Profile photo of Hon. Sidney I. Schenkier (Ret.)

Hon. Sidney I. Schenkier (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Chicago, IL, United States
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About

Before entering private practice, this neutral served for over twenty years as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, including a term as Presiding Magistrate Judge. During his tenure on the federal bench, he presided over more than 150 trials and conducted over 2,500 settlement conferences. His career also includes sixteen years in private practice as a litigation partner at a major law firm, where he focused on complex commercial disputes and constitutional law.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Corporate & Finance Employment & Labor Healthcare & Life Sciences Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
2019
United States Magistrate Judge
Northern District of Illinois
1998–2019
Presiding Magistrate Judge
Northern District of Illinois
Partner
2013–2017
Jenner & Block
1982–1998
Law Clerk
Hon. Philip W. Tone
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
1979–1980
Law Clerk
Hon. James B. Moran
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
1980–1982

Publications Leadership

  • Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
  • Speaker, 'Effective Mediation Strategies in Federal Court', ABA Section of Litigation
  • Author, 'The Role of Magistrate Judges in Federal Litigation', Federal Bar Journal
  • Panelist, 'Navigating Complex Class Action Settlements', JAMS Webinar Series
  • Contributor, 'Best Practices for Summary Judgment Motions', Northern District of Illinois Judicial Seminar

Positioning Takeaways

This neutral offers extensive judicial experience in the Northern District of Illinois, making him a primary choice for federal court-annexed mediation and complex commercial arbitration.

License & Certifications

  • Illinois State Bar
  • United States District Court
  • Northern District of Illinois
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • Seventh Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court

Education

J.D.
Northwestern University School of Law
1979
B.S.J.
Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism
1976

Distinction

Managed over 2,500 settlement conferences and 150 trials during a 20-year federal judicial career.

Reputation

He is recognized by legal professionals for his deep understanding of federal procedure and his ability to facilitate resolutions in highly contentious multi-party litigations.

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