ALUMNI NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2025
Happy Holidays From NGE This season, we are proud to highlight the deep roots NGE has grown in Chicago—through our partnerships, our commitment to community, and our ongoing work to build a more sustainable future. Our collaboration with Openlands reflects our dedication to protecting the environment and supporting local neighborhoods. As we close out the year, we thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us make a positive impact here in Chicago and beyond.
225 WEST RANDOLPH ST, SUITE 2800 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606 | WWW.NGE.COM
HONORING FOUR DECADES OF NGE 2026 Will Mark Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s 40th Anniversary As we approach our 40th anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebrating the legacy and future of NGE. This milestone is a testament to the innovation, partnership, and growth that our alumni and colleagues have made possible. Share your memories, photos, and stories with us. Let’s commemorate the moments that have shaped our firm and look forward to the next chapter together.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026 • Join us for a landmark evening as we host our inaugural alumni event at our new office on June 9th. This special gathering will bring together alumni, colleagues, and friends to celebrate and recognize four decades of success. Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to welcoming you back to NGE. •
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Have photos or memories to contribute? Connect with us on LinkedIn or reach out via email, we’d love to include your stories as we capture the complete history of NGE.
INAUGURAL ALUMNI EVENT
NEW ARRIVALS New Hires
Josh Altman
Hannah Anderson
Jackson Hicks
Partner Restructuring & Insolvency
Associate Corporate & Securities
Associate Private Wealth
Coming Soon: Alumni Job Board We are developing a database of open positions at leading client organizations, which will be available for our alumni seeking new career opportunities. If your company is hiring, we encourage you to share available roles with us.
LIFE AT NGE The New Office Equation – Sustainability, Flexibility & the Flight to Quality At our October client panel, “The New Office Equation: Sustainability, Flexibility and the Flight to Quality,” we were honored to host a dynamic discussion with our construction and design partners who have helped shape our new space at The Bell. During the event, we premiered a special video that captures NGE’s journey to create a workplace that reflects our values and vision. As alumni, you’re receiving an exclusive early look at this video before it’s released publicly, exploring how NGE leadership and our partners integrated sustainability into every aspect of the office. You’ll see firsthand how our commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation is woven into the fabric of our new home. We hope this video inspires you and demonstrates how your legacy continues to influence NGE’s future. Thank you for being part of our story. p.3
LIFE AT NGE 20 Year Club The annual 20-Year Club luncheon took place this November at Prime & Provisions, celebrating our business professionals for their decades of dedication to the firm. We were proud to welcome Heather Rawl to the 20-Year Club and celebrate milestone anniversaries for Karen Estes (35 years) and Cheryl Cianelli (40+ years). Congratulations to our colleagues on these remarkable achievements!
Holiday Party We celebrated the close of another successful year with a holiday party at ROOF on theWit. Our NGE attorneys and staff enjoyed an evening filled with festive cheer, a stunning skyline view, dancing, raffle prizes, and of course, Managing Partner Bobby Gerber’s annual festive holiday suit.
Poker Power This fall, The Women’s Network of NGE partnered with Poker Power to host a hands-on workshop for clients and colleagues, focused on strategic decision-making and leadership. Through poker-inspired exercises, participants explored how to assess risk, manage uncertainty, and make confident moves, skills that translate directly to driving business impact.
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RECENT NGE CLIENT ALERTS EBEC
2026 Game Plan for Group Health Plans 7.7.25 | Aaron Weiss, Linda Hoseman; Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Read Alert >
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Cyber & Data Implications When a Services Partner Fails 7.28.25 | David Wheeler; Intellectual Property, Joshua Altman; Restructuring & Insolvency Read Alert >
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO NGE CLIENT ALERTS
NGE IN THE MEDIA Michael Kelber Featured on Good Morning America After sharing his insights on a pending lawsuit involving Smuckers and Trader Joe’s, Intellectual Property Partner & Chair Michael Kelber was contacted by Good Morning America to participate in a segment regarding the trademark matter. Click here to watch Michael’s feature.
