Peter Ellis, global chair of Reed Smith’s litigation and dispute resolution department, and Matthew Petersen, managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office, have been named to Crain’s Chicago Business’s Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law list. The annual list recognizes top Chicago area attorneys, accountants and consultants for their personal achievements, contributions to the industry, and service to the community.
Ellis leads 1,000+ litigators from across the firm’s global platform. He also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and Senior Management Team. He represents global companies, providing business counseling, advice on litigation strategy, and investigation oversight.
As office managing partner, Petersen oversees the implementation of local and firmwide initiatives and manages operations and personnel for the 250-person Chicago office. He is a corporate lawyer whose practice concentrates on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate finance, venture capital, and corporate/strategic counselling.
“Peter and Matt have contributed significantly to the growth and expansion of a number of critical firm initiatives, as well as programs to support underserved areas of Chicago,” said Doug Cameron, managing partner for the Americas. “They are shining examples of the firm’s commitment to the communities in which we live and work. We’re thrilled that Crain’s Chicago Business has recognized their professional achievements and contributions to the Chicago area.”
Through their leadership, the Chicago office recently launched a three-year partnership with Chicago First Fund and Tilden High School, which will provide financial and in-kind support to the school and its families.
Ellis was a driving force behind implementing programs to assist attorneys and staff to overcome challenges of the global pandemic and the subsequent return-to-office. He also spearheaded the firm’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement, playing a key role in developing the Reed Smith Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) and serving on the task force that implements the program’s initiatives. Peter is committed to the firm’s concerted effort to increase the number of diverse lawyers across its global platform, while also increasing the percentage of diverse lawyers and staff in leadership positions firmwide.
In addition, Ellis champions new workplace wellness and well-being programs and he is also the Senior Management Team’s liaison to RSVets, the firm’s business inclusion group for veterans.
Ellis serves on the board of the Children First Fund and as a trustee of the Rush University Medical Center; he is a trustee and executive vice-chair of the Harris Theater for Music & Dance, and a member of The Economic Club of Chicago. In 2011, Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn Jr. appointed Ellis to chair the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, a state agency dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice and ensuring the criminal justice system in Illinois is efficient, effective, and equitable. Ellis chaired the Authority until 2014.
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