Janelle Ibeling ’02, Partner, Investment Funds, Sidley Austin 

How I got the job: 

I was a summer associate in the Chicago office of Sidley after my 2L year. I joined the firm after graduation and I just celebrated my 20th year at Sidley! 

A typical workday: 

I advise alternative asset managers with respect to the structure, formation, and operational aspects of hedge funds and private equity funds. I problem solve every day–whether I’m talking to clients, negotiating investment terms with my clients’ investors, or working with my team
on securities-offering documents and advisory contracts. 

An interesting matter I worked on: 

I recently advised a fund manager on a minority sale of its business to a Brazilian bank, launched a hedge fund that focused on allocating assets to female portfolio managers, and advised an Italian asset manager on providing permanent capital to alternative asset managers. 

What I like about Chicago:

I love being part of a Midwestern community, working with incredibly smart people on sophisticated and complex matters. 

Elizabeth Maxeiner ’06, Antitrust Bureau Chief, Office of the Illinois Attorney General 

How I got the job:

After spending seven years practicing antitrust and commercial litigation at Sidley Austin in Chicago, I moved to the Antitrust Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in 2015 to work in the public interest.
I was promoted to bureau chief last year. 

A typical workday: 

I manage investigations and litigation, which includes multi-state matters with a national scope. I spend most of my time working with counterparts in other states and with federal agency partners, and on litigation challenges with my Illinois colleagues. 

An interesting matter I've worked on:

One of the first major cases I worked on when I joined the Office of the Illinois Attorney General involved the global LCD price-fixing conspiracy. We secured $200 million in settlements for consumers and businesses. These funds were then distributed to consumers and businesses throughout the state. 

What I like about Chicago:

The city has it all, and we do not have to go far for a brief escape into nature. 

Adam Ratchenski ’19, Associate Attorney, Midwest Regional Office, Earthjustice 

How I got the job:

I first came to Earthjustice on a one-year fellowship with our Clean Energy Program that was partially funded by the Robina Foundation’s Post-Graduate Fellowships program. As the fellowship was winding down, I was fortunate to land an associate attorney position with our Midwest Regional Office. 

A typical workday: 

The variety in my day-to-day work is one of the things that I love most. We represent our clients free of charge in federal and state courts and in proceedings before federal and state administrative bodies. One day I might be working with a tribal nation to help preserve their treaty- protected resources, and the next I might be attending a hearing on behalf of a community group fighting against a facility that is polluting their air or water and putting their health at risk. 

An interesting matter I've worked on:

I represent Bay Mills Indian Community, a federally recognized tribal nation with its primary land base in Michigan’s upper peninsula, in its fight against an aging oil pipeline and a proposal to dig a massive, first-of-its-kind pipeline tunnel underneath the Straits of Mackinac—both of which threaten its treaty-protected fishing, hunting, and gathering rights. 

What I like about Chicago: 

My favorite thing about Chicago is the city’s world-class food and drink scene. (Oh, and Lake Michigan is pretty cool too.) 

Bruce Wojack ’85, Wealth Strategist, Northern Trust 

How I got the job:

A fellow Minnesota Law graduate, Hugh Magill ’85, reached out to me regarding my current position at Northern Trust. It’s great to stay connected with other alums! 

A typical workday: 

My primary role at Northern is client development, so during a typical day I meet with prospective clients who want to learn about our holistic wealth management approach. I also meet with other professionals including estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and the partners of private equity firms. 

An interesting matter I worked on: 

The founder of a successful family-owned company in Wisconsin sold the company without telling his son, who was the president of the company and the heir apparent. This very intense situation with high conflict was ultimately resolved amicably. 

What I like about Chicago: 

Although you may not believe it based on media reports, Chicago still possesses its Midwestern sensibilities, great sport franchises, and great pizza!