Bethany Biesenthal, a partner in Jones Day's Chicago Office and the Firm's Investigations & White Collar Defense and Business & Tort Litigation practices, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers ("ACTL"), one of the premier legal associations in North America. Founded in 1950, the ACTL is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
"We are so happy for, and proud of, Bethany and congratulate her for this special recognition," said Ted Chung, who leads Jones Day's Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice. "Anyone who's seen Bethany in court can tell immediately that she's a truly gifted trial lawyer and an exceptionally effective advocate. She's widely respected by peers throughout the white-collar bar, and clients with litigation and white-collar defense needs turn to her when the stakes are highest."
Ms. Biesenthal is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois (where she served as Senior Litigation Counsel) and last year was named one of the Top 50 Exceptional Women Lawyers in Chicago by Chicago Lawyer. She was formally inducted to the ACTL on October 2nd during its 2021 Annual Meeting in Chicago.
"Bethany is a natural talent," said Tina Tabacchi, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day's Chicago Office. "She has been a top-notch addition to our ranks since joining us from the United States' Attorney's Office and her induction is a wonderful recognition of her overall outstanding skills as an advisor and a trial lawyer."
Ms. Biesenthal has served as a lead trial lawyer in more than 20 trials and has argued more than a dozen appeals in the United States Courts of Appeal. Since joining Jones Day, she has established herself as a go-to lawyer for clients' most sensitive litigation matters. Ms. Biesenthal has successfully led litigation teams in high-stakes matters, including litigation brought by attorneys general and defending against allegations of corporate misconduct. She is Chambers-rated for her litigation skills and, as part of that rating, was described by clients and peers as a "rockstar trial lawyer" with a "great presence in front of a jury."
Ms. Biesenthal joins eight lawyers at Jones Day who are Fellows in the College:
- Thomas F. (Tim) Cullen (Global Disputes)
- Richard H. (Rick) Deane, Jr. (Investigations & White Collar Defense)
- Steven N. Geise (Business & Tort Litigation)
- Harold K. Gordon (Business & Tort Litigation)
- Theodore M. (Ted) Grossman (Business & Tort Litigation)
- John M. Majoras (Business & Tort Litigation)
- Peter J. Romatowski (Securities Litigation & SEC Enforcement)
- James R. Wooley (Investigations & White Collar Defense)
Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only, and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years of trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.
