2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
in the legal profession. ” “
I consider her a true rising star
K ristine Schanbacher has built a reputation as a litigator who thrives in high-stakes disputes while maintaining a deep commitment to expanding access to justice. A partner with Dentons US LLP in Chicago, Schanbacher has built a thriving practice while defending complex class actions, catastrophic personal injury cases and commercial litigation. Col- leagues say that Schanbacher combines meticulous legal analysis with credibility in the courtroom, qualities that have made her a trusted advocate for clients facing significant exposure. “Kristine advocates for her clients zealously, without com- promising her credibility,” said William Gibbs, partner in Chicago with Corboy & Demetrio. “I consider her a true rising star in the legal profession.” An example of Schanbacher’s legal prowess? She played a key role in securing summary judgment in a catastrophic per- sonal injury defense case in Pennsylvania, a jurisdiction known for substantial plaintiff verdicts. By exposing weaknesses in the plaintiffs' expert testimony and highlighting inconsistencies in their litigation positions, Schanbacher helped obtain a complete defense victory, one that survived a motion for reconsideration. While her commercial litigation work has earned praise, Schanbacher's commitment to pro bono service has drawn equal admiration from peers and nominators. She has devoted countless hours to representing vulnerable KRISTINE SCHANBACHER AGE: 39 FIRM : Dentons US, LLP LAW SCHOOL : Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Class action - defense, defending catastrophic injury cases, commercial litigation
clients through organizations including the National Immi- grant Justice Center and Legal Aid Chicago. In one memorable case, she helped a transgender woman from Mexico obtain asylum after the client suffered abuse by police because of her gender identity. “I will always remember (the client’s) tears of joy,” said Gail Eisenberg, with the Chicago office of Loftus & Eisenberg. “Law can save lives, and Kristine is not afraid to use the law do just that even with the long-billable hours of a young attorney.” Schanbacher also helped secure a precedent-setting Illinois appellate decision requiring domestic violence courts to adju- dicate child support requests, a ruling expected to strengthen protections for survivors statewide. Her pro bono work has also included obtaining resentencing for a juvenile who had been un- constitutionally sentenced to life without parole and restoring wrongfully terminated SNAP benefits for an elderly client. Her peers say that Schanbacher is equally committed to men- toring younger attorneys, regularly introducing associates and law clerks to networking and leadership opportunities through bar association service. “I have witnessed first-hand Kristine's willingness to mentor junior attorneys and law clerks at her firm,” said Emily Masals- ki, counsel with Eaton Corporation. “Kristine is an exceptional mentor and has created opportunities for her firm colleagues.”
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40 Under Forty 2026
CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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