Robert Cheifetz has spent more than 30 years representing entrepreneurial individuals and businesses as plaintiffs and defendants in federal and state courts.
Maintaining a broad commercial litigation practice, Rob focuses on complex commercial litigation, including cutting-edge antitrust, director/officer, intellectual property, and tax shelter malpractice cases. He has litigated cases in courts and arbitration fora, at both the trial and appellate levels, in numerous jurisdictions nationwide.
Intelligent, creative, thoughtful, and well-prepared, Rob persuasively reinforces case themes and legal arguments by adding insights from a Talmudic approach to the controlling law. Using targeted empathy, he learns what others want or need. Then, he adjusts his approach to attain a successful outcome.
Representative Matters
Won a $65+ million jury award against a “Big Four” accounting firm that blessed a shockingly risky tax shelter structure for the retiring mom-and-pop principals of a family-owned construction company. John M. Marshall et al. v. PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, 17CV11907 (Cir. Ct. Ore., Multnomah County).
Obtained a $485 million settlement for a class of direct purchasers against a drug company that schemed to prevent generic entry. In re Ranbaxy Generic Drug Application Antitrust Litigation, 1:19-md-02878-NMG (D. Mass.).
Obtained a $450+ million settlement for a class of direct purchasers against brand and generic drug companies that conspired to inflate prices. In re Glumetza Antitrust Litigation, 19-cv-6156 (N.D. Cal.).
Fighting through state court and several bankruptcies, won a $20+ million judgment against a group of individuals who struck a deal to cut an entrepreneur out of the business. Marshall J. Katz v. Joseph Grasso et al., 07 CH 24116 (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill., Chancery Division).
Won a $20+ million jury award against Walmart (in Arkansas state court) for breaching an agreement with two entrepreneurs who helped keep Walmart’s stores open during the Covid lockdown. K2 Distribution Company, LP v. Walmart, Inc., 72CV-21-2251 (Cir. Ct. Wash. County, Ark.).
Obtained more than $60 million in settlements for a bankrupt business in a case stemming from the disastrous purchase of a valueless “dotcom” business. In re HA 2003, Inc., 03 C 9008, Adv, No. 03 A. 4448 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 22, 2004).
Professional Activities
Professional Memberships
President, Congregation B’nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove, 2020 - present, 2014-2016, 2002-2008
Board Member, Governance Co-Chair, The ARK, Chicago, 2014-2020
Certifications
MWI Executive Mediation Training Program, 2010
Teaching Experience
Lecturer in Law, University of Chicago Law School, Spring 2021 - present
Practice Areas
Education
J.D., University of Chicago Law School, 1992
B.A., Brandeis University, magna cum laude, 1988
- Grace Short Memorial Book Award
MWI Executive Mediation Training Program, 2010
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 1992
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2017
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1993
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 2010
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1992
