Mayer Brown LLP: Rissman Michael P

In the bustling legal landscape of Chicago, Illinois, finding a trusted and experienced lawyer is crucial, whether for personal matters or complex corporate affairs. Under the "Nearby Lawyers" category, one notable name that stands out is Michael P. Rissman, a distinguished legal professional associated with Mayer Brown LLP. Located at 71 S Wacker Dr # 1000, Chicago, IL 60606, USA, Mayer Brown LLP's Chicago office is a cornerstone of the legal community, boasting a rich history and a strong reputation for providing high-caliber legal services.

Michael P. Rissman's background highlights a career marked by significant responsibilities and expertise. Prior to his tenure as a partner at Mayer Brown LLP from 1990 until 2007, Mr. Rissman served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for a Fortune 500 public company, Republic Services, Inc. This role provided him with a comprehensive understanding of various corporate legal matters, including governance, securities, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), litigation, employment law, executive compensation, compliance, and contracting. His experience as in-house counsel for such a large entity provides a unique perspective, allowing him to approach legal challenges with a practical and business-oriented mindset.

In private practice, particularly during his time at Mayer Brown, Michael P. Rissman has focused primarily on complex litigation. He has represented a diverse clientele, including large corporations, smaller companies, and individuals, in both state and federal courts across the United States. His litigation track record includes successfully prosecuting foreclosure actions, obtaining favorable judgments in defamation cases, defending industrial clients against claims of toxic exposure and property damage, and successfully defending an oil company against Clean Air Act violation allegations. This broad experience underscores his versatility and ability to navigate intricate legal disputes across various sectors.

Beyond litigation, Mr. Rissman also possesses significant experience in environmental counseling. His work in this area includes evaluating and mitigating environmental risks associated with hundreds of real property transactions for a large hedge fund, and developing and leading seminars on environmental risk for REIT officers. This specialized knowledge in environmental law is a valuable asset, especially for clients dealing with complex regulatory frameworks and potential liabilities.

Mayer Brown LLP itself is an internationally recognized law firm with a substantial global presence, including offices across the Americas, Asia, and EMEA. The Chicago office, where Mr. Rissman was a partner, is the firm's original and largest office. Established in 1881, it holds a prominent place in Chicago's history, having advised on the original incorporations of major companies like Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Continental Bank. The firm has also played a crucial role in the city's development, including advising on major expansions of O'Hare and Midway airports and the leasing of the Chicago Skyway.

The environment at Mayer Brown LLP's Chicago office is characterized by a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and client service. The firm's lawyers are known for their responsiveness and for producing high-quality work, as noted by industry recognitions from publications like Law360, Chambers USA, and Legal 500 USA. These accolades frequently highlight Mayer Brown's environmental practice as a leading force in the field. The firm's culture encourages civic involvement, with many lawyers contributing to important cultural boards and engaging in extensive pro bono work. This includes handling cases related to civil liberties, marriage equality, transgender rights, political asylum, police reform, and discrimination, among others. The Chicago office is located in a modern building at 71 South Wacker Drive, providing a professional and well-equipped setting for legal work.

The services offered by Mayer Brown LLP are extensive, covering a wide array of legal needs. While Michael P. Rissman’s profile specifically highlights complex commercial litigation, environmental law, and general counsel services, the firm as a whole is known for its strengths in finance, corporate, and litigation work. Their litigation and dispute resolution capabilities extend to international arbitration, securities litigation, and ERISA litigation. The firm serves diverse industries, including chemicals, energy, construction, and engineering. This comprehensive service offering means that clients approaching a lawyer like Michael P. Rissman at Mayer Brown LLP can benefit from the vast resources and collective expertise of a large, international law firm.

Features of Mayer Brown LLP that benefit clients seeking legal counsel include the firm's deep roots in the Chicago community, providing not just legal expertise but also a strong understanding of local dynamics and regulations. The firm's lawyers are often instructors at leading law schools and widely publish in their fields, demonstrating their thought leadership and commitment to legal scholarship. The firm's focus on a "free market system" for assigning work means that while there is flexibility, associates also learn to take ownership and pursue opportunities aligned with their interests, ideally leading to passionate and dedicated representation for clients.

Promotional information regarding Mayer Brown LLP often emphasizes its global reach and its consistent recognition as a top-tier law firm. The firm regularly promotes a significant number of lawyers to partner and counsel positions across its international footprint, showcasing its dedication to talent development and ensuring a strong team of experienced professionals. News releases frequently highlight the firm's involvement in high-profile deals and significant legal victories, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the legal industry. For instance, Mayer Brown has recently advised on substantial acquisitions and continues to engage in complex corporate and financial transactions. This level of activity and success serves as a strong indicator of the firm's capabilities and the quality of its legal team, including experienced professionals like Michael P. Rissman.

Client reviews, as publicly available, generally praise Mayer Brown LLP for its supportive team environment, interesting and high-profile work, competitive compensation, and hybrid work schedules that promote work-life balance. Employees often note the opportunity to build relationships with attorneys and gain an understanding of big law firm operations. While some reviews mention areas for growth in mentorship, the overall sentiment points to a highly professional and effective legal organization. This positive internal environment often translates into better service and outcomes for clients.

For local users in Chicago seeking legal assistance, Michael P. Rissman at Mayer Brown LLP offers a compelling option. His extensive experience as both a private practice litigator and an in-house general counsel provides a unique blend of legal acumen and practical business understanding. Combined with the robust resources, global reach, and established reputation of Mayer Brown LLP, clients can expect comprehensive, strategic, and effective legal representation for their complex needs. To connect with Michael P. Rissman or to inquire about services, individuals can reach out via phone at (312) 701-7834 or mobile phone at +1 312-701-7834.