Alan W. Nicgorski
Chicago, Managing Partner
Education
- Northwestern University School of Law (J.D., with honors, 1997; Coordinating Articles Editor, Northwestern University Law Review; Order of the Coif)
- University of Notre Dame (B.A., with honors, 1994)
Bar Admissions
- State of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Claims
Awards
- Recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Business Litigation by Illinois Super Lawyers® (2021 – 2022)
- Recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Intellectual Property Litigation by Illinois Super Lawyers® (2011 – 2012, 2015 – 2016)
- “40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch” (2009)
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 peer review rating in Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory
Biography
Alan Nicgorski is a trial attorney with twenty years of experience litigating complex commercial cases in Chicago and throughout the country. Alan’s practice involves assisting clients with all types of business disputes, with a particular focus on patent litigation and cases involving trade secrets and non-competition agreements. In addition to litigation, Alan has served as a trusted advisor to several clients over his career. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Nicgorski was a Partner at Scandaglia & Ryan, a Chicago litigation boutique, and an Associate in the litigation department at Jenner & Block. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Kenneth F. Ripple of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit immediately following his graduation from law school.
Experience
Litigated patent disputes in the Northern District of Illinois, District of Delaware, and Southern District of Indiana on behalf of several manufacturing companies, including Illinois Tool Works, Pactiv Corporation, Potter Roemer Fire Protection and Natus Medical.
Served as lead counsel in successful defense of a managing general agent in a million dollar arbitration filed by its former President. The case involved complex business valuation issues specific to the insurance industry, as well as breaches of post-employment covenants. The team achieved a complete defense victory (including an award of attorneys’ fees) after a four-day trial that included several hours of significant expert testimony.
Defended international oil company in environmental and product liability litigation brought by 69 plaintiffs in Circuit Court of Henderson County, Illinois. Obtained favorable settlement during pendency of several summary judgment motions aimed at narrowing plaintiffs’ case.
Served as lead counsel for publicly-traded private equity firm in $400,000 tortious interference with contract claim brought by former executive of portfolio company. Secured summary judgment in client’s favor, which was affirmed by U.S. Court of Appeals for Seventh Circuit. Nation v. American Capital, Ltd., 682 F.3d 648 (7th Cir. 2012).
Served as lead counsel for Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company in breach of contract action and secured two summary judgment rulings on a $750,000 damages claim. Rulings were affirmed by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Nycomed US Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 542 F.3d 1129 (7th Cir. 2008).
Served as lead counsel in successful defense of national manufacturing company against age discrimination claim in the Southern District of Illinois. Secured summary judgment in client’s favor, which was affirmed by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Schmitt v. Central Processing Corp. et al., 675 Fed. Appx. 615 (2016).
Regularly represented retail electricity supplier in wide variety of litigation, including intellectual property, breach of contract, enforcement of non-competition agreements, and employment matters.
Counseled client on antitrust issues relating to the formation of an industry group for the purposes of collaborating on the development of new technology and lobbying standard setting organizations. Served as counsel for resulting consortium of companies.
Served as lead counsel for prisoner plaintiff in Section 1983 jury trial in Southern District of Illinois.