Our History

Our attorneys strive to ensure our clients are prepared for future success and understand the value of learning from the past. Below, we look back at the firm’s history:

1983

Freeborn is founded on June 6, 1983 by six partners: Michael Freeborn, Jordan Peters, William Krucks, Peter Mason, Lee Hutchinson and Tom Fitzgerald.

1992

Chicago

The firm moves to 311 South Wacker Drive in July, which remains its headquarters today.

 

2000

Springfield

The firm’s Springfield office opens. A permanent presence in Springfield is the best way to fully represent our clients before the Illinois General Assembly and state governmental agencies.

2006

EDiscovery Lab

The firm opens its state-of-the-art E-Discovery Lab to control clients' costs, gain control over the process and provide a comprehensive solution to data management.  The E-Discovery Lab has since saved clients millions of dollars in discovery charges compared with outside vendors.

2008

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The firm celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a party. Michael Freeborn reflected on the Firm's history and toasted to continued success.

2016

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Freeborn combines with Brenner, Evans & Millman P.C. in Richmond, Virginia, opening the firm’s first office outside of Illinois on May 1, 2016. The union was encouraged by a long-term client of both firms and executed on the strategic growth plan of the firm.

2017

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Freeborn combines with the New York City firm of Hargraves, McConnell & Costigan P.C. on March 1, 2017. The development, which establishes Freeborn’s first office in New York, advances Freeborn’s strategy of geographically expanding its strongest practice areas when faced with demonstrable client demand.

2017

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Freeborn opens its first office in Florida on May 17, 2017 in Tampa. The office helps to address increased demand for the firm’s services in the Southeastern region of the United States, where Freeborn has existing clients.

2020

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The Firm currently has more than 140 attorneys in five offices practicing in eight practice groups and five industry teams. Our attorneys take a proactive approach to ensure their clients are more informed, prepared and able to achieve greater success – not just now, but also in the future. 

2022

The firm unveils a new Mission Statement:
Freeborn & Peters LLP is a premier full-service business law firm. We achieve successful outcomes for our clients in high-stakes litigation and transformative business transactions, and we provide board-level advice to our clients across the country and internationally. We demand from ourselves unwavering excellence in our work through which we deliver unparalleled client service and results. Our clients rely on Freeborn to guide them through their most difficult legal challenges.