Robert A. Helman

For businesses and individuals across Illinois, particularly those engaged in complex corporate matters and high-stakes transactions, the name Robert A. Helman stands as a testament to decades of unparalleled legal expertise and unwavering commitment. While the provided contact information refers to a current address, it's crucial for local users to understand that Robert A. Helman is a highly distinguished and influential figure in Chicago's legal history, who practiced law for nearly 57 years at Mayer Brown before retiring in January 2024. He passed away at the age of 90. His career was marked by significant achievements in corporate law, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, and a profound dedication to community service.

Robert A. Helman is celebrated not only for his legal prowess but also for his transformative leadership at Mayer Brown, where he served as chair for a decade and a half. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in steering the firm through challenging times and overseeing substantial growth. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Helman was a passionate advocate for access to justice, co-founding the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (now Legal Aid Chicago) to provide free legal services to the poor. His legacy extends to academia, having endowed a professorship at Northwestern University School of Law and lectured at the University of Chicago Law School.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Robert A. Helman's remarkable contributions to the legal profession in Illinois. While he is no longer actively practicing, understanding his history and impact offers valuable insight into the caliber of legal talent that has shaped the Chicago legal landscape. The tone will remain professional and factual, highlighting his significant contributions to both the corporate world and the community, from the perspective of what this historical figure means for Illinois residents and the legal services available in the state.

The address provided, 71 S Wacker Dr #3635, Chicago, IL 60606, USA, points to a prominent location in the heart of Chicago’s financial and legal district. This address is associated with Mayer Brown LLP, the prestigious law firm where Robert A. Helman built his illustrious career. While Robert A. Helman himself is no longer actively practicing from this location, understanding the firm's presence and accessibility is important for anyone seeking top-tier legal services in Illinois, as his legacy is deeply embedded within the firm's ethos and the wider Chicago legal community.

This downtown Chicago address offers exceptional accessibility for individuals and businesses across Illinois. Chicago’s robust public transportation system provides numerous convenient options for reaching 71 S Wacker Drive. The building is easily accessible via multiple CTA 'L' train lines (including the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines) and an extensive network of bus routes, with numerous stops within a short walking distance. This connectivity is a significant advantage for those who rely on public transit or wish to avoid downtown traffic.

For clients traveling by car, there are several parking garages and lots located in the immediate vicinity of 71 S Wacker Drive, offering practical parking solutions for those commuting from Chicago’s suburbs or other parts of Illinois. The building itself is a modern, professional structure, indicative of the high caliber of legal services associated with a firm where a figure like Robert A. Helman spent his career. This central and well-connected location allows for easy access to various legal and governmental institutions, further enhancing its convenience for complex legal matters.

While Robert A. Helman has retired, his career at Mayer Brown LLP for nearly 57 years established a profound legacy, particularly in the realm of corporate law. Understanding the types of services he was instrumental in shaping and delivering provides insight into the high level of expertise available at a firm where such a prominent figure once practiced. His work laid the groundwork for and contributed significantly to the firm's capabilities in areas that are still critical for businesses in Illinois.

Based on his extensive career, the types of services Robert A. Helman specialized in and influenced at Mayer Brown include:

• Corporate Governance: Advising publicly held companies on best practices for corporate structure, board responsibilities, and regulatory compliance.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Guiding companies through complex and transformational M&A transactions, including advising on strategy, negotiation, due diligence, and closing. His work included representing major entities in creating large North American rail networks and involvement in early hostile takeovers.
• Securities Law: Providing counsel on compliance with federal and state securities regulations, public offerings, and disclosure requirements for corporations.
• General Business Law: Offering strategic legal advice to businesses on a wide range of operational and transactional matters.
• Regulatory Law: Although he began his career as a utilities regulatory lawyer, his practice broadened to encompass broader corporate regulatory issues, ensuring clients navigated complex legal landscapes effectively.
• Mentorship and Legal Education: While not a direct service to external clients, his dedication to mentoring and training leading lawyers, and his role as a lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School and endowment of a professorship at Northwestern University School of Law, significantly contributed to the legal talent pool in Illinois.
• Pro Bono and Community Service: His commitment to helping establish Legal Aid Chicago and providing free legal services to indigent people exemplifies a dedication to access to justice that often inspires similar values within the firms where such individuals practice.

His legacy underscores the type of sophisticated and impactful corporate legal services that firms of Mayer Brown's stature, influenced by leaders like Mr. Helman, continue to offer to clients in Illinois.

Robert A. Helman's career was marked by numerous distinctive features and highlights that positioned him as a titan in the legal profession in Illinois and beyond. While these relate to his personal career, they reflect the caliber and values associated with the legal institutions he shaped.

