Kathleen McDonough Joins Wilson Elser’s Chicago Office as a Partner

Kathleen McDonough, a former managing partner and general counsel at Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd., has joined Wilson Elser’s Chicago office as a partner.

McDonough deals with corporate and transactional work and general litigation matters, including product liability, complex commercial litigation, class actions, employment and transportation cases.

“Kathleen is one of the sharpest, most accomplished attorneys I know,” shared Daniel J. McMahon, Wilson Elser chairman. “Her addition to the firm will bolster the practices and the quality service we provide our clients, and we expect Kathleen’s extraordinary leadership qualities and her experience managing a firm to benefit all aspects of the partnership.”

In a release, the firm said McDonough represents small to mid-size companies from a spectrum of industries, including retail, manufacturing, insurance and transportation, on a broad range of matters. She often serves as her clients’ outside general counsel, handling such matters as product liability and employment, negotiating sales agreements and vendor contracts.

“Kathleen is truly accomplished in many areas of the law,” explained Dave Holmes, regional managing partner of Wilson Elser’s Chicago office, “and the fact that her insured clients often retain her to represent them directly is a testament to the counsel she provides, her professionalism and her personality. People in business prefer to work with lawyers they trust and like.”

In 2012, she was featured in Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s “Women in Law,” which honors 15 attorneys who have made and continue to make an impact on the legal profession. She also was honored that year with the Chicago Kent College of Law Professional Achievement Award in recognition of her accomplishments and contributions to the school and the legal community. Other honors include recognition as an Illinois Leading Lawyer and selection for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers.

McDonough is involved in numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Chicago-Kent Board of Overseers, DRI, the Trucking Industry Defense Association and the Society of Women in Law, where she volunteers on the mentorship program. She also has provided pro bono counsel to disabled children in the reinstatement of Supplemental Social Security Income benefits through the Chicago Volunteer Legal Society.

McDonough graduated cum laude with her B.A. degree from Saint Mary’s College (1991) and earned her J.D. degree from the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law (1994).

The firm has added almost 60 lateral hires firmwide over the past 15 months. In addition, the number of offices has expanded to 30 with new offices in Edwardsville, Illinois; Austin and Beaumont, Texas; and New Orleans, Louisiana.