John H. Stassen

For decades, the financial services industry, particularly in the realm of derivatives and futures, relied on the profound legal expertise of a select few. In Illinois and across the nation, John H. Stassen was unequivocally one of those legal giants. As a senior partner at the prestigious law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, John Stassen carved out a legendary career specializing in derivatives law and serving as the principal outside counsel to major futures exchanges, including the iconic Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT).

While John H. Stassen sadly passed away on March 19, 2023, his legacy continues to profoundly impact the legal and financial sectors. He was instrumental in guiding institutions through significant market crises, contributing to crucial legislation like the Commodity Exchange Act, and playing a pivotal role in the development and registration of the National Futures Association (NFA). His contributions earned him induction into the Futures Industry Association's Futures Hall of Fame. This article serves to commemorate his impactful career, detail his accessible Chicago office, highlight the extensive services he provided, and underscore why his work and the firm he helped build remain invaluable to the financial community in Illinois.

John Stassen's career was marked by consistent leadership and an unwavering commitment to shaping the legal framework of the global futures and options community. For anyone in Illinois looking to understand the foundational legal principles governing derivatives, or seeking to appreciate the caliber of legal talent that has shaped Chicago's financial landscape, exploring the work of John H. Stassen provides an insightful and compelling narrative.

John H. Stassen, as a senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, practiced from the firm's prominent Chicago office, which is centrally located and highly accessible for clients throughout Illinois. The provided address format "300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL, Chicago, IL 60654, USA" is a shorthand for a well-known area in downtown Chicago. The actual building address for Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago is 300 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654. This strategic location places the firm in a modern and professional environment along the Chicago River, within the city's vibrant financial and legal district.

The firm's Chicago office, where John Stassen conducted much of his impactful work, offers exceptional accessibility through various transportation options. For those relying on public transit, the location is conveniently situated near major CTA train lines, including the Brown, Purple, and Pink lines, as well as the Blue Line (accessible via transfer), and numerous bus routes. This extensive public transportation network ensures that financial professionals, businesses, and other clients from across Chicago and the broader Illinois suburbs could easily reach the office without the need for a personal vehicle. Furthermore, its close proximity to major commuter rail hubs like Ogilvie Transportation Center (serving Metra commuter trains) and Union Station makes it particularly convenient for clients traveling from more distant parts of Illinois.

For clients who preferred to drive, the office is readily accessible from major expressways, and there are several parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 300 North LaSalle Street. This facilitated straightforward commutes for those traveling by car. The central and well-connected nature of this location underscored Kirkland & Ellis's commitment to providing readily accessible and top-tier legal services to its diverse clientele throughout Illinois and beyond.

During his distinguished career as a senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, John H. Stassen provided a comprehensive suite of legal services primarily focused on the financial services industry, with a deep specialization in derivatives law. His expertise extended to various critical aspects of futures and options trading, regulation, and related litigation. The key services he offered and areas he influenced include:

• Derivatives Law: Specializing in the intricate legal framework governing financial derivatives, including futures, options, and other complex financial instruments.

• Counsel to Futures Exchanges: Serving as the principal outside counsel to major futures exchanges, most notably the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). This involved providing ongoing legal and regulatory advice for their operations.

• Crisis Management and Guidance: Instrumental in guiding futures exchanges through significant market crises, such as the Hunt silver crisis and the Ferruzzi soybean crisis, offering crucial legal and strategic counsel during periods of intense pressure.

• Business and Regulatory Counseling: Providing comprehensive counsel on business operations and compliance with complex financial regulations, particularly those impacting the derivatives market.

• Major Litigation under Commodity Exchange Act and Federal Securities Laws: Representing clients in high-stakes litigation stemming from the Commodity Exchange Act and federal securities laws, showcasing his prowess in complex financial litigation.

• Development of National Futures Association (NFA): Playing an instrumental role in the development and registration of the National Futures Association, a crucial self-regulatory organization for the U.S. futures industry.

• Futures Industry Association (FIA) Involvement: Deep involvement with the Futures Industry Association, contributing to industry-wide standards and advocacy for cleared derivatives markets.

• Legal Publications and Thought Leadership: Authoring significant legal papers, such as "Propaganda as Positive Law: Section 3 of the Commodity Exchange Act," which demonstrated his intellectual contributions to the field.

John H. Stassen's services were fundamental to the operational integrity and regulatory compliance of the U.S. derivatives markets, marking him as a pivotal figure in financial law.

John H. Stassen's career was marked by numerous distinguishing features and highlights that solidified his reputation as a luminary in derivatives law:

• Futures Hall of Fame Inductee: He was inducted into the Futures Industry Association's (FIA) Futures Hall of Fame in 2006, an honor reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the global futures and options community. This is arguably the highest accolade in his field.

• Principal Outside Counsel to Major Futures Exchanges: For decades, he served as the primary external legal advisor to significant futures exchanges, including the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), demonstrating deep trust and reliance on his counsel.

• Expert in Crisis Navigation: He famously guided the CBOT through critical financial crises such as the Hunt silver crisis and the Ferruzzi soybean crisis, showcasing his ability to provide steady and effective legal strategy during high-pressure situations.

• Instrumental in NFA Development: His crucial role in the development and registration of the National Futures Association (NFA) highlights his significant contribution to the regulatory infrastructure of the U.S. futures industry.

