Source: https://www.scharfbanks.com/who-we-are/attorneys/stephanie-scharf
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 14:05:25+00:00

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We are experienced, determined and committed. We work together to prove our value every day to our clients and to each other.
Stephanie A. Scharf represents corporate clients on a wide range of complex matters including commercial disputes, insurance coverage for corporate policyholders, class action, defense, product liability defense, environmental torts and employment defense. In three decades of representing clients in federal and state courts, Stephanie has tried civil and criminal jury and bench trials, has managed the pre-trial, trial and appellate phases of litigation, and has overseen the resolution of multiple commercial disputes and complex tort actions. Stephanie frequently counsels companies on ways to avoid litigation and mitigate risks at the product or enterprise level.
Stephanie’s recent engagements include litigation over the scope of a multi­-billion dollar facilities use contract; class action defense of distance learning programs; defense of fraud claims involving financial investments; multi-million-dollar insurance disputes for large corporate policyholders; pharmaceutical product liability defense; contract disputes involving global and small businesses; and the defense of non-competition, trademark and copyright litigation. At trial, she is adept at presenting technical issues to judges and juries, bringing to bear her advanced training in statistical analysis and scientific research. Whether as trial counsel, national coordinating counsel, regional counsel, or as a member of a "virtual firm" created to address specific client problems, Stephanie focuses on framing effective legal strategies and achieving results that serve her client's business goals.
Stephanie and the Firm were profiled for the "unique quality of their work" in the November 2014 Chicago Lawyer cover article, "Work at a Very High Level."
A frequent author and CLE speaker, Stephanie created and was the first editor of PLI's Product Liability Litigation: Current Law, Strategy and Best Practices; and has been honored by several other groups for the quality of her legal work. She has been named a Leading Lawyer, was granted the PLAC President's Award, and was selected by Lawdragon Magazine as one of the "500 Leading Litigators in America." She is "AV Preeminent" peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest peer recognition for both ethical standards and legal ability.
Stephanie is one of the nation's leading lawyers for the advancement of women in the profession. She is 2018-2019 Chair of the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession. She also chairs the ABA Presidential Initiative, Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in the Law. A former President of the National Association of Women Lawyers (2004-2005), and a member of the Advisory Board of DirectWomen, Stephanie founded the NAWL Annual Survey of Women in Law Firms, the National Survey of Women's Initiatives, and the first-ever Survey of Women as Lead Counsel in Litigation. Among many other activities, she designed and chaired NAWL's first General Counsel Institute, its Supreme Court Committee, and its Summit for Best Practices for Advancing Women in Law. She was the 2015-2016 special Advisor to the American Bar Association's Presidential Commission on Diversity and Inclusion 360. She designed the empirical research report, First Chairs at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the Table, which was published by the American Bar Association in 2015.
Stephanie has received many awards in recognition of her work advancing women in the law including: The National Association of Women Lawyers Public Service Award 2017; the Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women Founder’s Award 2015; the National Law Journal Two Steps Forward Award 2014; and the National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Member Award 2002. She was named by Crain’s Chicago 2017 as one of the 50 most influential women lawyers in Chicago.
Stephanie has a Ph.D. in Behavioral Sciences with a focus on social and organizational psychology as well as statistical analysis of large data sets. Before practicing law, she managed large national data-driven initiatives in the areas of health and employment.
Won Illinois Appellate Court decision in favor of Cook County Sheriff and against former officer who sought to invalidate his firing by arguing that he was disciplined by an improperly constituted administrative agency. Appellate held that the de facto officer doctrine overcame plaintiff’s objection that the agency was improperly appointed. Cruz v. Dart et al., 2018 IL App (1st) 170915-U.
Won Illinois Appellate Court decision in favor of Cook County Sheriff and against former officer who was fired for multiple unauthorized absences, and sought to invalidate his firing by arguing that he was disciplined by an improperly constituted administrative agency. Appellate Court affirmed agency’s disciplinary decision, and held that the de facto officer doctrine overcame plaintiff’s objection that the agency was improperly appointed. Lopez v. Dart et al., 2018 IL App (1st) 17-1773-U.
