Sam Mendenhall Receives “Chicago Illini of the Year Award”

Litigation partner Samuel Mendenhall, based in Winston & Strawn's Chicago office, has been honored with the 2012 Chicago Illini of the Year award. Mr. Mendenhall was presented with the award at the 15th annual Chicago Illini of the Year Awards dinner on February 29, 2012 at the University Club of Chicago.

The Chicago Illini of the Year Award was created in 1997 to recognize the accomplishments of past University of Illinois graduates. The award is based on the alumnus’ overall career achievement, the professional and philanthropic impact that they have had on the Chicago community, and a continued interest and passion for the University of Illinois. Past recipients of the award include Roger Ebert and Carol Marin.

Bruce Smith, dean of the University of Illinois College of Law, described Mr. Mendenhall as an “esteemed litigator, compassionate civic leader, respected mentor, decorated veteran, and selfless supporter of his alma mater,” and noted that “Sam Mendenhall represents the very highest values of the University of Illinois.” Mr. Smith further added that “having worked closely with Sam in his capacity as past-president of the College of Law’s Board of Visitors, having spoken to grateful students and graduates whose professional careers he has helped shape, and having admired the deep commitment he has shown to the Chicago community, I can say with conviction that there could be no more deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Mr. Mendenhall is the director of the Winston & Strawn foundation and concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, insurance coverage litigation, and product liability defense.