2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
“
SAURISH APPLEBY- BHATTACHARJEE He is the person teams turn to when the stakes are high, and he consistently delivers work that reflects both rigor and integrity. ”
AGE : 39 FIRM : BCLP LLP LAW SCHOOL : UCLA School of Law AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Complex civil and criminal litigation, government enforcement actions
S aurish Appleby-Bhattacharjee is no stranger to success in the courtroom, regularly earning significant wins for his clients in some of the most complex civil and criminal cases. Whether prosecuting billion-dollar fraud cases as a federal prosecutor or representing major corporate clients in complex disputes at BCLP, Appleby-Bhattacharjee has built a reputation for remaining composed when the stakes are at their highest. “Saurish brings a steady, thoughtful approach that inspires trust,” said a nominator, “He is the person teams turn to when the stakes are high, and he consistently delivers work that re- flects both rigor and integrity. Strategic insight, trial excellence and unwavering professionalism make Saurish’s lawyering not just strong, but exceptional.” Appleby-Bhattacharjee focuses his practice on complex civil and criminal litigation, government enforcement actions, whistleblower matters and internal investigations. He’s worked in both public service and private practice, giving him a per- spective that clients value when navigating investigations and high-profile litigation. Appleby-Bhattacharjee began his career as a federal pros- ecutor, first in Los Angeles and later in Chicago. During that time, he tried numerous cases to verdict and argued appeals before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Seventh and Ninth Circuits. One notable case during his time as a federal prosecutor was when he served as co-counsel in a 10-week, billion-dollar
fraud trial that resulted in guilty verdicts. At BCLP, Apple- by-Bhattacharjee has continued to build on that courtroom experience. He has served as lead trial counsel in multiple high- stakes arbitrations for one of the firm's largest financial institu- tion clients, compiling a perfect record in matters that made it to hearing. Appleby-Bhattacharjee has also taken on leadership roles beyond client work. In 2025, he led BCLP's efforts to file am- icus briefs on behalf of National Security Leaders for America challenging the federal government's deployment of National Guard troops in connection with immigration enforcement in Illinois. He also helped lead an amicus brief supporting organi- zations challenging the dismantling of the federal Community Relations Service. Mentorship is also important to Appleby-Bhattacharjee. He is among the youngest members of BCLP's core faculty for its internal Trial Academy and Deposition Academy, where he helps train litigators and advises junior associates on profes- sional development. He is also president of the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago Foundation, where he helps over- see grantmaking and initiatives designed to expand access to justice. “Saurish Appleby Bhattacharjee exemplifies the very best of Illinois’ rising legal talent,” the nominator said. “He is a formi- dable trial lawyer, a trusted advisor and a dedicated educator shaping the next generation of public minded attorneys.”
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40 Under Forty 2026
CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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