In a move akin to a major sports team acquiring a superstar player, Thompson Hine LLP unveiled its expansion in Chicago with the enlistment of Ryan Blackney, an elite litigator from Smith Gambrell & Russell LLP.

 Thompson Hine Partner in Chicago :Veteran Lawyer with Stellar Track Record

With almost two decades of courtroom battles under his belt, Blackney’s entry on Aug. 7 brings a wealth of experience to the table.

He's not just any trial lawyer.

He's the one who shines a spotlight on commercial fraud and delves deep into the labyrinth of bankruptcy proceedings, navigating the murky waters of fraudulent transfer matters and objections to discharge adversary processes.

To give a perspective, imagine a seasoned detective who has cracked over 200 complex cases.

Blackney has stood at the helm of 52 jury trials and untangled the intricacies of over 100 evidentiary motions.

Moreover, his mastery lies in ensuring justice is served, especially when it involves prying funds from debtors who craftily conceal their treasures.

Aligning Visions and A New Era at Thompson Hine

Blackney's enthusiasm isn’t just about switching offices; it's about aligning visions.

Thompson Hine's innovative SmartPaTH, a client-focused legal service platform, matches Blackney’s ethos like puzzle pieces.

He highlighted the importance of providing clients with a crystal ball, giving them a clear, data-driven view into the future expenses of their legal battles.

This ensures that clients aren’t just spectators but informed decision-makers throughout the litigation journey.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of legal expertise, Blackney’s five-month tenure as a partner at Smith Gambrell followed an illustrious 11-year chapter at Freeborn & Peters LLP.

But perhaps, most intriguing is his prior role as a state's attorney, where he wore the hat of a special prosecutor in McHenry County, Illinois, showcasing his knack for handling high-profile cases with precision and flair.

Frank Chaiken, the captain steering Thompson Hine’s Chicago office, likened Blackney's courtroom prowess to a storyteller who can transport jurors into the very heart of complex legal tales, making them resonate as personal experiences.

Chaiken praised Blackney's unique blend of a prosecutor’s tenacity with a detective’s creative touch in litigation.

Thompson Hine’s Ever-Expanding Chicago Footprint

Blackney's arrival is like the cherry atop Thompson Hine’s expanding Chicago sundae.

The firm has been on a recruitment spree, welcoming two counsels, a managing associate, an associate, and yet another litigation lawyer, Gregory Berman, earlier this year.

A proud alumnus of Chicago-Kent College of Law, Blackney remained unreachable for a direct comment on this latest transition.

With Blackney’s entry, Thompson Hine’s formidable army now boasts approximately 400 lawyers spread across eight offices. The firm's growing presence in Chicago further solidifies its reputation as a legal titan.