2025 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
JESSE FOOTLIK
AGE 39
FIRM Peck Ritchey, LLC
LAW SCHOOL Chicago-Kent College of Law
“
AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Estate and trust litigation, probate
Jesse has incredible negotiating skills and sees the big picture for his clients.
”
I t hasn't taken Jesse Footlik long to make his mark in the field of estate and trust litigation, rising quickly from a young asso- ciate out of law school to a trusted partner at Peck Ritchey, one of the top estate and trust litigation firms in Chicago. What's behind this success? Results matter, of course, and Footlik has earned major victories for his clients, often obtaining these before a trial even begins. Footlik has also crafted a rep- utation as being a passionate advocate for these same clients and has earned respect from his peers for his legal knowledge. It helps, too, that Footlik doesn't hesitate to work the long hours necessary to navigate his clients toward the best possible results. "Jesse has incredible negotiating skills and sees the big pic- ture for his clients," said Steven Elrod with Chicago law firm Elrod Friedman LLP. "His critical thinking and creativity in the courtroom pays huge dividends for his clients." Additionally, Footlik understands that his cases involve com- plicated family dynamics. "Jesse has a unique ability to aggres- sively represent his clients in challenging family situations while keeping the matter moving forward in a positive direction," said Burt Binenfeld, with the Chicago office of Rothman Law Group. "He represents his clients in a way that leaves no question
regarding his clients' interests, but at the same time does not escalate family issues or cause the other side to dig in." Footlik shines, too, in his legal briefs and appellate work thanks to his writing skills, obtaining dismissals and denials of opponents' appeals. Other firms hire Footlik as co-counsel in hotly contested estate and trust matters to help them in the trial court or to reverse incorrect rulings on appeal. Steven Vanderporten, with Chicago's Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP, refers to Footlik as his "go-to" for difficult estate and trust questions, saying that this young attorney possesses a deep understanding of the Illinois Probate Act and related laws. "Jesse follows in the footsteps of the premier trust and estate lawyer in the City of Chicago, Kerry Peck," Vanderporten said. "His expertise and community involvement should sustain Peck Ritchey for years to come." Despite his busy career, Footlik has found time to serve his profession. His peers say that Footlik never hesitates to volun- teer on legal association boards and committees. This includes his work serving as chair of the probate rules and forms com- mittee of the Chicago Bar Association. He also serves on the alumni board at Chicago-Kent College of Law.
40 Under Forty 2025
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CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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