Robert Chapman

As Chapman Spingola's co-founder, my practice focuses on the litigation and trial of complex commercial and professional liability disputes in state and federal courts and alternative dispute venues throughout the United States. My reputation over the past 30 years has been built on my ability to develop innovative and creative positions and articulating them through well-written briefs, oral advocacy and trial and appellate presentations. I have successfully represented clients in a broad array of matters, whether the dispute involves the intricacies of a high-tech, Indy-race car, a new-age military helicopter, innovative trading software or sophisticated partnership, tax or accounting issues. I am often asked to represent both clients and firms in professional liability disputes, including attorney and accountant malpractice claims. For nine years, I served as a hearing panelist for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. I am co-author of an oft-cited article concerning the litigation of attorney malpractice claims. I have written and spoken extensively on the topics of trial practice and professional liability, and have been retained on a number of occasions to serve as an expert witness in professional liability disputes. I have also represented clients in SEC enforcement actions and attorney disciplinary matters. I have extensive bench and jury trial and arbitration experience having obtained millions of dollars of settlements and verdicts for our clients as well as zero-dollar verdicts in response to multi-million dollar claims. I regularly represent clients that seek or are required to respond to requests for temporary and permanent injunctive relief, including those based on restrictive covenants and trade secret claims. In the appellate realm, I have successfully argued in the Illinois Supreme Court, the Illinois Appellate Courts, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Like my colleagues, I pride myself in working closely with our clients to develop a litigation strategy that reflects their goals. Responsiveness, creativity, and results are the cornerstones of my practice. Prior to co-founding Chapman Spingola in 2004, I was a member of the litigation group at Coffield Ungaretti Harris & Slavin (now known as Nixon Peabody).