40 Under Forty 2022

2022 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

VINCENT RIZZO

A true leader and litigator. That’s how Vincent Rizzo’s peers describe this accomplished attorney, who represents clients in both Illinois and California in employment disputes, tort defense, and constitutional violations. Why? Rizzo’s fellow lawyers point to his deep understanding of the law, strong work ethic, exceptional litigation skills, successful results, and ability to craft cost-effective solutions for his clients. He was recognized as a “Notable LGBTQ Ex- ecutive” by Crain’s Chicago Business, and regularly selected by his peers for inclu- sion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation and Labor and Em- ployment Litigation. For example, Carmen Dorris, staff counsel for Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrys- ler, has seen Rizzo’s work up close as out- side counsel. She explained that he has successfully resolved several complex cases for the company. “We regularly rely on his expertise in litigation and tort law,” Dorris said. “He equally demonstrates poise and confidence among his peers, co-workers and colleagues.” Jessica Griff with the City of Chicago Department of Law worked with Rizzo when he served as an Assistant Corpo- ration Counsel. The pair handled several Section 1983 cases together. Griff says that Rizzo’s litigation skills are unparalleled. In his time with the division, Rizzo suc- cessfully resolved a number of challenging cases through motion, settlement, or trial. In fact, he tried several civil jury cases to defense verdict. Today, Rizzo is dedicat- ed outside counsel for the City, handling complex litigation. “He has developed a

reputation in the field as an expert in the subject matter and as a fair and just attor- ney,” Griff said. Rizzo has also earned a reputation for giving back to his community. Moses Su- arez, partner at Chicago’s SmithAmund- sen, and former President of LAGBAC, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ bar association has worked closely with Rizzo. Rizzo is the current Vice-President of this bar associ- ation and, as Suarez says, has been instru- mental in its success and growth. An example? Working alongside the Alliance of Illinois Judges and LAGBAC, Rizzo planned and hosted a reception at his firm in honor of Judge Judith A. Rice for her promotion to presiding judge of the Domestic Violence Division of the Cir- cuit Court of Cook County. He also host- ed a reception at his firm for Judge Mary Rowland when she was appointed to the Illinois federal bench. Suarez says that Rizzo also regularly speaks on panels on topics such as Ti- tle VII, ADA, and internal investigations, demonstrating his expertise in the field of employment law and litigation. He recent- ly presented a CLE titled “LGBTQ+ Issues in the Workplace,” at the Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association’s 2022 Annual Training Conference, and co-moderated a panel titled “LGBTQ+ Em- ployment Law Roundup,” for Pride Month. “Vincent’s leadership has helped con- tinue LAGBAC’s efforts to bring aware- ness to important LGBTQ+ issues,” Suarez said. “He is also a distinguished employ- ment law attorney and litigator. He is cer- tainly recognized as a leader here in the Chicagoland area.”

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Vincent brought to the table the right building blocks to succeed”

AGE 34

FIRM Hinshaw & Culbertson

LAW SCHOOL Michigan State University College of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Employment law, tort defense, civil rights litigation

40 Under Forty 2022 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN