Calvin Townsend II
Fighting for Justice. Advocating for You.
Steven Hunter
Focused, reasonable and thoughtful trial and litigation counsel
Overview
Steven Hunter, an experienced trial lawyer with first-chair experience representing companies in the U.S. and abroad, is the Chicago office chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He has handled all aspects of dispute resolution — from discovery and motions practice to arbitration, mediation, jury trials, bench trials and appeals — representing clients in a wide variety of disputes, including:
- Commercial litigation, including cross-border and international disputes
- Regulatory litigation
- Construction and real estate litigation, including commercial leasing disputes
- Trust and estate litigation
- Personal liability litigation
Steven zeroes in early on the real pressure points in a dispute so as not to get mired in minutiae. He strives to be thoughtful and reasonable and to resolve disputes without litigation whenever possible. When litigation is necessary, though, he brings extensive courtroom experience to trial preparation and the negotiating table.
He is frequently invited to speak about trial practice, legal ethics, pro bono work and diversity in the legal profession.
Phone
Education
Education
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Certificate, Quarles & Brady Leadership Program (2018)
Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 2002)
Barrister's Council, Trial Division chair
American College of Trial Lawyers "Excellence in Trial Advocacy" Award (2001–2002)
National Black Law Students Association, national attorney general
Brown University (A.B., 1999)
Political Science, Economics
AMTA mock trial team, chair
AMTA Eastern Regional Mock Trial Tournament (Best Advocate, 1999)
Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 2002)
Barrister's Council, Trial Division chair
American College of Trial Lawyers "Excellence in Trial Advocacy" Award (2001–2002)
National Black Law Students Association, national attorney general
Brown University (A.B., 1999)
Political Science, Economics
AMTA mock trial team, chair
AMTA Eastern Regional Mock Trial Tournament (Best Advocate, 1999)
Areas of Expertise
Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
Crain's Chicago Business "Notable Leaders in DEI" (2023)
Crain's Chicago Business "Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting and Law in Chicago" (2019)
Chicago United "Business Leader of Color" (2017)
Chicago Magazine "Top Attorneys in Illinois" (2016)
Michael L. Gonring "Pro Bono Partner of the Year" (2015)
James P. Lykes "African-American Male Image" (2015)
Leading Lawyers "Emerging Lawyer" (2015)
Illinois State Bar Association "Young Lawyer of the Year" (2012)
National Bar Association "Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40" (2011)
Chicago Defender "Men of Excellence" (2011)
Loyola University Chicago School of Law "Public Interest Convocation Award" (2010)
Illinois Super Lawyers® (2014-present: Business Litigation)
Illinois Super Lawyers® "Rising Stars" (2009-2013: Business Litigation)
Law Bulletin Publishing Company "40 Illinois Attorneys under 40 to Watch," (2008)
Chicago Bar Association "Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award" (2006)
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP "National Pro Bono Associate Award" (2006)
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP "Chicago Office Pro Bono Associate of the Year" (2005)
Chicago Volunteer Legal Service Foundation "Distinguished Service Award" (2004)
Piper Rudnick LLP "National Pro Bono Associate Award" (2003)
Crain's Chicago Business "Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting and Law in Chicago" (2019)
Chicago United "Business Leader of Color" (2017)
Chicago Magazine "Top Attorneys in Illinois" (2016)
Michael L. Gonring "Pro Bono Partner of the Year" (2015)
James P. Lykes "African-American Male Image" (2015)
Leading Lawyers "Emerging Lawyer" (2015)
Illinois State Bar Association "Young Lawyer of the Year" (2012)
National Bar Association "Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40" (2011)
Chicago Defender "Men of Excellence" (2011)
Loyola University Chicago School of Law "Public Interest Convocation Award" (2010)
Illinois Super Lawyers® (2014-present: Business Litigation)
Illinois Super Lawyers® "Rising Stars" (2009-2013: Business Litigation)
Law Bulletin Publishing Company "40 Illinois Attorneys under 40 to Watch," (2008)
Chicago Bar Association "Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award" (2006)
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP "National Pro Bono Associate Award" (2006)
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP "Chicago Office Pro Bono Associate of the Year" (2005)
Chicago Volunteer Legal Service Foundation "Distinguished Service Award" (2004)
Piper Rudnick LLP "National Pro Bono Associate Award" (2003)