Represented the City of Chicago in a multibillion dollar claim for injunctive relief filed by American Airlines and United Airlines to stop the O'Hare Modernization Program, the largest civil construction program in the United States. After expedited motion practice and discovery, the litigation was successfully resolved, and the Program is proceeding to completion. American Airlines, et al. v. City of Chicago, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Represented manufacturer/importer in a royalties and merger contract dispute, involving the importing and sale of products from China. Successfully resolved through mediation conducted under auspices of the court. CCG v. Rubbermaid Commercial Products et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Represented global pharmaceutical company in federal trial of employment discrimination/off-brand marketing issues, resulting in defense verdict on all claims, Northern District of Illinois. Brevoort v. Reliant Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Represented an online education business in obtaining a successful dismissal of class-action, consumer fraud, and breach of contract claims, brought by former Institute students. The case involved allegations that the defendant deceptively marketed a continuing education program. Obtained a dismissal in the trial court before a class was certified, with the result affirmed on appeal by the Illinois Appellate Court. Deweese v. Stratford Career Institute Inc., 2014 IL App (1st) 140074.
Represented global company sued under TCPA for alleged improper sending of invitations to educational seminar. Case dismissed after early briefing and fact-finding. North Suburban Chiropractic Clinic, Ltd. v. Merck & Co., 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 130885 (N.D. Ill. Sept. 13, 2013).
Represented manufacturer in commercial dispute over liability for thousands of underlying tort claims recently arising out of the operation of a business that was acquired and later resold through a series of corporate mergers and transactions. Successful no liability judgment for client, affirmed on appeal. Fisher Controls Int'l, L.L.C. v. Pharmacia Corp., 2008 Iowa App. LEXIS 109 (Iowa Ct. App. Feb. 13, 2008).
Represented pharmaceutical manufacturer in multi-national dispute over commercial supply of contaminated pharmaceuticals. The matter involved litigation in the U.S. against the chemical company supplier and additional claims made by client corporate customers in Japan, Great Britain and other countries. A series of confidential dispute resolutions in the U.S. and Japan resulted in (a) making the client’s customers whole, and (b) recovery from the supplier.
Represented market-leading composite photography company in action filed under the Illinois Trade Secrets Act, for tortious interference and violation of non-competition agreement. Successfully resolved on the eve of preliminary injunction hearing. Digital Pix and Composites LLC v. Vantine Imaging, LLC, Circuit Court of Kane County, Illinois. No.
Represented food manufacturer against claims of fraud and misuse of trademarks and trade names for a consumer food product. After motion practice, the case was dismissed by the trial court, with the dismissal affirmed on appeal by the Seventh Circuit. Hunter v. PepsiCo, Inc., 631 Fed. Appx. 445 (7th Cir. Ill. Nov. 6, 2015).
Represented defendant in Qui Tam action alleging fraudulent claims for payment of a specialty prescription medication. A motion to dismiss was granted, disposing of all claims against client. United States ex rel. McDermott v. Genentech, Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 90586 (D. Me. Dec. 14, 2006).
Represented manufacturer at trial for coverage of ongoing asbestos bodily injury claims, in dispute between client and multiple excess and umbrella liability insurers. Coverage disputes with various liability insurers were resolved before or during trial; disputes with several other insurers are ongoing. John Crane v. Admiral Insurance Co. et al, Circuit Court of Cook County.
Trial and appellate counsel representing a manufacturer of the anti-miscarriage drug, diethylstilbestrol. Resulted in coverage of defense costs and indemnities for over 1500 diethylstilbestrol personal injury cases, in a trial result affirmed by the California Supreme Court in the first decision by the Court regarding lost insurance policies. Dart Industries v. Commercial Union Ins, Co., California Supreme Court.
Represented manufacturer in commercial insurance disputes over hurricane damage. Obtained a declaratory judgment that a windstorm exclusion did not apply to the insured's business interruption losses and the court awarded full coverage for the losses. Stryker Corp. v. National Insurance Co., U.S. Federal Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
Represented manufacturer in insurance disputes filed in Michigan and Illinois over coverage of an Illinois jury's award of $124 million in punitive damages involving use of a prescription pharmaceutical, obtaining judgment covering both punitive and compensatory damages. Upjohn v. Aetna, et al., Michigan Court of Appeals; Gibraltar Casualty Co. v. Upjohn, Illinois Appellate Court.
Represented Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois in defending various breach of contract and ERISA claims for health insurance benefits to cover treatment of mental and physical illnesses. Cases held in Illinois federal and state courts, and were resolved pre-trial.
Represented the Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC) as amicus before the Illinois Supreme Court, supporting a successful challenge to an unprecedented $10.1 billion consumer fraud judgment. Price v. Philip Morris, Inc., 2015 IL 117687.
