Andrew May

Andrew May of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg has earned a reputation as a shrewd and versatile litigator capable of tackling the most vexing legal problems.  Those who have worked with May, describe him as “gifted intellectually, with an ever-present articulateness and a comfortable confidence in his own abilities,” a “master of his craft, laser-focused on the client’s objective,” and a “bright and welcome star in our profession.”

 Just ask Jason Anderson, senior legal counsel at Grant Thornton.  Anderson was supervising litigation in Wisconsin that was going poorly. Anderson reached out to May for help and, within days, May developed a strategy and a plan of attack.  The result?  Grant Thornton prevailed on summary judgment.  “Since that time, I have consistently turned to Andrew for advice,” said Anderson. “ I appreciate his responsiveness, his creativity, and his ability to think quickly and adroitly.  He represents the best of our profession.”

Those sentiments were echoed by John Scharkey, May’s co-counsel in a dispute over title to a World War II-era aircraft.  The case involved a complex web of fact issues that seemed destined for trial.  However, in a high stakes gamble, May devised a creative statute of limitations argument that won the day and resulted in a summary judgment victory that was affirmed on appeal.  “For Andrew, litigation is not just a chess match; it is a three-dimensional chess match to achieve the client’s objectives,” said Scharkey.

May’s broad litigation experience has afforded him a rare fluency in many areas of the law.  Jay Brown, an attorney at the US Chamber of Commerce, regards May as his “go-to lawyer” for “significant First Amendment matters,” whereas Julia Lynch, in-house counsel at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, calls on May to handle complex insurance coverage disputes.  No matter the case or the issue, May is “always prepared and articulate” “professional and collegial,” and “wise beyond his years,” said Lynch.  

But May’s skill set extends beyond the courtroom. When Priyanka Murthy, an e-commerce entrepreneur, wanted to start a new company, she turned to May for advice on the formation of her business.  Murthy considers May “a trusted advisor” who “counsels, problem solves, and troubleshoots on both legal and financial concerns.”

As a respected litigator, May usually finds himself in high demand.  However, May still makes time to mentor junior attorneys and be an advocate for the less fortunate.  Valerie Raedy, now an Assistant US Attorney, expressed gratitude for May’s tutelage during her time at Neal Gerber and credits May with teaching her “to think not only about what legal positions could be argued, but what should be argued” and “to consider what actions would most quickly accomplish the client’s goals.” Courtney Kelledes, a former attorney at Cabrini Green Legal Aid, praised May’s pro bono work through the Second Chances Project helping rehabilitated individuals with criminal histories overcome employment barriers when reentering the workforce.  “On top of winning for his clients, Andrew took the time to know his pro bono clients as people, and made them feel valued and ensured that their voices were heard.”  Ultimately, that is what every client desires.