40 Under Forty 2026

2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

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JENNIFER NIESEN AGE: 39 FIRM : Christopoulos Law Group LAW SCHOOL : Gonzaga University School of Law AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Alcohol beverage, food and hospitality regulatory law, business and corporate transactions and leasing Jennifer is amazing at anticipating issues and preparing for ways to address them. ”

J ennifer Niesen represents clients across every tier of the alcohol beverage and hospitality industry. Niesen focuses on alcohol beverage regulatory law, guiding clients through the complexities of federal and state licens- ing, compliance and government regulations, deal structuring, leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, as well as litigation related to these matters. She also provides additional insight into hemp beverages, a category still being defined in real time. Niesen advises alcohol suppliers, distributors and re- tailers including owners and operators of national multi-unit grocery chains, restaurants, package liquor stores as well as museums and large event venues. She counsels professional sports teams on alcohol marketing, sponsorships and licensing compliance within their stadiums. Most recently, Niesen advised on the acquisition of a 25-location restaurant chain under new ownership, providing guidance on Illinois state and local laws and regulations. “Jennifer is thoughtful, caring and diligent in her work,” said Shannon Trotter, the Liquor Commissioner for the City of Chi- cago. “Jennifer is amazing at anticipating issues and preparing for ways to address them. Her work is thorough and well orga- nized, and she is always professional and courteous.” This year, she was invited for the second time to speak at a national legal conference in Washington, D.C., where she

discussed the regulatory future of hemp beverages in Illinois and across the country. “Her research, work and expertise are literally shaping the in- dustry and what happens next for this new and exciting area of commercial law in the U.S.,” said Aryn Evans, Executive Director of the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission. “In addi- tion to being curious, dedicated and well-read on every single aspect of her work, she is also a fierce combination of powerful and kind.” Niesen has represented hundreds of entrepreneurs as they navigate the often-complicated process of opening hospitality businesses. From securing licenses and permits to advocating before local and state agencies, she helps clients overcome reg- ulatory obstacles without losing momentum on their timelines. “She is extremely responsive, detail-oriented, has a great per- sonality, is intelligent and is loved by her clients,” said one nominee. Niesen's advocacy doesn't stop with her clients. She's equally committed to supporting and elevating other women in hospi- tality and alcohol beverage law. She organized and moderated a "Women in Alcohol" continuing legal education panel for the Chicago Bar Association and has spoken numerous times for the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. She continues to create networking opportunities that connect and support women working throughout the hospitality industry.

40 Under Forty 2026

CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN