Schiff Hardin Adds Attorneys in Chicago and New York

CHICAGO, IL – February 24, 2016 – Schiff Hardin LLP announced today that two counsel and one associate have joined the firm. Rachael L. Schwartz joined the firm’s New York office as counsel in the Financial Markets and Products Group. In Chicago, Lisa K. Shebar joined as counsel in the Intellectual Property Group, and Christina K. Brunka joined as an associate in the Construction Law Group.

Rachael focuses her practice on the Investment Company Act and related securities and corporate laws. In addition to counseling registered investment companies, Rachael also serves as independent counsel to directors of mutual funds and variable insurance trusts. Before joining Schiff Hardin, Rachael was an investment management associate in the New York office of Paul Hastings LLP.

“Given her extensive experience in mutual fund governance, Rachael is a great addition to our firm and to our deep capabilities in representing mutual funds and their directors,” said Paul E. Dengel, leader of the firm’s Financial Markets and Products Group.

Lisa’s practice focuses on trademark and related matters. Before joining the firm, Lisa was affiliated with Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP for over 22 years in varying roles, including associate and partner. Lisa has experience with a wide variety of transactional and adversarial intellectual property matters. In addition to her past affiliation with Katten, Lisa also served as Senior Counsel in the Marketing Practices Group of the Law Department at Sears, Roebuck and Co., where she oversaw a portfolio of more than 1,000 trademarks and engaged extensively in client counseling.

“We are excited to welcome Lisa to our team,” said Thomas P. White, Director of Schiff Hardin’s Trademark Prosecution and Management Practice. “Her trademark experience is an excellent addition to our practice and enhances our retail sector capabilities.”

Christina joins the firm from the Chicago office of Arnstein & Lehr LLP, where she represented a wide-variety of clients in construction disputes, including breach of contract and construction defect cases.

“I am excited to join Schiff Hardin’s renowned Construction Law Group,” said Christina. “The firm’s strong, integrated team works on a wide range of issues, including project finance, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. I look forward to learning from the best as I continue to grow my practice.”

Rachael earned her J.D. (2007) from Washington University in St. Louis. She earned an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business (2002) and a B.A. in Japanese Studies from Wellesley College (1996).

Lisa earned her J.D. (1993) at the University of Illinois College of Law. She graduated cum laude with a B.A. (1990) in Mathematics and Economics from Wheaton College.

Christina earned her J.D. (2011) from the University of Illinois College of Law. She earned a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2008) and B.S. in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006).

About Schiff Hardin LLP

Schiff Hardin LLP is a dynamic general practice law firm representing clients across the United States and around the world. We have offices located in Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Lake Forest, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Washington. Our attorneys are strong advocates and trusted advisers — roles that contribute to lasting client relationships.