Portrait of Hal J. Wood

Hal J. Wood

Partner

Hal Wood is an experienced trial lawyer who represents clients in complex commercial and business litigation matters. His practice encompasses a wide range of disputes, including complex contractual matters, fraud and breach of representation claims arising out of mergers and acquisitions and other complex commercial transactions, employment-related issues, restrictive covenant and trade secret misappropriation claims, shareholder, partnership, and other ownership disputes, transaction- and real estate-related fraud, commercial lease disputes, and other high-stakes commercial conflicts. Hal works closely with business leaders and in-house counsel to analyze risk, develop practical litigation strategies, and deliver guidance aligned with each client’s business objectives.

Hal regularly serves as lead trial counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations, with successful outcomes in matters pending before state and federal courts and private arbitration panels. He is known for his ability to manage complex disputes from early strategic assessment through trial. His experience spans numerous industries, including manufacturing, distribution, professional services, and real estate, giving him a practical understanding of the operational and commercial considerations that often drive litigation strategy.

Hal is an active thought leader in the business litigation space. He has been a featured speaker at seminars focused on negotiating and drafting major business agreements, and he has presented to various bar association committees. Through his advocacy and thought leadership, Hal helps clients and peers navigate evolving legal issues affecting modern business disputes.

    Education

    • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (B.A., 1990)
    • University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1993)

    Admissions

    • Illinois
    • United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
    • United States Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit

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