Overview

Gould & Ratner has grown from three attorneys handling general corporate work for the Crown Family to a multi-dimensional firm of 50 lawyers representing Fortune 500 corporations, closely held businesses, financial institutions and entrepreneurs, as well as families and their businesses in litigation, real estate, construction, corporate, tax, estate and succession planning, human resources and employment, intellectual property, environmental and several other related specialty fields.

Formed in the 1930s, Gould & Ratner has represented prominent clients in diverse and complicated matters in Chicago and throughout the world. Over the years, we have helped our clients grow from local family-owned operations to national conglomerate enterprises that we continue to represent. Clients come to Gould & Ratner expecting sophisticated legal and business skills, as well as personal advice and counsel. They stay with us because we provide that sophistication along with exemplary client service; giving them both practical and innovative solutions for all of their legal needs, whether simple or complex.

Our broad and diverse client base includes publicly and privately-held companies, entrepreneurs, wealthy families and individuals, businesses and executives, sports and entertainment personalities, charitable organizations, professional service organizations, and more. These clients span a wide spectrum of industries: real estate and development, construction, manufacturing and distribution, telecommunications, media and technology, financial institutions, gaming and hospitality. Thoroughly understanding our clients’ businesses and industries, Gould & Ratner legal counselors are able to render better practical solutions and advice. We develop personal relationships with our clients, keeping abreast of how the current market is affecting them and their businesses in order to meet or exceed their goals and expectations. They come as clients, but stay as friends.

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Practice Areas:
17
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
9

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Real Estate Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Trusts and Estates

Regional

Chicago

Tier
1
Chicago
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Chicago
Trusts and Estates
Tier
3
Chicago
Tax Law

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Real Estate Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Trusts and Estates

Regional

Chicago

Tier
1
Chicago
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Chicago
Trusts and Estates
Tier
3
Chicago
Tax Law

Practice Areas

Gould & Ratner has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 3 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • CleanTech Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Law
  • Corporate Law
  • FinTech Practice
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Tax Law
  • Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Gould & Ratner proudly has 9 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Offices & Contacts

Chicago, IL
Denver, CO
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