SCHLEGEL & TRAFALET - Key Persons

Stephen J. Schlegel established his own practice in 1972 following an early association with a Chicago litigation firm. Schlegel then founded the former well-known Chicago firm of Schlegel & Trafalet, Ltd. in 1977, and maintained an active general civil litigation and appellate practice before merging his firm with Clausen Miller P.C. in March of 1986. In 2003, Schlegel reestablished his own firm practice after many successful years as a partner at Clausen Miller P.C., and has continued a varied multi-state litigation and business practice, emphasizing a collaborative professional effort on behalf of clients. has wide ranging experience in the trial and appeal of complex property and casualty matters, multistate mass- and class action litigation, commercial matters dealing with intellectual property rights and trade secrets, and complex matters concerning trust and Estates. He also has significant experience in the not for profit sector. Stephen rose to national prominence in 1983 when he was appointed national lead counsel in In re Agent Orange Products Liability Litigation, the civil class action claims of Vietnam-era veterans seeking damages for exposure to herbicides during their service in Southeast Asia. Stephen is admitted to practice in Illinois, was admitted previously in both New York, and Michigan, where he maintained active office and tried many matters. He practices in Illinois courts as well as numerous federal district courts and circuit courts of appeal throughout the country. He has also successfully appeared before the United States Supreme Court. His career has included involvement as a speaker at numerous law schools throughout the country, with focus on complex class and multistate litigation procedures. He has also been actively involved in the American, Illinois State, and Chicago Bar Associations and various committees thereof. Stephen has had the highest possible peer review rating in legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell for over twenty-seven years. In 2004, professional peers in Illinois recommended him as a leading lawyer in eight practice categories.