• Recognized as America's Leading Business Lawyer: He was selected as one of America's Leading Business Lawyers in Banking & Finance by Chambers USA 2004-2005, a testament to his high standing among peers and clients.

• Leadership in Legal Committees: John Stassen served as a past chairman of the derivatives law committees for both the Chicago Bar Association and the American Bar Association, demonstrating his leadership and influence within the legal profession.

• Affiliation with a Top Global Firm: As a senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis, he was part of one of the world's most prestigious law firms, leveraging vast resources and a global network for his clients.

• Humorous and Engaging Speaker: He was fondly remembered for his humorous introductions at the annual Kent Commodities Law Conference in Chicago, indicating a blend of profound knowledge and personable delivery.

• Significant Contributions to Academia: Beyond his legal practice, he was a dedicated alumnus and benefactor of Northwestern University, notably establishing the Stassen Family Endowed Fund for the Libraries, underscoring his commitment to education and knowledge.

These highlights collectively underscore John H. Stassen's extraordinary impact and enduring legacy as a seminal figure in derivatives law and the financial industry.

As a highly esteemed senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a globally leading law firm, John H. Stassen's practice was centered on providing top-tier legal and regulatory expertise for the complex world of derivatives and financial services. In this highly specialized and high-stakes legal market, traditional retail-style "promotions" or "special offers" are not typically applicable. The value proposition in engaging an attorney of John H. Stassen’s caliber lay squarely in the unparalleled strategic advantages, deep industry expertise, and proven ability to navigate the most intricate financial and regulatory challenges.

For financial institutions and businesses in Illinois, the true "promotion" in securing John H. Stassen's counsel came from the significant, often multi-million dollar, benefits derived from his expertise. These included:

• Exceptional Risk Mitigation: His deep understanding of derivatives law and financial regulations enabled clients to proactively identify and mitigate substantial legal and financial risks, particularly during market crises, thereby avoiding costly penalties and reputational damage.

• Strategic Regulatory Compliance: John Stassen's instrumental role in shaping regulatory bodies like the National Futures Association meant he offered insights into compliance that were second to none, ensuring clients operated within legal boundaries while achieving their business objectives.

• Successful Resolution of Complex Litigation: His extensive experience in major litigation under the Commodity Exchange Act and federal securities laws meant clients had a formidable advocate capable of navigating and winning high-stakes financial disputes.

• Access to Elite Firm Resources: As a senior partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, clients benefited from the immense resources, advanced legal research capabilities, and vast global network of one of the world's leading law firms. This comprehensive support system was crucial for handling complex, often precedent-setting, financial litigation.

While John H. Stassen is no longer with us, his legacy and the firm he helped build continue to offer this caliber of specialized counsel. For any entity in Illinois operating within or interacting with the derivatives market, the most compelling "offer" remains the opportunity to engage with the deep expertise and strategic approach that he championed at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss their specific needs and the firm's continued offerings in derivatives and financial services law.

For those in Illinois seeking legal expertise in financial services, particularly derivatives law, the legacy of John H. Stassen is tied to the enduring presence and continued excellence of Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago.

Address:

300 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

(Note: The provided address "300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL" refers to the general vicinity of the firm's actual address at 300 North LaSalle Street. This central Chicago location ensures excellent accessibility for clients traveling from across the city and the broader Illinois region, maintaining the firm's accessibility for crucial financial and legal consultations.)

Phone:

(312) 861-2000

Mobile Phone:

+1 312-861-2000

These contact details represent the primary lines of communication for Kirkland & Ellis LLP's Chicago office, where John H. Stassen practiced for many years. While he is no longer available for direct consultation, these numbers connect to the firm's robust team of attorneys who continue to uphold his legacy of excellence in derivatives and financial services law. For institutions and businesses in Illinois, reaching out to this established firm provides access to a deep bench of talent that continues to serve the needs of the complex financial sector with the same rigor and dedication that John Stassen exemplified. It is always advisable to contact the firm to schedule a consultation, ensuring that specific legal needs can be properly assessed and addressed by the appropriate specialized legal team.

For financial institutions, corporations, and individuals across Illinois involved in the intricate world of derivatives and financial services, the work and legacy of John H. Stassen, embodied by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, make it an exceptionally suitable choice for legal counsel. While John H. Stassen has passed, his profound contributions to derivatives law laid a robust foundation for the firm's ongoing excellence in this highly specialized field. Locals in Illinois can benefit from the enduring expertise and strategic guidance that continues to flow from his pioneering work.

His instrumental role in navigating major financial crises and his contributions to the regulatory framework of the futures industry mean that the firm continues to possess an unparalleled understanding of market dynamics and legal compliance. For businesses in Illinois, this translates into access to legal counsel that can proactively mitigate risks, ensure regulatory adherence, and effectively manage complex financial litigation.

Furthermore, the firm's central and easily accessible office location in downtown Chicago ensures convenient access for clients across the state. This combination of a rich legacy of excellence, deep specialized expertise in financial law, and the extensive resources of a globally recognized firm like Kirkland & Ellis LLP, positions it as an ideal partner for any Illinois-based entity seeking robust and effective legal representation in the derivatives and financial services sectors. Engaging with this firm means tapping into a tradition of legal leadership that continues to shape and protect the financial landscape.