Brett J. Geschke
Associate
Brett focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and assists clients with wide-ranging issues involving business disputes, commercial contract interpretation, and more. He represents a diverse set of clients from individuals and small businesses to national hotel chains and global retail companies. He has substantial experience in cases involving personal injury and property damage that stem from faulty products, workplace accidents, and premises liability incidents. He also assists with securities and commodities litigation, intellectual property litigation, and class action matters. Brett provides his clients with representation that is founded on thorough research, confident delivery, and industry experience. He sees parallels between his former collegiate baseball career and his current legal vocation in order to win—both require striving for team-oriented goals, focused preparation, strong knowledge of the fundamentals, strategic planning for each opponent, broad vision of the field, and consistent performance.
Education & Admissions
Education
- Oakland University
(B.A., magna cum, laude, 2010)
- University of Notre Dame Law School
(J.D., cum laude, 2013)
Admissions
- State of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
Experience
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
- Successfully tried multiple cases to verdict and appeared at mediations for a national hotel chain.
- Defended a global retail company following a multiple fatality residential fire.
- Represented a national auto parts store at mediation in a property damage lawsuit.
- Drafted and argued several motions for summary judgment on behalf of property management companies, homeowners, and businesses.
- Obtained a favorable ruling vacating a default judgment in a challenging venue.
Publications & Presentations
Publications
- “Commercial Drone Usage: A Risk and Liability Checklist,” CBA Record (December 2019)
- “A Primer on Punitive Damages in Illinois: How They Are Awarded at Trial and Upheld on Appeal,” CBA Record (September 2018)
- “How An Attorney Can Invest In a Client’s Business: The Ins and Outs of Influence,” CBA Record (November 2016)
Presentations
- Artificial Intelligence in Construction Virtual Seminar, DRI and Illinois Defense Counsel Webcast (February 2021)
- “We Aren’t Droning On: Drones in Construction,” DRI Artificial Intelligence in Construction Seminar (February 2021), Construction Safety Council – Construction Expo & Safety Conference (September 2019, March 2019)
- “A Primer on Punitive Damages in Illinois: How They Are Awarded at Trial and Upheld on Appeal,” Chicago Bar Association Civil Practice Committee (February 2019)
- “Illinois Bar Boot Camp Seminar,” Chicago Bar Association Law Students Committee (September 2016)
Involvement
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Chicago Bar Association (Young Lawyers Section Executive Council; Chair, Law & Debate Club)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital (Young Associate Board)
- Chicago Public Library Foundation (President, Associate Board, 2020-2021)
- Chicago Area Runners Association (Board of Directors & Site Coordinator)
- Juvenile Protective Association (Board Member)
- The Posse Foundation (Mentor and Resume Coach)
- Notre Dame Club of Chicago (Service Committee)
Honors
- Recipient of the Oakland University 10 Within 10 Award (2017)