A master of the facts and legal issues, business trial attorney Jeff Bergman delivers clear and convincing arguments, representing corporations and individuals in high-stakes, complex commercial litigation across the nation, and has also resolved many cases through arbitration and mediation.
Jeff listens to his clients to learn about them, their businesses, and the problems they face. Then, he works collaboratively with them to devise a plan to achieve their goals. Always professional, but with a great sense of humor, he stays calm, avoiding contention whenever possible, and finding creative ways to help his clients resolve their disputes with vendors, customers, competitors, business partners, and regulators, as well as those arising in M&A and other business transactions.
Representing clients ranging from individuals, including corporate executives, and family-owned businesses to financial institutions, publicly owned companies, national accounting and consulting firms, and government agencies, Jeff handles cases in courts around the country, as well as resolves disputes through negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. Respected by judges and lawyers around the nation, he is regarded as highly credible and skilled, which helps him achieve his clients’ desired outcomes.
Jeff has prevailed in wide-ranging cases, including complex commercial litigation, accounting and securities fraud, directors and officers liability, antitrust, bankruptcy and restructuring, ERISA and other fiduciary litigation, and intellectual property litigation. He is also experienced in defamation and restrictive covenant cases.
In addition to his legal practice, Jeff serves as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at Northwestern University Law School and does substantial pro bono legal work in the areas of juvenile justice and transgender rights.
Jeff has been named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a distinction limited to one-third of one percent of all practicing lawyers.
Honors & Awards
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Representative Matters
Successfully represented outside director defendants against allegations of fraud in M&A litigation in the Delaware Chancery Court, and in a dispute with their D&O insurer. Resolved the dispute with no liability and insurer completely indemnifying the clients.
Represented substantial institutional and individual defendants in the Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litigation, in which the plaintiffs sought recovery of substantially all of the $8 billion paid to shareholders in Tribune Company’s 2007 leveraged buyout. The Supreme Court ultimately affirmed the dismissal of the claims, and the clients did not pay anything.
Successfully defended a national beer importer in a federal jury trial in which a rival sought damages and attorneys’ fees for alleged tortious interference with its contract with a German brewery and violations of federal antitrust law.
Obtained an injunction against the U.S. joint venture partner of a large Malaysian manufacturer that had misappropriated patents and trademarks that belonged to the joint venture.
Won a jury verdict in federal court, including an award of attorneys’ fees, in favor of a national wholesale distributor of office products in a federal lawsuit brought by a former customer who claimed that the defendant’s sudden suspension of its credit accommodations drove it out of business.
Successfully pursued claims of fraud and breach of warranties on behalf of a Wisconsin credit union against the National Credit Union Administration arising out of its purchase of over $10 million of defaulting construction loans from a Colorado credit union that had been placed under NCUA administration.
Professional Activities
Community Involvement
- Board of Directors, James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
- Pro Bono Attorney, Children and Family Justice Center, Blum Legal Clinic, Northwestern University School of Law
Practice Areas
Education
J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School, 1986
A.B., University of Chicago, 1982