WHAT WE’RE READING Take a Look at Some of the Pieces That Have Inspired Us Recently 10 Commandments for Agentic AI Tools In The Legal Industry - Law360 Flexible work is here to stay. Here’s how to build a strong culture in the hybrid environment - Crain’s Chicago Business Collaboration Is The New Economics of Cross-Selling in Law Firms - Bloomberg Law p.5
ACCOLADES Sonia Menon Named a 2025 Notable Leader in Sustainability by Crain’s Chicago Business This November, Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2025 Notable Leaders in Sustainability. This honor reflects Sonia’s visionary leadership and her commitment to embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the fabric of our firm. Under her guidance, NGE became the only law firm in Chicago to achieve LEED Platinum certification for our new office, setting a new standard for sustainable legal workplaces. Sonia’s strategic approach to sustainability, from reducing emissions and waste to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, continues to inspire our firm. Click here to read Sonia’s profile in Crain’s Chicago Business.
LEAD. BUILD. INSPIRE.
Sonia Menon Congratulations to NGE Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon on her well-deserved recognition as one of Crain’s 2025 Notable Leaders in Sustainability. This year, under Sonia’s leadership, NGE became the only law firm in Chicago to achieve LEED Platinum certification for its new office at The Bell, setting a new benchmark for sustainable legal workplaces. Her commitment to environmental excellence is more than a value: it’s a strategy. From reducing emissions and waste to embedding ESG principles into daily operations, Sonia’s work inspires a firm-wide commitment to environmental, social, and governance excellence, setting a powerful example of what it means to lead with integrity and vision. Intellectual Property Partner Emer Simic was the 2025 recipient of the
Emer Simic Awarded Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law Leadership Award
Thank you, Sonia, all you do to make ourAward firm and the world a better place! Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in for Law Leadership this October, recognized for achieving various leadership roles within the organization. Currently a National Board Member of the Coalition, Emer has served at all levels of Chicago Chapter leadership, most recently as President in 2024. She has also served as Chicago Chapter Board Member, Secretary and Vice President.
22 NGE Practice Groups Recognized by Best Lawyers The 2026 edition of Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers included 22 of NGE’s practices among the top firms in Chicago. An additional 20 practices were recognized at the national level, a testament to our commitment to professional excellence. Firms are identified for excellence through a comprehensive evaluation process that includes client interviews and peer reviews from leading attorneys in each field. Click here to read NGE’s Best Law Firms profile. p.6
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: ADVANCING IMPACT TOGETHER 2025 CSR Report At NGE, our commitment to making a difference extends far beyond the walls of our office. Our 2025 CSR Report reflects the collective efforts of our attorneys and staff to drive meaningful change in our communities and our profession. This year, we dedicated hundreds of pro bono hours to causes ranging from immigration and asylum rights to supporting individuals with disabilities and strengthening local nonprofits. Our approach to corporate social responsibility is rooted in the belief that every action, large or small, can help build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world. We are proud to share highlights from the past year, celebrate the dedication of our team, and reaffirm our promise to lead with purpose and integrity. Thank you for being part of the NGE community and for inspiring us to continue this important work.
2025 Step Up Inspiration Awards NGE attorneys and leadership attended the Step Up Inspiration Awards this fall, celebrating the organization’s impactful work. Step Up is a national nonprofit that empowers young women through mentorship, career development, and networking opportunities to define success on their own terms. Learn more about the organization here.
Korean American Bar Association We were proud to sponsor this year’s Korean American Bar Association of Chicago (KABA) annual gala. Attorneys Jason Kim, Eric Choi, and Nick Laureano work with KABA to provide pro bono services to over 1,000 immigrant families in Chicago each year. We’re proud of our attorneys’ commitment to service and their lasting impact on the Chicago legal community. Learn more about the organization here. p.7
STAY CONNECTED
SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS Did you get a promotion or a new job? Get married? Welcome a baby? Send us your news and milestones to alumni@nge.com so we can celebrate with you.
Join the Neal Gerber Eisenberg Attorney Alumni Network on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest news from the firm and connect with your fellow alumni.
Visit the NGE Alumni page on NGE.com to share your updated contact information with us.
225 WEST RANDOLPH STREET, SUITE 2800 | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606 | WWW.NGE.COM
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