Lead science counsel for chemical company client in development medical defenses to personal injury claims arising from purported ground water contamination by volatile organic chemicals. Personal injury claims were eventually resolved and dismissed before extensive discovery. In re Alleged Environmental Contamination of Pompton Lakes, Superior Court of New Jersey.
Represented a chemical manufacturer in toxic tort actions alleging that emissions from an industrial site caused brain cancer, wrongful death and other serious personal injuries to children living around the site. The case involved a number of community actions and government investigations. After conducting expert discovery, obtained a highly favorable settlement and dismissal of all claims. Victor, et al v. Keil Chemical, United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
Regional counsel/trial counsel in defense of multiple personal injury cases involving first-in-class treatment for diabetes. Focus on developing scientific defenses under Frye/Daubert criteria, depending on jurisdiction. Cases filed in state and federal courts throughout Illinois.
Represented manufacturer of a medical device based on biotechnology in personal injury action, Northern District of Illinois. Heisner v. Genzyme Corp., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37322 (N.D. Ill. Apr. 30, 2009).
National Coordinating Counsel for Pfizer Inc. defending claims that thimerosal-based childhood vaccines caused autism and other neurological illnesses. Developed and implemented successful strategy for early disposition of over 60 cases filled nationally in state and federal courts, avoiding expensive and extended fact and expert discovery.
Lead defense counsel in over 100 pharmaceutical or device actions, involving serious illnesses and/or death, with expert defenses from multiple fields of medicine, psychiatry, epidemiology and toxicology. Cases filed in state and federal courts throughout Illinois.
Lead Science Counsel in multiple product liability and toxic tort engagements in different state jurisdictions. Some matters involved developing a package of science-based defenses in advance of anticipated litigation. Other matters involved developing scientific expert defenses for ongoing litigation and in coordination with firms playing different litigation roles in defending a mass tort or consumer fraud claims.
Represented manufacturer of a commercial pesticide against product liability claims for failure to warn about the personal injury risks of exposure. Successfully moved to transfer claims from Chicago to the venue where plaintiff's farm was located, on grounds of forum non conveniens. Dispute with plaintiff was resolved and claims against client were dismissed with prejudice shortly after venue transfer. Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Represented a global pharmaceutical company against failure-to-warn product liability claims in a wrongful death action in Illinois. The matter was resolved using early case assessment. Philipps v. The University of Chicago Hospitals et al., Circuit Court of Cook County.
American Bar Association: Chair, Commission on Women in the Profession, 2017-2018; Presidential Commission on Diversity and Inclusion 360, 2015-2016; Commissioner, Commission on Women in the Profession, 2012-2015; Task Force on Gender Equality, Co-Chair Compensation Committee, 2012-2014.
National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL): (President, 2004-2005; Member, Board of Directors, 2000-2008; Chair, Committee for Evaluation of Supreme Court Nominees, 2005-2006; Chair, Survey of Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms, 2006-Present). Outstanding Member Award, 2002.
NAWL Foundation: (President & Board Member, 2009-2014). Founding President of the Foundation. Organized structure, strategic plan and fundraising. Designed, analyzed and reported on multiple studies of how lawyers advance in the legal profession.
American Bar Association Products Liability Committee: (Co-Chair, 2005-2007; Co-Chair, Subcommittee on Experts, 1997-2004; Co-Chair, 2000 Mid-Year Meeting; Co-Chair, National Institute on E-Commerce, Fall 2000; Co-Chair, Regional Institute on Preparing the Expert Case, May, 1999; Co-Editor, Product Liability National Newsletter, 1997-2000; Co-Chair, Women in Products Liability Regional Institute, Fall 2000, Fall 2001; Mass Torts Committee (Editor, Mass Torts Newsletter, 2001); Special Committee on Bioethics and the Law, Member, 2005-Present).
Illinois Bar Foundation (Member, Board of Directors, 2005-2007).
Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC): (Sustaining Member, Member, PLAC Case Selection Committee, 2005-Present).
National Institute for Trial Advocacy (Faculty Instructor, 1992-1995).
The Economic Club of Chicago (Member, 2006-Present).
University of Chicago Women's Business Group (Member, 2004-Present).
The Youth Campus (Member, Board of Directors, 2000-2009).
Museum of Science and Industry (Member, President's Council, 2001-2005).
Chicago YWCA - Leadership Circle (Board Member, 2001).
Circuit Court of Cook County (Chief Judge's Public Guardian Committee, 1997-2000; Chair, Best Interest of the Child Sub-Committee, 1995-1996).
