John H. Stassen

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John H. Stassen was a prominent attorney known for his extensive work in derivatives law and his significant contributions to the financial services industry. He served as a senior partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, where he specialized in representing the financial services sector, particularly in derivatives law.
== Background ==
=== Legal Career ===
Stassen's legal career was marked by his role as the principal outside counsel to several major futures exchanges, including the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). He played a crucial role in guiding the CBOT through significant events such as the Hunt silver crisis and the Ferruzzi soybean crisis. His expertise extended to business and regulatory counseling, major litigation under the Commodity Exchange Act, and federal securities laws. 
He was instrumental in the development and registration of the National Futures Association and served as a past chairman of the derivatives law committees of both the Chicago Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Stassen was selected as one of America's Leading Business Lawyers in Banking & Finance by Chambers USA 2004-2005.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Futures Industry Association's Futures Hall of Fame, which was established in 2005 to commemorate outstanding contributions to the global futures and options community. 
=== Contributions to Northwestern University ===
John H. Stassen was a devoted alumnus of Northwestern University, where he was actively involved in various capacities. He joined the Northwestern Library Board of Governors in 1996 and served as its chair from 2004 to 2007. In recognition of his service, he was granted emeritus status in October 2014. Stassen established the Stassen Family Endowed Fund in 2000 to support the areas of greatest need at Northwestern University Libraries. Additionally, he supported the Dance Marathon and the Athletics department, and volunteered with Campaign Northwestern, the John Evans Club Board of Directors, his reunion committees, and the NU Club of Chicago. During his time as a student, he participated in Psi Upsilon and Model UN.
== Early Life and Education ==
Stassen attended Peotone High School and completed his undergraduate degree in communication studies at Northwestern University in 1965 and went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1968.
== Personal Life and Legacy ==
Stassen was married to Sara Gaw Stassen, and they had two sons, John Charles and David Alexander. David is also a graduate of Northwestern University as is John Charles's son, John (Jack) Stassen Soler. John and Sara also have a granddaughter, Lily Kate Stassen. Stassen passed away on March 19, 2023 in Los Angeles at age 78, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to both the legal and financial sectors, as well as to his alma mater, Northwestern University.
==Papers==
* Propaganda as Positive Law: Section 3 of the Commodity Exchange Act - (A Case Study of How Economic Facts Can Be Changed by Act of Congress)
== References ==	
Category:Kirkland & Ellis - Former Employees
Category:Kirkland & Ellis
Category:Futures Hall of Fame Members
Category:Lawyers
Category:Deceased