Peter A. Silverman

Peter A. Silverman has broad-based experience representing clients in sophisticated business disputes, litigation, and appeals  for more than 35 years in state and federal courts and has consistently achieved his client’s objectives, employing sound judgment, careful analysis and aggressive determination.

Since 2010, he has been recognized in the practice area of Commercial Litigation by “Best Lawyers”, “Leading Lawyers” and “Super Lawyers” for excellence in the profession. He is ranked by “Leading Lawyers” as one of the ten best attorneys in Illinois defending legal malpractice claims. Pete has been recognized in a survey of his peers as one of the leading commercial litigators in Illinois.

Pete has extensive experience and has achieved outstanding results representing law firms and lawyers on professional responsibilities, fee disputes and claims of legal malpractice. He has significant experience defending investigations and complaints before the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

In addition, Pete has substantial experience and success representing clients in corporate and partnership disputes. He has handled numerous matters involving the interpretation and enforcement of partnership and shareholder agreements and the application of the Business Corporation Act and Uniform Partnership Act in the context of closely held, family-owned businesses as well as partnership and corporate dissolutions and breakups.

His experience in employment law is also extensive and diverse. He has rendered services ranging from general counseling, such as drafting employee handbooks, policies and procedures, to prosecuting and defending discrimination, wrongful discharge and retaliation claims. He also has extensive experience enforcing and defending against restrictive covenants.

Pete's Practice

Representative Matters

• Lead counsel representing plaintiff investors individually and derivatively arising from private equity investment and seeking more than $ 70 million, asserting claims of breach of fiduciary duty and bad faith in forcing redemption at an unfair price. Matter settled after seven days of jury trial following Pete’s cross examination of principal defendant.
• Lead counsel representing international law firm defending claims of legal malpractice and fraud. Arbitration was convened for three weeks. Examined and cross-examined more than 10 witnesses, including four expert witnesses. Arbitration panel found law firm not liable in a reasoned award written by a former appellate justice who served as chief arbitrator. Law firm prevailed on counterclaim and awarded substantial fees and costs.
• Co-counsel representing shareholder accused of fraud in connection with sale of securities. Plaintiff sought more than $100 million. The case was dismissed following multiple rounds of briefing and was ultimately affirmed by the Illinois Supreme Court.
• Co-counsel representing municipality in eminent domain action involving multiple counterclaims. Prevailed following bench trial before Federal District Court that extended for almost one year, including a cross examination by Pete of a principal witness over the course of eight trial days. A jury trial then proceeded on valuation issues with a favorable verdict.
• Lead counsel representing international law firm in defense of legal malpractice claims, dismissed on summary judgment.
• Lead counsel representing bank in lender liability action, dismissed on summary judgment and affirmed on appeal.