Chicago Senior Businesswomen's Forum (Steering Committee, 1996-2000).
"Product Liability Litigation: Current Law, Strategies and Best Practices." Practising Law Institute (PLI). Lead Editor. Original publication 2009, and updated annually through 2015.
"Expert Evidence - Law, Strategies and Best Practices." Co-author. Published in Product Liability Litigation: Current Law Strategies and Best Practices. Practicing Law Institute, 2015.
"Update on the Law: Illinois Imposes Strict Liability for Sexual Harassment by Any Supervisor," S. Scharf, Client Alert, April 2009.
"FDA Proposes Revised CBE Rules and Reiterates Preemptive Authority," FDLI's UPDATE, Issue 2, March/April 2008.
"Punitive Damages in the Supreme Court: How Much is Too Much?" FDLI's UPDATE, Issue 3, May/June 2007.
"Foreign Plaintiffs Battle to Keep Class Claims in U.S. Courts," Co-Author, FDLI's UPDATE, Issue 1, January/February 2007.
"New Rulings in Drug Cases Highlight Debate Over Preemption," Law.com, October 2006.
"FDA's Comments Herald New Strength for Preemption Defense in Drug Product Litigation," Co-Author, FDLI's UPDATE, Issue 5, September/October 2006.
"The Use of Toxicology in Tort Litigation: A Survey of Federal and State Jurisdictions," Co-Author, American Bar Association, May 2005.
"FDA Issues Final Guidances for Pharmaceutical Risk Assessment and Risk Management," Jenner & Block Client Alert, March 2005.
"A Business Approach to Minimizing Product Liability Litigation," Minimizing Product Liability Litigation (Aspatore Books), 2005.
"Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices," presented at TechLaw Group, Inc. International CLE Session, April 2004.
"The Use of Epidemiology in Tort Litigation: A Survey of Federal and State Jurisdictions," American Bar Association, July 2003.
"Secondary Evidence Need Not Recreate Language of Missing Insurance Policy, California Supreme Court Rules," Jenner & Block Insurance Newsletter, 2003.
"Marketing Pharmaceutical Products on the Internet: Managing Risks and Limiting Liabilities in the World of E-Commerce," Products Liability, American Bar Association, Vol. 12, No.2, 2001.
"Communications Specialists Help With Damage Control," U.S. Business Litigation Magazine, February 1997.
"Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession" (Moderator), ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, Chicago, IL, May 2018.
"Religious Liberty in the United States and Israel" (Moderator), Jewish Lawyers Conference, Chicago, Illinois, May 2016.
"GC's Question If Partners Are Worth The Cost, " LAW360, New York, New York, May 28, 2014.
"Jury Selection: How to Find the Needle in the Haystack," DRI Women in the Law Seminar, Miami, Florida, March 2013.
"Update on the Law of Expert Evidence," Practicing Law Institute's Federal Civil Update, Chicago, Illinois, October 2012.
"Unconscious Bias in Jury Selection," Product Liability Advisory Council 2012 Spring Conference, Asheville, North Carolina, April 2012.
"Update on the Law of Expert Evidence," Practicing Law Institute's Federal Civil Update, Chicago, Illinois, October 2011.
"Changing Demographics of Jury Pools", Product Liability Advisory Council Fall Conference, October 2009.
"Best Practices for Managing the Risks of Nanotech Medical Products," Food and Drug Law Institute's First Annual Conference on Nanotechnology Law, Regulation and Policy, February 2008.
"Risk Management Strategies for Prescription Medical Products," Central Business Intelligence, December 2007.
"Post Sale Duty to Warn, Recall, and Retrofit: Prescription Devices and Pharmaceuticals," American Bar Association, August 2007.
"Appellate Advocacy in Illinois: Best Practices for Written and Oral Argument," National Association of Women Lawyers, July 2007.
"Drug/Device Co-Development: Litigation Risk Management Strategies," 50th Annual FDLI and FDA Conference, April 2007.
"Post-Marketing Event Reports and Clinical Trial Data: Potential Uses and Abuses in Litigation," American Conference Institute, June 2006.
"Psychology of Expert Testimony," Product Liability Advisory Council, April 2006.
"Assess the Current Regulatory Environment for Risk/Benefit Communication," The Center for Business Intelligence, November 2005.
"Damage Control: Corporate Counsel's Role in Containing and Resolving Corporate Crises," Lexis/Nexis Counsel to Counsel Seminar, May 2005.
"Risk Assessment and Risk Management Before the Product Launch," Food and Drug Law Institute, January 2005.
