40 Under Forty 2022

2022 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

CHRISTINA ROUPAS

D riven to see her clients succeed, Chris- tina Roupas possesses the knowledge, ambition and talent to achieve exceptional results – and should be recognized as one of the most respected corporate law spe- cialists in Chicago. As a founding member of Cooley’s groundbreaking Chicago office, which opened in May 2021, Roupas has had a re- markable impact on the firm’s local growth, setting the tone for the best-in-class law- yers the firm has attracted since its launch. Her positive energy and enthusiasm – com- bined with her tremendous skill set and keen communication dexterity – allow her to serve as a trusted mentor and colleague to countless individuals. Before joining Cooley, Roupas was cap- ital markets practice chair at Winston & Strawn, where Karen Weber, associate gen- eral counsel at Cresco Labs, worked closely with her. Weber notes that Roupas’ ability to efficiently manage initial public offerings while inspiring confidence in everyone she works with sets her apart from the crowd, and calls her not only a great lawyer but also a great business adviser and partner to clients. “Regardless of what she has to sacrifice, Christina does what it takes to get the job done,” Weber explains. “She would run through a brick wall if it meant helping her client. No matter how substantial the task, Christina is up for the challenge.” Without fail, Roupas makes all clients feel as if they are her top priority by listen- ing carefully to their concerns, determin- ing their goals, and working tirelessly to achieve them. “What is most impressive is her ability to deliver on-point, practical ad- vice in a no-nonsense manner. She quickly

grasps what a client needs and then deliv- ers,” says former colleague Erin Stone. “It is clear she can handle any situation with grace and agility.” “Her clients must feel like they are the most important people in the world under her watch,” says Lindsay Shake, associate general counsel at PEAK6. “She has the Mi- das touch: Everything she works on is just very successful.” Shake adds that one of the cornerstones of Roupas’ success is her ability to build strong relationships with her clients, not- ing that she is not only talented but also exceedingly devoted to their successes. “Christina is incredibly efficient and straightforward, leaving no guesswork or questions for clients,” Shake explains. “It is not a stretch to say her clients absolutely love her.” When not assisting clients and work- ing to build out Cooley’s Chicago office, Roupas prioritizes giving back and serving her community. She’s an advisory board member for Big Careers Little Kids, a net- work supporting women building careers while raising young children. Roupas also serves on the planning committee for the Garrett Institute at Northwestern University. An advocate for continuing education, Roupas has long contributed to the many events the organization holds for the Chicago legal community. “Though I witness Christina’s lawyering skills in a different setting than most, she consistently amazes me with her thorough, forward-thinking knowledge of corporate law,” says Juliann Cecchi, assistant dean of external partnerships for the Northwest- ern Pritzker School of Law.

“

It is not a stretch to say her clients absolutely love her”

AGE 39

FIRM Cooley LLP

LAW SCHOOL William & Mary Law School

AREA OF PRACTICE Mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, real estate, capital markets

40 Under Forty 2022 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN