Hinshaw Partner Gretchen Harris Sperry Named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders

The U.S. law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson today announced that partner Gretchen Harris Sperry has been selected by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2021 Notable Gen X Leader in Accounting, Consulting & Law.

The chair of Hinshaw’s nationally-recognized Appellate Practice Group, Sperry handles appeals in state and federal appellate courts nationwide, including the U.S. Supreme Court, on matters as diverse as constitutional issues to catastrophic personal injury. She is a go-to legal advisor for professional sports teams and venues, including the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and the United Center, in personal injury and player disputes. She also represents government agencies and corporations, including the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, in class action and other high-profile litigation.

Working with Hinshaw’s Chief Knowledge Officer, Sperry has also been instrumental in integrating cutting-edge technology—including the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI)—into the general litigation and appellate practices at the firm.

"Gretchen has had a transformative impact on the firm’s implementation and adoption of technology, providing a great benefit to our attorneys and our clients," said Hinshaw Managing Partner Robert Shannon. "She has all the attributes of a Generation X Leader. We’re thrilled that she has been recognized by Crain’s.”

In addition to managing her thriving legal practice, Sperry is a dedicated and conscientious mentor to women and diverse attorneys. She mentors associates through the Hinshaw mentorship program and is an active member of the firm’s Associate Hiring Committee. She also teaches a legal writing course to incoming Hinshaw associates, and has taught a 3L Practical Skills Training Seminar at Loyola Law School since 2013. Previously, she mentored new lawyers through the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism program.

Sperry also serves on a number of professional boards. She was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Illinois Board of Admissions Character & Fitness Committee. She is a member of the Loyola Law School Board of Governors, an executive board member of the ABA Council of Appellate Lawyers, and is a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association public relations committee. She also serves as a mentor with the Diversity Scholarship Foundation and The Appellate Project, and is a presenter for the ABA Judicial Division Youth Outreach Diversity Program.

Each year, Crain’s recognizes Gen X leaders in accounting, law and consulting who have shown the ability to effect change in their roles and their practice areas, serve as role models and mentors within their workplaces, and assume leadership positions in professional or civic organizations.

Read Sperry's Gen X profile on the Crain's Chicago website (subscription may be required)