Ray’s extensive jury trial experience in complex cases means that he is able to assess the best course of action when a client is faced with high-stakes litigation, or with complex business issue. Whether representing a large railroad, a privately–owned steel company, or other clients, Ray’s ability to understand his clients’ operation and build a story has allowed him to win significant verdicts for his clients. In addition to his litigation work, Ray acts as a trusted business advisor whether structuring a purchase agreement, negotiating a lease, or helping with a difficult employee issue.

His practical approach in identifying the business objective first, then developing the right legal solution, allows his clients to focus on running their business. His clients range from railroads and steel companies to real-estate managers and marketing agencies. What they have in common is passionate ownership and a focus on excellence. His expertise is rooted in business experience and deep trial skills that allow him to develop solutions that avoid the pitfalls which can accompany growth.

When Ray isn’t with his clients, you can usually find him sailing on Lake Michigan. A lifelong sailor with numerous accolades, including winning the Chicago to Mackinac race, he also works with youth sailing programs. He loves bringing the experience to the next generation. Ray was named a Leading Lawyer for 2019 through 2022 for the state of Illinois, an honor earned by fewer than 5% of Illinois attorneys. Ray was also named a Super Lawyer for 2021, 2022 and 2023 for the state of Illinois. Ray was honored at the 2019 Jury Verdict Reporter Awards in Chicago for Outstanding Defense Verdict in an FELA case for a February 2019 trial win.

EDUCATION

University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 1986
DePaul University, B.A. Business, 1983

BAR ADMISSIONS

Illinois, 1986

COURT MEMBERSHIPS

U.S. Supreme Court
Illinois Supreme Court
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Member, Trial Bar)
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

PRESENTATIONS

The Effective Use of Social Media at Trial, NARTC Fall Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, 2019
Mitigation of Damage and Reduced Work Life Expectancy Claims, NARTC Winter Meeting, St. Petersburg, FL, 2016
Fundamentals of the FELA, SAA, LIA, ICCTA, FRSA, and HOS Regs, NARTC Annual Meeting, Farmington, PA, 2015
Ethical Issues in Investigation and Trial Preparation, NARTC Special Litigation Conference, Snowmass, CO, 2014
Hiring, Keeping and Firing Employees: Hot Issues Facing Employers, University Club of Chicago, January 19, 2012
Update on Federal Preemption, Midwest Claims Conference, Summer 2008

PUBLICATIONS

“How to get a fair trial in the Internet age,” Crain’s Chicago Business, April 16, 2012
“Courts must look at social media policies,” The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 6, 2012

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Bar Association
American Railway Development Association
Defense Research Institute
National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Chicago Yacht Club High School Program Coordinator
American Youth Soccer Organization – Volunteer regional board member, 2004 to present; Regional Commissioner 2008 to present
St. Gregory the Great Church Member – Parish counsel, 2004 to present
Volunteer Soccer Coach, 2003 to present