Firm Overview
Areas of Practice
Attorneys
Representative Clients
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Scott F. Hessell, Partner
Mr. Hessell joined Sperling & Slater in 2006. He has represented clients in complex commercial disputes nationwide before federal and state courts as well as arbitration tribunals. Prior to joining Sperling & Slater, Mr. Hessell worked four years as a litigation associate at the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
After law school, Scott worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Karen LeCraft Henderson in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. At the University of Michigan, Mr. Hessell was an accomplished college debater, reaching the semi-finals of the National Debate Tournament twice and winning the American Debate Association National Championship.
Scott is a member of the Trial Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and was recently selected as one of Illinois' "Rising Stars" for 2010 based on a peer survey conducted by Super Lawyers publication (representing top 2.5% of all Illinois lawyers 40 and under).
Education
J.D. with Honors, University of Chicago Law School, 2001
B.A. in Political Science, University of Michigan, 1997
Representative Matters
Trustee/Fiduciary Litigation
Represented the bankruptcy trustee of Mego Financial Corporation to successful results in its claims against the former directors/offices of the company as well as its accountants.
Pursued managing partner of clients' real estate partnerships in state, federal, bankruptcy and criminal forums to seek return of several million dollars of partnership funds misappropriated by defendant.
Pursued professional malpractice claims against accountants, investment banks and law firms who recommended clients to participate in illegal tax shelters, such as "Son of BOSS" and "CDS".
Defended preference and avoidance claims by bankruptcy trustee against former director/officer of a bankrupt company, resolving the matter for a favorable settlement.
Complex Class Action Litigation
Co-counsel for defendants in Aliano v. Amerigas where motion for judgment on the pleadings granted in FACTA class action where client faced substantial exposure for alleged statutory violations. See 2009 WL 635547 (N.D.Ill. Mar 12, 2009) (No. 07cv4110) (Leinenweber).
Primary case management responsibility for a number of purported statewide and nationwide product liability class actions in federal and state courts and before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Among other pretrial motions practice, he successfully argued a motion to dismiss a class action in Texas state court.
ERISA/Pension Fund Litigation
Represented a Carpenters Union Pension Fund as plaintiff pursuing ERISA, civil RICO, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Securities Act, and other claims against a former trustee and numerous other defendants who allegedly conspired to illegally influence the Pension Fund's decision to invest in a real estate development in Northwest Indiana.
Arbitration/Mediation
Participated in two arbitration trials before the American Arbitration Association. He was part of a trial team that successfully litigated ownership claims to the General Motors Building against Donald Trump and his affiliates on behalf of Conseco, Inc.
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Scott F. Hessell
312-641-3200
shessell@sperling-law.com
Sperling & Slater
55 West Monroe Street
Suite 3200
Chicago, Illinois 60603
312-641-3200
fax: 312-641-6492
info@sperling-law.com
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