"Consumer Fraud Litigation in Illinois," Product Liability Advisory Council, October 2004.
"Consumer Fraud Litigation: Law and Defenses in Illinois," Product Liability Advisory Council, September 2004.
"Risk Analysis and Resource Allocation: The Art of Managing Costs," Corporate Legal Times Super Conference, June 2004.
"Post Sale Responsibilities: Impact of Agency Activities on Product Litigation," Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), April 2004.
"Our Federalism: Court Problems and Potential Solutions in Multi-District Litigation," Class Actions and Consolidated Mass Tort Litigation, American Bar Association Joint Seminar of the Environmental Products Liability & Mass Torts Litigation Committees, March 2004.
"Mealey's Fundamentals of Insurance Coverage Law Conference," October 2003.
"Mealey's Trial Preparation Skills for Paralegals," April 2003.
"Evolving Asbestos Coverage Issues in an Era of Exponential Growth in the Number of Defendants," Mealey's Advanced Insurance Coverage Conference: Top 10 Issues for Practitioners, January 2003.
"Class Action Defense, Chicago Bar Association Class Litigation Committee," October 2002.
"Post-Sale Duties to Warn, Recall and Retrofit: A Midwest Survey: Manufacturers Face Differing Duties in the Midwest," American Bar Association, March 2002.
"Use of Foreign Experts and Foreign Studies," American Bar Association Products Liability Committee Annual Meeting, March 2002.
"Marketing Products on the Internet: Managing Risks, Limiting Liabilities and Litigating Disputes," Co-Chair, American Bar Association National Institute, September 2000.
"Identifying and Managing Risks of Product Liability Litigation from Internet Sales," Hackers-Spammers-Cyber-Squatters-Business Torts on the Electronic Frontier, American Bar Association Annual Meeting, July 2000.
"Product Liability.com-New Issues and New Solutions," American Bar Association Section of Litigation/Products Liability Committee Midyear Meeting, February 2000.
"After Kumho Tire: The Court as the Gatekeeper of Expert Testimony," Deloitte & Touche Annual Meeting, September 1999.
"After Kumho Tire: The Court as the Gatekeeper of Expert Testimony," Deloitte & Touche National Consulting Conference, Chicago, Illinois, August 26, 1999.
"Crisis Management," Joint ACCA/Chicago Bar Association Seminar, April 1999.
"The Court as the Gatekeeper of Expert Evidence," Chair, American Bar Association Regional Institute, May 1999.
"The Media and Products Litigation," For The Defense Magazine, Defense Research Institute, October 1996.
"Immigration Reform and the Federal Law of Employment Discrimination," The New Simpson-Rodino Immigration Law of 1986 (S. Mailman, ed.), pp.202-223, Prentice Hall, New York, 1986.
"The Power of Partnering" Authors: Stephanie Scharf, N. Nate Saint Victor and Antonio C. Castro, December 2016.
"First Chairs at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the Table," Authors: Stephanie Scharf and Roberta D. Liebenberg, American Bar Foundation July 2015.
"The Strategy, Structure and Scope of Women's Initiatives in Law Firms," NAWL Foundation, Chicago, Illinois 2012.
"How General Counsel Can Impact Pay Equity for Women Lawyers," Authors: Lauren Rikleen, Roberta Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf, American Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois 2012.
"NAWL Annual Survey of Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms," Authored or co-authored each annual report from 2006-2014. NAWL Foundation and NAWL, Chicago, Illinois 2006-2014.
"My Start Story," Start TV, November 2018.
"May It Please the Court," Symposium at the U. S. Distric Court for the Northern District of Illinois, April 2018.
"ABA National Summit on Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in the Law," ABA, Cambridge, MA, November 8, 2017.
"Women, Influence and Power in the Law Conference," Panelist, Washington, D.C., October 10-12, 2017.
“Women Lawyers in the Courtroom,” Empirical Data on Women Lawyers as Lead Counsel, Women Lawyers Leading Cases in the Courtroom, Boston, MA, June 7, 2017.
“The Certification Question,” Chicago Lawyer, Chicago, IL, June 2017.
"Addressing Gender Bias and Advancement and Retention of Women in Law Firms, the Profession, and the Courts,” New Jersey State Bar Association, Atlantic City, NJ, May 17, 2017.
“Surveys on Women Lawyers as Lead Counsel and Trial Counsel in Complex Litigation,” Center for Women in Law, Houston, TX, February 23, 2017.
