Ms. Wells has represented companies, individuals, and government agencies and officials in complex litigation matters in both state and federal court. Her practice involves a wide variety of substantive areas of the law, including constitutional law, commercial law, legal ethics, professional liability, and fiduciary duty matters. Her experience includes trials in state and federal court and appeals before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Illinois Appellate Court, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Ms. Wells also has substantial experience representing individuals, businesses, and non-profits in disputes with governmental entities. She also regularly advises law firms and lawyers regarding their professional and ethical obligations.
Ms. Wells was named to Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s “40 Under Forty: 2022 Illinois Attorneys to Watch” and was selected to “Rising Stars” by the Illinois Super Lawyers list from 2018-2022.
Previously Ms. Wells was an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division of the City of Chicago Department of Law, where she worked on the groundbreaking investigations and litigation related to the deceptive marketing of opioid prescription painkillers. She also served as a law clerk to the Honorable William J. Bauer of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and to the Honorable Ruben Castillo of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Wells served as a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Ecuador.
Selected Engagements
Won a $7 million judgment, affirmed on appeal, following a seven-day bench trial in a partnership dispute involving self-dealing and multiple breaches of fiduciary duty.
Secured a victory in the Illinois Supreme Court on behalf of a disabled former Cook County employee who had been denied his disability benefits when he was terminated due to his disability.
Representing a safety-net hospital in litigation against the State of Illinois involving constitutional and statutory claims.
Obtained dismissal of a federal lawsuit against a lawyer and law firm seeking $25 million for allegedly conspiring with a public official to deny due process to a litigant.
Obtained dismissal of a petition under the Hague Convention following a bench trial in federal court.
Represented individual in a partnership dispute involving breach of fiduciary duty claims and contested control over closely held entities.
Obtained a favorable resolution of a purported violation of the City of Chicago's Ethics Ordinance before the Board of Ethics.
Following a seven-day trial, defeated over twenty disciplinary charges against an attorney concerning his representation of a plaintiff in a personal injury case.
Represented a group of community representatives as amici curiae in support of the Obama Presidential Center before the district court and on appeal.
Prior to joining this firm, represented government in investigations and litigation related to the deceptive marketing of opioid prescription painkillers.
Prior to joining this firm, successfully defeated First Amendment challenge to personnel policy of government agency.
Prior to joining this firm, obtained favorable settlement of statutory challenge to a city zoning determination.
Prior to joining this firm, defended City firearm regulations challenged on Second Amendment grounds.
Prior to joining this firm, defended municipal taxi dispatch service challenged on constitutional grounds.
Education
B.A., Georgetown University, College of Arts and Sciences, Government, Sociology, 2005
Graduated magna cum laude
Phi Beta Kappa
J.D., Stanford Law School, 2010
Pro Bono Distinction
Member, Stanford Journal of International Law
Experience
Admitted to the Illinois Bar, 2010
Law clerk to the Hon. Ruben Castillo, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2010-2012
Law clerk to the Hon. William Bauer, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 2012-2013
Assistant Corporation Counsel in the City of Chicago Department of Law, Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division, 2013-2016
Associate with this firm 2016-2018; became a partner in 2019
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 2010
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Memberships
Chicago Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
