Katherine Grosh

Even in law school, it was apparent Katherine A. Grosh would become a leader among lawyers.

Now a partner in the Business Law Group at Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP, Grosh, 37, began her legal career at her current firm in 2002 after graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law. She was selected for partnership after only five years, becoming the youngest female partner in the 50+ year history of her firm. Grosh now has twelve years of experience in a broad range of complex business litigation and appellate matters in state and federal courts for a diverse portfolio of clients. Her firm also relies on her to handle complex family law appeals and dispositive motions.

Grosh’s law school classmates recognized her potential early on. Mark Altschul of McDermott Will & Emery LLP said it was apparent through his work alongside Grosh in the 3L Civil Litigation Clinic that Grosh would become an outstanding attorney. “Katy has developed an excellent understanding of complex business litigation, insurance law, appellate practice and procedure, and family law,” Altschul said. “If I am unable to handle a matter on any of these issues, I frequently refer cases to Katy because I know that her combination of intelligence, diligence, and desire for excellence will serve the potential client quite well.” 

Grosh continues to impress, and her peers have a high degree of respect for her abilities. Michael A. Weinberg of Novack and Macey LLP, who worked with Grosh for separate but aligned clients on a highly complex commercial litigation matter, said: “She went toe to toe with a much more experienced commercial litigation attorney and more than held her own in those match-ups.”

J. Matthew Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Law Offices, P.C. has observed Grosh for almost four years while working on a complex commercial case involving claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conspiracy, and unjust enrichment.  Grosh and Pfeiffer each represent three defendants, and the two lawyers frequently collaborate on strategy. “[F]rom a defense attorney perspective, Ms. Grosh is an exceptional tactician when it comes to analyzing the facts of a case, dissecting the situation into specific legal issues, and finding creative ways to attack and defeat the claims advanced against her clients,” Pfeiffer said. “Legal writing and courtroom presence are skills that sometimes take decades to learn and even longer to master. Ms. Grosh has demonstrated time and time again in this case that she is able to do both exceptionally well.”

David J. Gubbins, who served as a court-appointed discovery facilitator and mediator on a multi-million dollar commercial litigation case in which Grosh and her firm represented one of the defendants, said: “Grosh is hardworking and knows the law.” Gubbins continued, “She drafted and argued complex pleadings … and was a very effective trial lawyer in this jury trial.”

Members of the bench agree with Gubbins’ assessment. One Judge stated, “She has many skills that recommend her for this award, but I would venture to say that it is her writing talent that separates her from the rest.  Simply put, she is one of the very best young appellate lawyers in Chicago.” 

Another Judge described Grosh’s abilities as follows: “She has an uncanny knack for making the complex seem simple and for revealing the simple to be profound.  She has a pleasant and disarming manner that suits her well in the courtroom and she exudes the confidence of a much more experienced lawyer.”

Grosh’s opposing counsel in her most contentious cases agree. F. Dean Armstrong of the Armstrong Law Firm said “In short, Katy Grosh is the total package. If my firm had a bet-your-business case, I’d want Katy Grosh on our side, not against us.”

 Grosh is an active member of the Appellate Lawyers Association and a regular contributor to its publication, The Brief. She occasionally combines her passions for food and the law by writing for the Wine & Dine column of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. She also mentors students who are interested in pursuing legal careers, and is involved with the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.