Blank Rome expanded its national platform to Chicago, with the addition of a four-partner group. The law firm expects the new office to launch upon the completion of certain regulatory requirements.

The Chicago office will be led by Kenneth J. Ottaviano. Prior to joining Blank Rome, Ottaviano served as a partner in the insolvency and restructuring group and a member of the board of directors at Katten Muchin Rosenman.

Also joining from Katten in Chicago are Karin H. Berg, William J. Dorsey, and Paige Barr Tinkham. Berg and Tinkham will be partners in the firm’s Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group, while Dorsey will join as a partner in the Corporate Litigation group. They will also be members of the Financial Services Industry group, which has welcomed eight attorneys to date in 2019 and has more than 100 attorneys throughout the United States.

“Ken, Karin, Will, and Paige are outstanding people and we are thrilled to have them join us as the founding partners of our new Chicago office,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s managing partner and CEO. “They are the epitome of Blank Rome lawyers—premier practitioners in their fields who work collaboratively in teams with a singular focus on clients’ needs. Providing truly exceptional client service is our top priority, and we are committed to expanding our depth, breadth, and capabilities across offices to continue to serve our clients at the highest levels.”

“With strong roots in Chicago and an exceptional national reputation, Ken, Karin, Will, and Paige are the perfect team to anchor our entrance into the market,” stated Lawrence F. Flick, chair of Blank Rome’s Financial Services Industry group. “Blank Rome has a number of clients who are based in, or do business in Chicago, so having an established presence in the city with a stellar group of attorneys will help us provide enhanced service to our clients.”

“Blank Rome has a proven track record of opening new offices across the United States through the hiring of lateral groups, and we are very excited to join that legacy,” said Ottaviano. “In talking with Grant, Larry, and other partners from the firm’s offices and practices, we were energized by Blank Rome’s desire to open a Chicago office and its clear vision and commitment to growing in the market. We were also impressed by the firm’s strong culture of collaboration, and innovative approach to client service.”

Founded in 1946, Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 14 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world.