“What Every In-house Lawyer Needs to Know About Compliance,” Walmart, Bentonville, AR, January 31, 2017.
“Current Issues,” ABA WIPL Regional CLE Joint Networking ABA. Association, Philadelphia, PA, November 3, 2016.
"First Chairs at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the Table," Stephanie Scharf with Co-Panelist Roberta D. Liebenberg, American Bar Association Webinar, November 2016.
“Session an Alternative Fee Arrangements,” NAMWOLF 2016 Annual Meeting, Houston, TX, September 14-17, 2016.
“How I Got My First Big Break!” Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, Chicago, IL, September 2016.
“First Chair at Trial,” National Associating of Women Lawyers, New York, NY, July 12, 2016.
"Rainmakers: Born or Bred?" Women Legal 2016, Chicago, Illinois, June 2016.
“Rainmakers: Born or Bred?,” Women Legal 2016, Chicago, IL, May 19, 2016.
“Religious Liberty in the United States and Israel,” Moderator, Jewish Lawyers Conference, Chicago, IL, May 18, 2016.
“Women Lawyers in the Courtroom,” The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, IL, April 21, 2016.
"Women's Mentoring Program," University of Chicago Law School, Chicago, Illinois, April 7, 2016.
"You Hit Like a Girl: Overcoming the Challenge of Unconscious Bias." American Bar Association/Section of Litigation, Chicago, Illinois, November 2015.
"Breaking into the Boardroom: The Pathways and The Process," DirectWomen, Chicago, Illinois, November 17, 2015..
“Hit Like a Girl,” ABA Women of the Section of Litigation Meeting, American Bar Association, Chicago, IL, November 11-13, 2015.
“First Chairs at Trial More Women Need Seating at the Table,” Chicago Bar Foundation, Chicago, IL, October 8, 2015.
“Women as Leaders in Law: Where Are We Now,“ Phillip Corboy Law Center, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, IL, September 25, 2015.
"The Minority/Majority Partnership Report," NAMWOLF, Hollywood, CA, September 18, 2015.
“Women as Lead Counsel at Trial: What You Can Do to Take the Lead,” American Bar Association, Chicago, IL, August 1, 2015.
“Negotiating Scenarios for Women Lawyers,” Thompson Reuters Confererence, Chicago, IL, May 28, 2015.
"Solutions and Best Practices for Diversity in the Legal Profession," Diversity Summit, St. Louis, Missouri, May 20, 2015.
“Problems, Solutions and Best Practices: Roundtable on Diversity in the Legal Profession,” Missouri Bar Diversity Summit, St Louis University School of Law, St. Louis, MO, May 20, 2015.
“Defining a Successful Women’s initiative,” National Association of Women Lawyers, West Point, NY, May 1, 2015.
“Negotiating Your Own Compensation: It’s Not About the Money,” American Bar Association, Chicago, IL, February 17, 2015.
"The Diversity Discussion," Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Chicago, IL, July 2014.
"Female Lawyers Still Battle Gender Bias," The Wall Street Journal, May 4,2014.
“30 Women Blackstones,” ISBA seminar, Chicago, Illinois, August 22, 2013.
"The Role of Women's Initiatives in Advancing Women Lawyers," National Association of Women Lawyers National Webinar, April 2013.
"Capture Your Power: Your Role in Advancing Yourself and Other Women in the Legal Profession," American Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois, March 2013.
"Breaking the Class Ceiling," New York University School of Law Symposium, March 2013.
"Results of the First National Survey of Women's Initiatives," National Association of Women Lawyers Annual Meeting, New York, New York, July 2012.
"Women and Minorities: Willing Partners or Reluctant Allies?" NAWL Annual Meeting, New York, New York, July 2012.
“Women in Law: The Path to Partner," Today's Chicago Woman Magazine, Chicago, Illnois, May 2012.
"Flex Time Work Policies, Walmart Conference," Bentonville, Arkansas, June 2010.
"What Am I Worth? Attorney Compensation and Law Firm Billing in the New World Order," Duff & Phelps CLE seminar, Chicago, Illinois, June 2010.
"What Should You Do? Lessons Learned and Lessons to Be Learned About Business Development," Women Lawyers Alliance Inaugural Member Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, May 2010.
"Women in the Profession: Where We Were, Where We Are, Where We Should Be," Ohio Women Bar Association's Annual Meeting, Dayton, Ohio, May 2010.
"National Association of Women Lawyers Annual Survey on the Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms," American Bar Association on Women in the Profession, July 2009.
