Freeborn Partners Shelly A. DeRousse and Katheleen A. Ehrhart Featured in Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law

CHICAGO – Freeborn & Peters LLP  is pleased to share that Partners Shelly A. DeRousse and Katheleen A. Ehrhart have been featured in Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law. The list showcases top Chicago area accountants, consultants and attorneys. Criteria for inclusion includes having the ability or power to effect change in their role and/or area of practice at their firm; serve as role models to other attorneys and promote inclusive practices in the workplace.

“We congratulate Shelly and Kathy on this well-deserved recognition. Both are skilled attorneys and impactful practice leaders who have made a difference on many levels throughout their time at the firm,” said Co-Managing Partner William E. Russell. “We look forward to their continued impact in the years to come.”

Shelly A. DeRousse is a Partner and Leader of the Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Practice Group. She has extensive experience in the areas of bankruptcy, reorganization, litigation and asset sales. As lead counsel, Shelly has represented official creditors’ committees throughout the country in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Additionally, she represents companies and high earning individuals in their restructurings or workout negotiations with their lenders and other creditors. Additionally, she is known among banks and other financial institutions as a leading attorney for lenders in bankruptcy cases, out-of-court workouts of borrowers’ loans, and assignments for the benefit of creditors, using creative solutions to maximize the lenders’ recovery from collateral and other assets.   

Katheleen A. Ehrhart is a Partner in the Litigation Practice Group, member of the Insurance/Reinsurance Team and Co-Leader of the Insurance Brokerage Group. She is a litigator and has tried cases and arbitrations in federal and state courts throughout the United States. In this role, Kathy represents a variety of individuals, corporations, business and professional firms.  She is well-versed in and enjoys representing both the Davids and Goliaths of the world. She has extensive experience working with executives, senior management and in-house counsel of corporations in managing litigation as well as advising on litigation risks and strategy.  Clients also rely on Kathy for her talent in working with experts, in particular with damages modeling and bringing together the necessary links between mathematics and the law.

Shelly and Kathy also previously served as leaders of the firm’s Women’s Leadership Council. Freeborn’s Women's Leadership Council (WLC) was established in 2007 to provide professional development, marketing support, networking opportunities and mentoring to female associates and partners.

A Crain Communications publication, ChicagoBusiness.com is a top source of news, analysis and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors. In addition, Crain’s publishes a weekly business magazine, Crain’s Chicago Business, that provides deeper analysis, commentary, special reports and features. To read the full Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law feature, visit: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/crains-2021-notable-gen-x-leaders-accounting-consulting-and-law.