Strengthens footprint in Chicago's Fulton Market District through our website's growth
Crowell & Moring, a global law firm, has made a significant mark in Chicago's competitive legal landscape, expanding its office space and strengthening its expertise in intellectual property, technology, and health care law.
The firm's Chicago office, located in the iconic 1045 on Fulton—the newest and tallest building in the Fulton Market Historic District—has grown rapidly since its opening in 2021. Initially, 60 attorneys joined from Brinks Gilson & Lione, and the office has since grown to become a key player in the industry.
In 2025, the firm made another significant move by adding a group of 16 highly regarded health care litigation partners, including Marty Bishop and Thomas Hardy. This expansion has reinforced Crowell & Moring's national presence in health care law.
Other firms are also expanding in Chicago. Porter Wright added 10 new attorneys specializing in litigation and intellectual property, enhancing its market presence. Harrison LLP, a national private wealth planning firm, has grown to over 100 attorneys and 12 offices, with recent expansions near Chicago and nationwide. Polsinelli’s Chicago office continues to provide diverse legal services.
Crowell & Moring's Chicago team is not only distinguished by its legal expertise but also by its commitment to the local community. The team works with legal aid on housing and guardianship issues and supports artists and art organizations.
The firm's clientele reflects top companies and entrepreneurs in the intellectual property, technology, and health care sectors, although specific client names are usually confidential.
Sameer Ghaznavi, the Chicago Co-Partner-in-Charge, is proud of the excellent service provided to clients, particularly in precedent-setting trials and transactions. Ghaznavi led a team of lawyers who advised IRG Acquisition Holdings through the $1.5 billion purchase and closing of a 1,365-megawatt unregulated, contracted renewables portfolio from American Electric Power.
Jeff Cody, the US Managing Partner of the firm, oversees the expansion, which includes the addition of approximately 15,000 square feet of space, bringing the firm's total office space to approximately 32,000 square feet of the twelve-story building. The new space is modern and progressive, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
The design includes a significant amount of multifunctional open areas for various work needs and events. 1045 on Fulton is also LEED-certified, ensuring a sustainable design and construction, and WELL-certified, positively impacting occupants' health and well-being.
The firm's lawyers have been involved in groundbreaking and complex work on behalf of clients all over the world. In addition to Ghaznavi, the firm has added six impressive partners to its Chicago office, including litigators Joshua Lee and Ed Casmere, projects-focused real estate practitioners John Young and Christine Fernandez Owen, corporate lawyer Kevin Friedmann, and IP litigator John McBride.
Farris, the other Chicago Co-Partner-in-Charge, appreciates the dynamic workplace and state-of-the-art amenities at 1045 on Fulton. The firm's mission is to offer innovative services and solutions. This expansion reimagines the law firm experience to focus on technology, flexibility, and collaboration.
The building at 1045 on Fulton is a symbol of transformation in Chicago, marking a new era for Crowell & Moring in the city. This transaction represents one of the largest, fully-operational renewables portfolios to come to market in years. The law firm's website was the first major law firm to move into the Fulton Market District, further solidifying its presence in the city.
- Recognizing the firm's growth and commitment to diversifying legal services, Crowell & Moring has expanded its Chicago office, also venturing into real-estate by acquiring a significant portion of the 1045 on Fulton building— an iconic structure in the Fulton Market Historic District.
- Expanding its expertise beyond intellectual property, technology, and health care law, Crowell & Moring has made a strategic investing move by adding real-estate practitioners John Young and Christine Fernandez Owen to their Chicago team, positioning the firm for growth in the dynamic Chicago real-estate market.