"Managing Diversity Expectations Between In-House and Outside Counsel," Martindale-Hubbell and Lexis Nexis, Washington, District of Columbia, April 2009.
"Managing and Developing Your Legal Career," ABA Women in Products Liability Ninth Annual Regional CLE Workshop, New York, New York, November 2008.
"Increasing the Use of Diverse Suppliers," Westchester and Fairfield County ACCA Diversity Summit Conference, October 2008.
"Impact of Attrition on Women in Large Firms on Judicial Diversity and Judicial Independence," National Association of Women Judges Mid-West Regional Conference, August 2008.
"Bridging the Gap: Disparity in Compensation and the Gender Equation," Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association, March 2008.
"Negotiating Your Compensation and Severance," Minority Corporate Council Association's 7th Annual CLE Expo, March 2008.
"2007 National Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms," National Conference of Women's Bar Association, February 2008.
Partner Stephanie Scharf moderated DirectWomen’s regional program, “Breaking into the Boardroom: the Pathways and the Process.” The seminar was held on April 3, 2019 and was hosted by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
Stephanie Scharf, Chair of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, discussed a new project aimed at giving actionable advice to law firm leaders and women lawyers about engaging male colleagues in new strategies for leveling the legal playing field.
On December 17, 2018, the Appellate Court of Illinois (First District) held that the de facto officer doctrine should be applied to bar a challenge by a correctional officer to the constitution of the Cook County Sheriff’s Merit Board. Steven Cruz v. Thomas J. Dart, et al., 2018 IL App (1st) 170915-U.
Partner Stephanie Scharf is featured in two interviews aired on Start TV, a new national network targeting women viewers. The vignettes offer network viewers stories about influential women and how they got their start.
Partner Stephanie Scharf, Chair of the ABA Commission on Women in the Law, spearheaded the adoption of Resolution 300 by the House of Delegates at the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago, August 6, 2018. The Resolution urges law firms to end mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims.
Stephanie Scharf, Partner and Chair of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, served as panel moderator for the ABA webinar, “The Shameful Truth: Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession.” The webinar, held May 23, 2018, was the fourth of six webinars in the ABA’s six-part series on different aspects of sexual harassment, sexual assault and evolution of the law.
On April 12, 2018, Partner Stephanie Scharf addressed an audience of over 450 attorneys attending the “May It Please the Court” Symposium at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The program, which featured notable members of the judiciary, chief legal officers and law firm leaders, addressed strategies and best practices to empower women as lead counsel and trial counsel in litigation.
In her first “Perspectives” newsletter column Partner Stephanie Scharf, Chair of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, describes some recent actions that the Commission has taken to blunt the impact of sexual harassment at work, along with research and publications that help women lawyers advance in their careers.
The American Bar Association has adopted a new Resolution about the policies and procedures for all employers, including legal employers, to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Resolution 302 became an official policy of the ABA on February 5, at its 2018 Midyear Meeting, where it was passed unanimously by the ABA House of Delegates.
Distinguished lawyers from all sectors of the legal profession gathered at Harvard Law School on Nov. 8, 2017 to discuss a problem that has affected the legal profession for decades —experienced women leaving the legal profession in substantial numbers.
Founding Partner Stephanie Scharf was a panelist at the Women, Influence and Power in the Law conference October 10-12, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The conference, sponsored by InsideCounsel and Corporate Counsel magazines is a global forum facilitating women-to-women exchange on leadership and legal issues.
Stephanie Scharf was selected by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of Chicago’s Most Influential Female Lawyers. Crain’s highlighted Ms. Scharf for her skill as a trial lawyer and her role as a national bar leader.
Partner Stephanie Scharf has been appointed Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession starting in August 2017.
Congratulations to partner Stephanie Scharf for receiving the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) 2017 Public Service Award.
Congratulations to Stephanie A. Scharf and Theodore L. Banks and George D. Sax, for being named mong top Illinois lawyers.
Partner Stephanie Scharf was an invited panelist at two conferences in November 2016, where she discussed her innovative research, First Chairs at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the Table.
Partner Stephanie Scharf along with N. Nate Saint Victor, Executive Director of Morgan Stanley’s Legal Department and Antonio C. Castro, Managing Partner of Zumpano Castro, LLC have authored a new publication for the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms.
Stephanie Scharf, founding partner, was featured in the recent University of Chicago Law School Record as one of 8 lawyers in the Class of 1985 who took varied career paths.
