2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
“
He is not a reactive attorney; he is proactive. His negotiation style reflects both confidence and pragmatism. ”
AALI FIDAI
AGE: 37 FIRM : Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. LAW SCHOOL : University of Illinois Chicago School of Law/ John Marshall Law School
AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Commercial real estate
A father of two who immigrated from Pakistan to the United States in 2008, Aali Fidai has steadily built a commercial real estate law practice that has earned the trust of some of the biggest names in the real estate industry. How? This young attorney has developed a reputation for understanding compli- cated transactions, anticipating potential problems and helping his clients successfully navigate sophisticated legal issues. Peers say that Fidai’s ability to communicate sets him apart. He has a talent for breaking down complicated legal ques- tions into clear guidance, steering his clients toward the most cost-effective solutions. Rather than simply telling clients what they should do though, Fidai explains why a strategy makes sense and how it benefits his clients’ business objectives. “He is able to take very complex commercial real estate situ- ations and make them easy to digest for layperson clients while still being able to properly advocate for them with his depth of legal knowledge,” said Jeffrey Anderson with Houston-based JDA Trials LLC. Fidai’s real estate knowledge extends beyond the legal side of transactions. His prior experience in the construction and real estate industries gives him a practical understanding of how projects are developed, financed and completed, providing an important perspective when advising clients on complex transactions.
That combination of legal and industry knowledge has helped Fidai develop a reputation as a strategic counselor to his clients. He identifies risks before they become problems and develops solutions that keep transactions moving while protecting his clients’ interests. “What truly sets Aali apart is his ability to anticipate challeng- es before they arise,” said Jacqueline Matz, with Illinois-based YCharts. “He is not a reactive attorney; he is proactive. His nego- tiation style reflects both confidence and pragmatism.” Colleagues point to Fidai’s work on high-value transactions as evidence of the trust he has earned from his clients. He has led and closed sophisticated deals that might typically fall to more senior attorneys. “Aali is one of the most dedicated and caring attorneys I have ever met,” said Mo Dadkhah, founder of Illinois-based Dadkhah Law Group. “I have hired attorneys, worked with countless and have trained many others. Aali is one of the most knowledgeable and caring attorneys in the real estate sector. That is something people say often about people, but with Aali it’s not just a gen- eralized statement. He truly embodies an attorney who cares.” Fidai’s impact extends beyond his own practice. He has developed a reputation for helping other attorneys, including those outside his firm, and for supporting and mentoring younger lawyers.
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40 Under Forty 2026
CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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