Jones Day's Bethany Biesenthal named among Crain's Chicago Business' "Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys" for 2023
Crain's Chicago Business has named Bethany Biesenthal, a partner in the Firm's Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice, among the publication's "Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys" for 2023. A lawyer awarded this distinction must have made a measurable and specific impact in the types of cases handled, as well as mentor other attorneys, promote inclusive practices in the workplace, and demonstrate leadership in professional organizations and civic/community service initiatives.
Ms. Biesenthal is a former federal prosecutor who has served as a lead trial lawyer in more than 20 trials and has argued more than a dozen federal appeals. A Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Chambers-rated litigator, she has successfully led litigation and investigations teams in high-stakes matters, including litigation brought by state attorneys general and defending companies and individuals against allegations of misconduct.
Ms. Biesenthal's recent major accomplishments include winning full acquittal after a five-week jury trial for a former bank salesperson charged with racketeering and spoofing, the only defendant out of four to be fully acquitted. Bethany also serves as a trial lawyer for a major bank on residential mortgage fraud cases, obtained dismissal of a number of cases for a hotel chain in sex trafficking-related litigation, and obtained pre-trial diversion for an individual accused of forging government documents.
She currently serves as general counsel to the City of Chicago Police Board, where she counsels the board in navigating a court-appointed monitor and consent decree. She also calls on her experience as the lead for human trafficking cases at the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office to lead various human trafficking-related litigation at Jones Day and regularly speak on issues of human trafficking in corporate supply chains.
Ms. Biesenthal also serves on the Seventh Circuit Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions, is active in numerous women's initiatives, and serves on the American College of Trial Lawyers National Membership Committee, which is devoted to increasing diversity within the ranks of the Fellows.
She has received numerous honors for her government service and was named one of the Top 50 Exceptional Women Lawyers in Chicago by Chicago Lawyer and Top 500 Leading Litigators by Lawdragon.
