Misty Martin
Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd.
Commercial litigation

It was May 2006, just one month after being hired as an associate attorney by Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, when Misty Martin was first asked to rise to a headlining legal challenge.

Martin accompanied a named partner to a potential client meeting on a case the firm knew might soon dominate the press. Segal McCambridge was then hired to represent Christina Eilman, and for the next 6 and a half years, Martin worked tirelessly over many weekends and late nights to battle the complex issues in Eilman v. The City of Chicago. Between the intense media coverage, the uniqueness of the legal claims, 130 fact and expert witnesses, two appeals to the Seventh Circuit and the complexities of their client’s injuries, Martin faced as many challenges as some seasoned attorneys might face in their practice lifetime. Having watched Martin during federal courtroom hearings, Rebecca Letourneaux, Corporate Counsel for Fresenius-Kabi USA, said, “Misty was in the thick of that case as it was litigated…This case separated Misty from other lawyers…” Separating herself, Martin sure did. With her involvement, the Eilman team obtained a $22.5 million settlement for the plaintiff - the highest settlement ever paid by the City of Chicago to resolve a single claim.

With the Eilman result, the opportunities and challenges continued to come at Martin from all directions - each time with Martin rising to the occasion. Martin faced yet another high profile case, this time when a class action accused her client, Google and other defendants of trademark infringement, cybersquatting and RICO violations. Martin was far from intimidated. She was one of the key players on the defense side posing questions and suggesting strategies. Seasoned attorneys were impressed by Martin’s legal talents. Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Alison Conlon, a fellow defense attorney at the time, commented, “[g]iven the amount of money at stake, the novel issues of law presented and the potential consequences for internet users, the defense group included several nationally prominent attorneys. Some young lawyers would have found the group intimidating. But not Misty. Misty participated actively in the defense group, demonstrating wisdom and maturity beyond her years.”

Whether a catastrophic injury case, or a bet-the-company product liability case, Martin’s fellow attorneys who have litigated with and against her agree she is intelligent, ethical and hard-working. Craig Hoffman of Chicago’s Ruberry, Stalmack & Garvey has watched Martin in action when her client was the target defendant in a seven figure multi-party construction case and never failed to come away impressed by her. “Misty is tough, fearless, smart, tireless and gets unbelievable results for her clients.” Hoffman said. “She will not stop working for her clients until she gets a favorable result for them, period.” Circuit Court of Kane County Judge James R. Murphy concurs with Martin’s reputation and finds her to be a ‘stand-out’ attorney that “took her place among [other] impressive litigators.”

Martin doesn’t reserve the tenacity with which she practices for the defense clients she routinely represents. She extends these capabilities representing pro bono clients. Martin earned the District Court’s “Award for Excellence in Public Interest Service” this year for her work with the court’s Settlement Assistance Program for Pro Se Litigants. “I know that Misty does this work because it is the right thing to do, and not for the accolades,” Judge Conlon said. “That makes me even happier to see her receive this well-deserved accolade.”

When results matter, clients turn to Misty Martin. She understands the real world challenges and pragmatic decisions facing today’s companies in and out of the courtroom. No matter how complex the issue, rising to the occasion and getting results. That’s what Misty Martin does.