40 Under Forty 2025

2025 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

BRIAN CRUMP

AGE 39

FIRM Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

LAW SCHOOL Chicago-Kent College of Law

over roadblocks. “

AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Venture, startup, and corporate law

Brian prioritizes solutions

”

W hat makes Brian Crump such a successful lawyer? His peers point to his deep knowledge of the law, strate- gic thinking and unwavering commitment to his clients. Add his ability to forge winning results for these same clients, and it's clear why Crump is a rising star in the areas of venture and corporate law. "Brian prioritizes solutions over roadblocks, aligning legal strategies with business objectives to drive meaningful results," said David Brown, principal with the Chicago office of Much Shelist. "From the outset of his career, he distinguished himself with his ability to earn client trust." Crump is also a visionary, a lawyer unafraid to adapt and work in new fields. An example? Crump became an expert in cannabis law when that field was in its infancy in Illinois. Brown said that Crump played a key role in a complex cannabis-related transac- tion that resulted in a $1 billion rollup and exit, the largest in the industry at that time. Crump has since applied his legal knowledge to represent cli- ents in other emerging industries such as crypto and the use of psychedelics for medical purposes. "While many attorneys hesitate to engage with unchart- ed legal territory, Brian embraces the challenge, continuously

seeking innovative ways to help clients succeed where others see obstacles," Brown said. Katherine Danial, counsel at the Washington, D.C. office of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, said that Crump consis- tently delivers results that exceed the expectations of his clients. When clients hire Crump, they know that they are not only gaining a sharp legal mind but also a strategic partner, Danial said. "He approaches complex, high-stakes matters with a rare combination of poise, determination and creativity," Danial said. "His counsel is clear, practical and impactful." Emily Dosch, claims manager with RLI Insurance Company, said that Crump has showcased an ability to handle complex, high-stakes transactions. Dosch said that Crump excels in ex- plaining complex legal concepts in a way that is clear to his clients, regardless of their backgrounds. Crump also relies on "outside-the-box" thinking, making him an invaluable asset to his clients. "Brian is down-to-earth and genuinely cares about the people he works with," Dosch said. "He has a natural ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life."

40 Under Forty 2025

CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN