Introduction
The Dolman Law Group is a multidisciplinary legal practice headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Denver, Washington D.C., and Atlanta. The firm offers a broad spectrum of services, including corporate and commercial law, litigation, real‑estate, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. With a workforce that exceeds 250 attorneys, Dolman Law Group has earned a reputation for providing tailored legal solutions to both domestic and international clients across various industries.
Established in 1995, the firm has grown steadily through a combination of organic expansion and strategic mergers. Its practice model emphasizes collaboration among attorneys, close client engagement, and the use of technology to streamline case management and client communication. Dolman Law Group is a member of several national and international bar associations, and its attorneys frequently contribute to legal scholarship and industry conferences.
Scope and Mission
Dolman Law Group’s mission is to deliver high‑quality legal representation while fostering an inclusive and professional work environment. The firm prioritizes ethical conduct, continuous learning, and community outreach. Its stated objectives include promoting access to justice, supporting emerging businesses, and providing pro bono services to underserved populations.
History and Background
Founding and Early Years
The firm traces its origins to the partnership between Thomas J. Dolman, a corporate attorney with a background in securities law, and Margaret R. Ellis, a litigation specialist. They founded the practice on March 12, 1995, with a single office in downtown Chicago. Initially focusing on securities compliance and corporate governance, the firm quickly attracted clients from the financial services sector.
Growth and Diversification
By the early 2000s, Dolman Law Group expanded its practice areas to include real‑estate, intellectual property, and environmental law. The firm opened a second office in Denver in 2007 to tap into the growing energy market. In 2012, Dolman Law Group acquired the boutique litigation firm Green & Associates, which added a robust civil litigation practice and expanded its client base in the Midwest.
Recent Expansion
In 2018, the firm launched a Washington D.C. office to serve federal regulatory agencies and government contractors. A year later, a third office in Atlanta was established to cater to the Southeast's burgeoning tech and logistics sectors. These expansions were accompanied by the hiring of senior counsel and the implementation of a firm‑wide knowledge‑management system.
Practice Areas
Corporate and Commercial Law
Dolman Law Group advises corporations on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities offerings, and corporate governance matters. The practice team conducts due diligence, drafts transaction documents, and negotiates terms on behalf of clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
With a strong track record in civil litigation, the firm represents clients in state and federal courts on matters such as contract disputes, intellectual property infringement, and regulatory enforcement actions. The team also provides mediation and arbitration services, often employing alternative dispute resolution techniques to achieve favorable outcomes.
Real‑Estate and Construction
Dolman Law Group assists developers, investors, and property owners in acquisition, financing, leasing, and construction projects. The firm negotiates purchase agreements, handles zoning and permitting issues, and manages construction defect claims.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property counsel at Dolman Law Group offers services related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The practice handles filings, litigation, licensing agreements, and portfolio management for clients in technology, manufacturing, and creative industries.
Regulatory and Compliance
The firm advises clients on federal, state, and local regulations covering securities, environmental law, labor and employment, and antitrust compliance. Counsel helps organizations implement compliance programs, conduct internal audits, and respond to regulatory investigations.
Notable Cases
Case A: Securities Fraud Litigation
In 2015, Dolman Law Group represented a multinational corporation in a securities fraud lawsuit brought by shareholders alleging misleading financial disclosures. The firm secured a settlement that included restitution to investors and reforms to the client’s disclosure practices. The case is frequently cited in legal journals as an example of effective shareholder advocacy.
Case B: Intellectual Property Infringement
In 2019, the firm litigated on behalf of a technology startup that claimed infringement of a patented machine‑learning algorithm by a large software vendor. The jury awarded damages exceeding $12 million and granted injunctive relief, setting a precedent for algorithmic patent enforcement.
Case C: Environmental Regulatory Enforcement
Dolman Law Group defended a mid‑size manufacturing firm in an Environmental Protection Agency investigation alleging non‑compliance with air‑quality standards. Through a combination of technical defenses and settlement negotiations, the firm achieved a reduction of the penalties from $4.5 million to $1.2 million and secured a compliance timeline for the client.
Leadership
Managing Partners
- Thomas J. Dolman – Senior Partner, Corporate and Securities Practice
- Margaret R. Ellis – Senior Partner, Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Executive Committee
The firm’s executive committee includes senior partners from each major practice area, an office manager, and a chief technology officer. The committee meets quarterly to assess strategic priorities, financial performance, and firm culture initiatives.
Community Engagement
Pro Bono Services
Dolman Law Group’s pro bono program assists low‑income individuals with matters such as domestic violence, immigration, and housing. The firm volunteers attorneys and staff to partner with local legal aid organizations, providing counsel at reduced rates or free of charge.
Educational Outreach
The firm sponsors scholarships for law students and participates in moot court competitions. Faculty advisors from Dolman Law Group serve on university advisory boards, facilitating internships and curriculum development for aspiring attorneys.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Dolman Law Group has implemented a sustainability plan that includes reducing paper usage, promoting virtual meetings, and supporting environmental restoration projects. The firm also encourages employee volunteerism through paid community‑service days.
Awards and Recognition
Legal Industry Awards
Over the past decade, Dolman Law Group has received multiple recognitions, including:
- Best Corporate Law Firm – National Law Review (2020, 2022)
- Top Litigation Firm – Chambers USA (2018, 2021)
- Innovation in Technology Law – TechLaw Insights (2019)
Professional Accolades
Several attorneys have been named to “Top 100 Attorneys” lists by industry publications and have received awards for client service excellence.
Affiliations and Memberships
Dolman Law Group holds membership in the following organizations:
- American Bar Association
- National Association of Corporate Directors
- Chicago Bar Association
- American Bar Association Litigation Section
- International Bar Association
The firm participates in professional conferences and contributes to panels on emerging legal topics such as data privacy and artificial intelligence.
Publications
Legal Commentary
Several partners publish monthly newsletters addressing recent regulatory changes, case law developments, and industry trends. These publications are distributed to clients, bar association members, and academic institutions.
Academic Papers
Dolman Law Group attorneys have contributed articles to legal journals on subjects including securities law reforms, intellectual property in the digital age, and corporate governance best practices. Their research is frequently cited in both academic and practitioner circles.
Notable Alumni
- Dr. Eleanor M. Ruiz – Chief Legal Officer at a multinational pharmaceutical company; former associate at Dolman Law Group (2003‑2007)
- Justice Samuel L. Thompson – Appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019; former partner in the firm’s litigation practice (2008‑2015)
- Ms. Aisha K. Patel – Founder of a tech startup that acquired a major cloud‑storage platform; previously counsel at Dolman Law Group (2011‑2014)
Challenges and Controversies
Legal Ethics Investigation
In 2016, the Illinois State Bar Association opened an ethics investigation into a senior partner over alleged conflict‑of‑interest matters. The investigation concluded without sanctions, but the firm implemented new conflict‑of‑interest policies to prevent future incidents.
Market Competition
As the legal marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, Dolman Law Group faces pressure to adopt innovative practice models. The firm has responded by investing in legal technology platforms, expanding its remote‑work capabilities, and diversifying its client base.
Regulatory Compliance Challenges
Recent changes in data‑protection laws have required the firm to update its client‑data handling procedures. The firm has established a compliance task force to oversee the implementation of these regulations and conduct regular staff training.
Future Outlook
Dolman Law Group’s strategic plan for the next decade focuses on three core pillars: geographic expansion, technology integration, and workforce diversity. The firm aims to open new offices in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, launch a virtual legal services platform, and increase the representation of under‑represented groups within its leadership structure.
By continuing to prioritize client service excellence, ethical standards, and community engagement, Dolman Law Group seeks to maintain its position as a leading multidisciplinary law firm in the United States.
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