Allison Margolies has extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, advising clients on sensitive business matters. With exceptional attention to detail and an unwavering focus on the bigger picture, she drives the resolution of her clients’ most significant disputes.
Allison has favorably resolved cases in federal and state courts alleging antitrust violations, director and officer breach of fiduciary duties and fraudulent transfer claims, financial fraud, insurance coverage disputes, and other business-critical matters. She also serves as a neutral mediator helping parties achieve consensus so they can amicably resolve commercial, employment, and personal disputes without the need for litigation.
As a litigator, mediator, and former law clerk to two federal court judges, Allison understands how judges are likely to think about a case and which arguments will be most effective. Always mindful of her clients’ goals, she listens carefully, gaining a clear understanding of objectives. Then she develops a strategy that serves the client at each stage of the case, whether that means taking a case to trial or finding a negotiated resolution. Allison is responsive to her clients’ needs and always keeps their interests front and center when pursuing results that move their businesses forward.
Before joining the firm, Allison served as a law clerk for the Honorable Katharine S. Hayden of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the Honorable Geraldine Soat Brown of the Northern District of Illinois.
Representative Matters
Represented a family-owned business defending against national multidistrict opioid litigation claims brought against pharmacies. The case involved in-depth work with the client in a highly complex and contentious discovery involving tens of millions of documents leading to the development of methodology distinguishing the client and enabling a uniquely low settlement.
Successfully resolved multiple matters related to a breach of contract lawsuit for an artificial sweetener manufacturer, including separate lawsuits in multiple states claiming fraudulent transactions, indemnification, and enforcement of an arbitration judgment.
Served as trial counsel in an antitrust matter involving the chicken industry, including taking and defending client witness testimony, presenting oral argument on evidentiary issues, and preparing expert witnesses, ultimately assisting clients in receiving substantial economic recovery.
Represented a petroleum pipeline client through successful negotiations to resolution regarding claims against an electrical utility for underground damage to pipelines.
Handled expert testimony at the successful trial of property claims for a privately held music production company, involving the award of nearly all of the client’s attorney’s fees for the seven-year-long litigation.
Negotiated resolution of contentious subpoena disputes with multiple firms in an antitrust matter involving a pharmaceutical company, which resulted in additional disclosures to our clients, and handled deposition of third-party patent counsel involved in the underlying patents at issue in the case.
Professional Activities
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Volunteer, Center for Conflict Resolution
- Former Board Member and Chair, Volunteer Council
University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interview Program
Practice Areas
Clerkships
- Law Clerk, Hon. Katharine S. Hayden of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, 2001-2002
- Law Clerk, Hon. Geraldine Soat Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2007-2009
Education
J.D., George Washington University Law School, cum laude, 2000
- Notes Editor, The Environmental Lawyer
- Trial Court Board
B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1993
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
