Bob Tepper is a seasoned trial attorney with an extensive background in retail and wholesale business, both as a business owner before becoming an attorney, and as counsel to many businesses. Bob advises clients and practices in the areas of business transactions and acquisitions, corporate, insurance, bankruptcy, property management estate planning, trusts, and probate administration. His diverse experience is an asset on practically any matter a client may face. He has successfully handled and negotiated the resolution of and litigated matters ranging from small commercial disputes to matters where tens of millions of dollars were at stake. He has served as co-counsel in many high-profile aviation crash cases. Most recently Bob was co-counsel in certain of the wrongful death cases arising from the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight involving a Boeing 737 Max aircraft killing all on board.
Companies and individuals across the country turn to Bob for the way he treats his clients’ matters as if they were his own and for his remarkable ability to find the core issues in dispute and navigate clients to successful resolutions. His many years of business experience as a counselor and trial attorney have shown him the importance of understanding both sides of an issue and unraveling complex issues by breaking them down into manageable parts. Clients count on him to shed light on the motivations and goals of the opposition, an ability that underpins his strength as a negotiator and problem solver.
Bob frequently lectures on the topics of legal ethics, cyber security, commercial property management issues, insurance defense, and many other important areas for businesses of all sizes. He is an invited speaker at the National Flea Market Association’s annual conference, fielding questions from its attendees on various legal issues owners and managers of flea markets should be considering. He is a fellow in the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance and a member of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s First District Advisory Committee. To help shape the future of the practice of law, Bob frequently meets with business leaders, attorneys, and judges to discuss issues affecting the practice of law and addressing public needs.
Bob enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, daughter, son-in-law, grandkids, and their adopted fur baby siblings and his puppy, Sasha. He also enjoys running and is passionate about aviation.
Education
The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1982
Southern Illinois University, B.A., 1975
Admissions and Licenses
Illinois
Wisconsin
Illinois Supreme Court
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Bar Member
United States Court of Appeals (Seventh Circuit)
United States District Court and Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Bankruptcy Courts and Federal Courts throughout the United States
Professional Associations
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
American Bar Association
Lake County Bar Association
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Awards and Recognitions
Martindale Hubbell’s highest AV rating