Benjamin M. Whipple - Associate

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Biography

Benjamin M. Whipple is an associate at Williams Montgomery & John Ltd. and is a member of the commercial litigation and professional liability practice groups. Mr. Whipple recently was selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star," an honor reserved for the top 2.5 percent of lawyers in Illinois.

Mr. Whipple has extensive experience in federal and state court litigation involving a range of issues. His litigation practice focuses on defending accountants, lawyers, real estate brokers and other professionals in malpractice cases, and on litigating commercial and partnership disputes. He is a Special Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, representing the Superintendent of Police in administrative hearings to remove police officers from the police force for misconduct. He is comfortable with and effective in all phases of the litigation and negotiation processes.

After graduating from law school in 2004, Mr. Whipple joined the Chicago office of a large, national litigation firm, where he worked on legal malpractice and commercial disputes in Illinois and around the country. He began his career actively engaged in all phases of written and oral discovery, motion writing and oral argument, trial preparation and jury selection, and appeals. In 2007, Mr. Whipple accepted a clerkship with then-Chief U.S. District Judge Callie V. S. Granade in the Southern District of Alabama. During his two-year clerkship, Mr. Whipple observed and helped Judge Granade preside over approximately 15 civil and criminal jury trials, prepared draft orders on dozens of motions for summary judgment, and prepared draft orders on countless other motions before the court. His experience covered the broad range of legal issues and factual scenarios that were presented to the court. In addition to honing his own litigation skills, Mr. Whipple learned first-hand how a highly regarded federal judge approaches judging and presides over a docket. Mr. Whipple joined Williams Montgomery & John when his federal clerkship ended in 2009.

Education/Bar Admissions

Mr. Whipple received a B.A. in philosophy in 2001 from The University of Michigan. He received his J.D., cum laude, in 2004 from Notre Dame Law School, where he won a writing competition that allowed him to brief and argue an appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on a pro bono basis.

Mr. Whipple is a registered lobbyist in the State of Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois bar and is admitted to practice before the following federal trial and appellate courts:

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan ("provisional" admission)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

In addition, Mr. Whipple has been admitted pro hac vice to represent clients in specific cases in other jurisdictions.

Professional Activities

Mr. Whipple is active in various professional and civic organizations, including:

  • National Association of State Lobbyists
  • Chicago Inn of Court
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
  • Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, member, Associate Board
  • Center for Disability and Elder Law, member, Young Professionals Board
  • National Eagle Scout Association - Chicago Chapter