Samuel Mendenhall

Sam represents, or has represented, numerous companies, governmental agencies, and organizations in a variety of litigation across the country. A representative sample of some of his recent high-profile representations include:

• Successfully served as lead Deputy Special Prosecutor during the trial phase of People of the State of Illinois v. Jussie Smollett
• Successfully defended one of the world’s largest international oil and gas companies against a lawsuit seeking significant damages arising from an explosion and destruction of a barge on the Chicago Shipping Canal that spawned over 14 different lawsuits
• Represented the United States Women’s National Soccer Team Players Association in federal litigation as part of their ongoing fight for equal pay
• Successfully represented Glenwood Academy in a lawsuit against Kane County wherein Glenwood was granted a special-use permit that allowed Glenwood to sell its 120-acre property to new owners, who are creating and operating a much-needed drug treatment center
• People v. Nafarris Patrick. Successfully defended Mr. Patrick against a wrongful arrest and potential conviction for an armed robbery that he did not commit. Our defense led to a countywide change in the procedures for identifying suspects in videotaped crimes
• Peery v. CHA and Stubenfield v. CHA. Successfully defended the Chicago Housing Authority in two class actions alleging that certain screening policies at mixed-income communities violated the United States Constitution
• Successfully defended a major computer manufacturer in an antitrust action alleging that it and various co-conspirators participated in a “group boycott” and “concerted refusal to deal” arising from a patent litigation matter
• Successfully defended a major auto manufacturer against a class action alleging various war crimes relating to conduct during World War II
• Successfully defended a major manufacturer of Greek yogurt in a class action alleging multistate false advertising claims
• Successfully defended a major computer manufacturer against class actions filed on behalf of California and Missouri residents relating to alleged unfair competition practices arising from representations made regarding the battery life of its computers
• Successfully represented a national home improvement chain in a nationwide class action relating to alleged defects in water heaters
• Successfully represented a national home improvement chain in a nationwide class action relating to alleged false representation made in connection with gas-powered grills