Stephanie Scharf just completed her service as an Advisor to the ABA Diversity and Inclusion 360 Commission, a special ABA Presidential Commission formed by 2015-2016 President Paulette Brown.
Partner Stephanie Scharf speaks about women trial lawyers at special Federal Court Symposium. Women Lawyers in the Courtroom.
Partner Stephanie Scharf was the featured speaker at a reception held by the Women’s Mentoring Program of the University of Chicago Law School on April 7, 2016.
Partner Stephanie Scharf has been featured in the University of Chicago Law School Online Magazine for the innovations she has brought to the practice of law and for advocating for the advancement of women in the law.
Congratulations to Stephanie A. Scharf and Theodore L. Banks, who have been selected to the 2016 Illinois Super Lawyers list by Super Lawyers Magazines.
Partner Stephanie Scharf moderated a special program sponsored by DirectWomenin Chicago.
Partner Stephanie A. Scharf has been appointed as Advisor to the American Bar Association’s new Presidential Commission on Diversity and Inclusion 360.
A first-of-its-kind empirical study about the significant disparities between women and men as lead trial counsel in civil and criminal litigation has been written by Stephanie A. Scharf, partner at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC, and Roberta D. Liebenberg, senior partner at Fine, Kaplan and Black, R.P.C.
The Chicago Bar Association’s Alliance for Women has named Scharf Banks Marmor LLC founding partner Stephanie A. Scharf the recipient of its prestigious Founder’s Award for 2015.
The June 2015 edition of Inside Counsel interviews several lawyers, including partner Stephanie Scharf, about the prospects for securities class actions.
Stephanie Scharf was an invited faculty member for the Diversity Summit held by the Missouri Bar Association on May 20, 2015 in St. Louis.
On February 27, 2015, Inside Counsel published an interview with partner Stephanie Scharf regarding the future of securities class actions.
Congratulations to Stephanie A. Scharf and Nina Stillman who have been recognized as 2015 Illinois “Super Lawyers” by Super Lawyers Magazine.
On January 21, 2015 the Firm filed one of two amicus briefs accepted by the Illinois Supreme Court on behalf of the manufacturer-defendant in Price v. Philip Morris, an Illinois consumer fraud case that awarded class plaintiffs $10.1 billion (including $1.8 billion in fees to the plaintiffs’ trial lawyers)--the largest judicial award in Illinois history.
Partner Stephanie Scharf moderated the opening plenary session of the first-ever American Bar Association Section of Litigation conference directed to women trial lawyers.
Stephanie Scharf, now a partner at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC, founded the General Counsel Institute (“GCI”). Scharf targeted the meeting to senior corporate counsel who had the goal of advancing to the role of chief legal officer.
Sarah Marmor, Stephanie Scharf, and Ted Banks presented a seminar to the North Shore Labor Counsel meeting June 13, 2014. Topics discussed were the implications for employment lawyers of the recent repeal of the Illinois' anti-eavesdropping law.
Chicago Lawyer interviewed partner Stephanie Scharf in its July 2014 issue about the challenges that firms face to enhance diversity in the workplace.
On May 28, 2014 as part of a series of articles on the changing paradigm for outside legal services, Law360 interviewed partner Stephanie Scharf about law firm rates.
Partner Stephanie Scharf was honored on May 13, 2014 by the National Law Journal, who awarded Ms. Scharf and four other lawyers NLJ's first-ever Two Steps Ahead Award for contributions to advancing women in the law.
Partner Stephanie Scharf was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal about law firm billing rates.
Congratulations to partners Stephanie A. Scharf and Theodore Banks, who have been recognized as 2014 Illinois “Super Lawyers” by Super Lawyers Magazine.
Stephanie Scharf was a featured speaker at the “30 Women Blackstones” seminar held on August 22, 2013 in Chicago.
Stephanie Scharf has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Chicago Bar Foundation.
Stephanie Scharf spoke at a DRI Seminar in Miami on "Jury Selection: How to Find the Needle in the Haystack."
Partner Stephanie Scharf spoke on March 1, 2013 at the New York University School of Law Symposium, "Breaking the Glass Ceiling."
Congratulations to Stephanie A. Scharf, who was recognized as a 2013 Illinois "Super Lawyer."
American Bar Association President Laurel Bellows has appointed Stephanie Scharf, to the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession.
Partner Stephanie Scharf spoke to an invitation-only group of law firm leaders in New York City on July 18 on the effectiveness of Women’s Initiatives for advancing women in law.

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