Sheppard is pleased to announce that nationally recognized trial attorneys Dan Collins and Levi Giovanetto have joined the firm as partners in the Governmental Practice in Chicago, where they will lead the office’s white collar defense and investigations team. They join from Katten.
Collins and Giovanetto are widely regarded as two of Chicago’s most respected white collar defense lawyers, having represented some of the city and state’s most high-profile elected officials and business leaders in a variety of complex litigation and investigative matters, including investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other government agencies. In a high-profile healthcare fraud trial, they secured dismissal of all felony charges against their client after a six-week trial in a case the Chicago Tribune said, “fizzled in stunning fashion in the midst of trial.”
A former federal prosecutor, Collins regularly leads internal investigations for public companies and other organizations on issues including securities and accounting fraud, healthcare fraud, antitrust, money laundering and trade secret theft. Collins served as lead counsel for former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Michael Madigan.
Giovanetto is a seasoned litigator who helps corporate clients facing allegations of fraud from initial internal allegations through government investigation, enforcement proceedings and parallel shareholder and other civil litigation. He has extensive experience handling both civil and criminal matters involving securities fraud, claims involving cryptocurrency and digital assets, health care fraud, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, RICO and other complex financial and regulatory issues.
“Clients facing complex, novel and high-stakes situations turn to Dan and Levi for the most important matters for their personal and professional lives,” said Luca Salvi, chair of Sheppard. “Their arrival continues the intentional and meaningful growth of Sheppard’s white collar defense and investigations practice nationally. We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm.”
“Sheppard has seen a continued uptick in new and existing clients seeking sophisticated legal advice as they navigate these highly uncertain times,” said Gene Besen, leader of Sheppard’s White Collar Defense and Investigations team. “Building a high-profile white collar practice in Chicago with lawyers as experienced as Dan and Levi has been a priority for us and our clients. They bring exceptional experience and strong reputations to the firm, particularly for the unique, bet-the-company challenges our clients face.”
Collins and Giovanetto join Sheppard’s Chicago office that has experienced significant growth in recent years, positioning the firm to attract top-tier talent to meet evolving client needs. Over the past five years, the office has grown approximately 60 percent, from 50 attorneys to 81 today, including 40 partners. This growth underscores Sheppard’s long-term commitment to Chicago as a key market and provides a strong framework for continued expansion to key practices.
“Levi and I have had the opportunity to work with many of Sheppard’s outstanding attorneys. We are excited to join the firm’s growing Chicago office and continue building the white collar team here,” Collins said.
Collins earned his B.A. from Northwestern University and his J.D. with honors, Order of the Coif, from DePaul University College of Law.
Giovanetto earned his B.S., cum laude, from Truman State University, his M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his J.D. with honors, from The University of Chicago School of Law.
About Sheppard’s Governmental Practice
Sheppard’s Governmental lawyers advise clients across all industries on contracts, compliance, investigations and disputes with federal, state and international authorities. With far-reaching experience and an integrated team approach, we deliver practical solutions that resolve problems efficiently wherever business meets government.