Robert S. Minetz
Partner312.419.3017rminetz@llflegal.com
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A zealous advocate with an enviable record of accomplishments inside and outside the courtroom, Partner Robert S. Minetz provides his clients with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they are in good hands. Bob matches his litigation acumen with a genuine concern for his clients' problems and stressors and a fierce commitment to protecting and advancing their interests.
Bob has extensive experience in a broad spectrum of complex commercial disputes, successfully representing clients in countless trials and handling more than ninety appeals, including the preparation of briefs and presentation of arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Courts. His clients include middle-market companies, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, families, churches, and animal shelters.
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the First Infantry Division, Bob has an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has received numerous accolades from his peers for his professionalism and talents, including being named a 2019 Top Attorney in Illinois and "One Of the Top Lawyers In Chicago" by the National Law Journal. He is active in several professional organizations and is a frequent speaker and writer on a variety of legal topics.
Bob's commitment to service extends beyond his clients, as he regularly volunteers his time and efforts on behalf of several philanthropic, educational, and community endeavors. A graduate of DePaul University, Bob earned his law degree, with honors, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he graduated fifth in his class, was awarded the Order of the Coif, and served as Notes and Comments Editor of the University of Illinois Law Forum.
When not serving his clients or community, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, playing squash, and reading good books.
University of Illinois, J.D., 1973, summa cum laude
DePaul University, B.A., 1968
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1973
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1975
Supreme Court of the United States, 1979
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Trial Bar, 1982
Chicago Bar Association, Vice Chair, Civil Practice Committee, 2016-2017
Appellate Lawyers Association
Successfully defended a landlord against common law claims and a claim under the Visual Artists Rights Act ("VARA") by an artist who was wrongfully evicted from his studio. A jury in the federal court in Rockford awarded the plaintiff $120,000 on his $5,000,000 VARA claim and $300,000 on his $11,000,000 common law claims. This victory was affirmed by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on 7-19-19.
Obtained a judgment in favor of two doctors who sued another doctor for a breach of a settlement agreement.
Court issued a Memorandum Order and Judgment finding client not guilty of unduly influencing client's father to amend trust.
Represented real estate purchasers, obtained judgment after a bench trial ordering the reimbursement of earnest money deposit on the basis of force majeure. The decision was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court.
Represented a humane society, obtained an injunction against mule diving at Kiddieland Park.
Represented attorneys who sued their former client for interest on their attorneys' fees. The attorneys worked for their client on her divorce case based on her oral promise to pay them 9% interest on the legal fees. Following a $20,000,000 divorce settlement, she paid the fees but not the interest. The jury entered a verdict in favor of his clients for $1,277,120.
Represented a group of ten subcontractors as trial co-counsel. Obtained a judgment for $6,948,195.31 after a bench trial. The award was against a lender who lured the clients back to home construction jobs. The award included over $1 million in punitive damages.
Settled a will contest that was filed on behalf of two siblings against two other siblings. The matter was so contentious that an armed, undercover police officer was present at the mediation. The settlement documents took over six months to complete.
Obtained a "bad faith" finding for a contractor in a declaratory judgment action filed by his insurance carrier.
Successfully defended an automobile dealer in a jury trial in based on a fraud claim by an unhappy customer.
Obtained a judgment in favor of a plaintiff in her sexual harassment/hostile environment case in the United States District Court.
Granted a favorable ruling after a bench trial on the merits allowing client to keep a fifteen year lease option despite the option being exercised one month late. The appellate court affirmed the ruling.
Obtained a ruling in a bench trial in favor of a church in a zoning case allowing the client to build a new church in an industrial area. The appellate court affirmed the ruling.
Obtained a favorable judgement in federal court on behalf of one of the trustees of a pension plan who was the subject of an ERISA suit.
Latimer Levay Fyock Attorneys Selected As 2020 Super Lawyers And Rising Stars
Seven LLF Attorneys Named to 2019 Illinois Super Lawyers List
Boilerplate No More: Force Majeure Litigation Expected to Take Off In Wake of COVID-19
June 1968 to January 1970, Specialist 5, assigned duty as a Chaplain's assistant, 1st Infantry Division, Vietnam
Awarded Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal
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