtedly a top-tier choice.

While John H. Stassen is no longer actively practicing, his remarkable career at Kirkland & Ellis LLP has left an indelible mark on derivatives law. His legacy underscores the firm's deep expertise in financial services and their historical connection to the growth and regulation of the futures industry in Chicago. For current legal needs in derivatives, commodities, and financial regulatory matters, Kirkland & Ellis LLP continues to be a leading firm, building on the foundation laid by attorneys like John H. Stassen. Prospective clients seeking high-level legal advice in these specialized areas can still contact the firm's Chicago office at (312) 861-2000 or +1 312-861-2000 to inquire about their current team of expert attorneys who continue to practice in these fields.