• Transformative Leadership at Mayer Brown: He served as chair of Mayer Brown for a decade and a half, growing the U.S. firm significantly (from 300 to over 800 lawyers) during a challenging period, including navigating the failure of a major client. This leadership demonstrated exceptional strategic vision and resilience.
• Pioneering Corporate Lawyer: Mr. Helman became one of the most highly regarded corporate lawyers in the United States, instrumental in landmark M&A transactions and setting precedents in corporate governance.
• Commitment to Pro Bono and Community Service: He was deeply dedicated to serving pro bono clients and the community. Notably, he played a crucial role in establishing the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (now Legal Aid Chicago), providing free legal services to those in need, and served as its president.
• Esteemed Academic Contributions: Robert A. Helman was a lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School for many years and, with his wife, endowed the Mayer Brown/Robert A. Helman Professorship at Northwestern University School of Law, supporting scholarship in areas like war crime tribunals.
• Lifetime Achiever Recognition: He was honored as a "Lifetime Achiever" by The American Lawyer, celebrating his half-century career and profound impact on the legal profession. He also received one of the first Justice John Paul Stevens Awards from the Chicago Bar Association for his extraordinary integrity and community service.
• Mentor to Future Legal Leaders: Beyond his direct client work, Mr. Helman was known for mentoring and training many leading lawyers, building a strong practice platform and instilling core values within the firm, which continues to benefit the legal landscape of Illinois.
• Strategic Vision: Described as someone who would "jump on a plane to meet a potential client" and who had the vision to attract appellate and Supreme Court litigators, Mr. Helman consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking and client-focused approach.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a lawyer who not only achieved immense professional success but also left an indelible mark on the legal community and access to justice in Illinois.

Given that Robert A. Helman was a highly senior partner at a major international law firm specializing in corporate law and retired in early 2024 (and passed away later that year), the concept of "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense does not apply to his individual practice or the services he personally provided. Elite corporate lawyers at firms like Mayer Brown typically do not offer discounted services or promotional packages. Their compensation models are structured based on the complexity, scale, and strategic importance of the legal matters they handle for large corporations and institutions.

However, in the broader context of engaging with a firm of Mayer Brown's stature, it is standard practice to understand that:

• Structured Fee Arrangements: Services are typically billed at hourly rates, reflecting the significant experience and specialized expertise of the attorneys. For very large or long-term engagements, customized fee arrangements might be negotiated, but these are not "promotions."
• Strategic Consultations: While not "free," initial high-level strategic consultations for major corporate clients are common, designed to assess complex needs and lay out potential legal strategies.

For businesses or individuals in Illinois seeking legal counsel from a firm with the legacy and capabilities influenced by Robert A. Helman, it is always recommended to contact Mayer Brown LLP directly to discuss their specific legal needs and inquire about the firm’s engagement process and fee structures. This direct communication is the most appropriate way to understand how their services are provided.

While Robert A. Helman is no longer actively practicing, the contact information provided refers to the office where he spent his distinguished career at Mayer Brown LLP. For businesses and individuals in Illinois seeking high-level corporate legal services influenced by such a significant legacy, this is the relevant contact point for the firm:

• Address: 71 S Wacker Dr #3635, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
• Phone: (312) 782-0600
• Mobile Phone: +1 312-782-0600

These contact details facilitate direct communication with Mayer Brown LLP, allowing prospective clients to inquire about their legal services and determine if the firm's expertise aligns with their specific requirements. The presence of both a primary phone number and a mobile phone number typically indicates an emphasis on accessibility and responsiveness, which are crucial for high-value corporate clients. When contacting the firm, it would be beneficial to clearly state the nature of your legal inquiry to ensure it is directed to the most appropriate department or attorney.

For businesses and individuals across Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area, the legacy and influence of Robert A. Helman underscore why engaging with a firm of the caliber of Mayer Brown LLP is highly suitable for complex legal needs. While Mr. Helman himself is no longer actively practicing, his nearly 57-year career, marked by transformative leadership in corporate law and an unwavering commitment to public service, established a profound standard of excellence at the firm and within the broader Illinois legal community.

The firm's location at 71 S Wacker Drive in Chicago provides unparalleled accessibility, making it a convenient choice for clients throughout the state who require top-tier legal representation. This strategic positioning in the heart of the city's financial and legal district ensures access to vast resources and a deep understanding of both local and national legal landscapes.

Moreover, the expertise cultivated under leaders like Robert A. Helman in areas such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and complex business transactions continues to benefit clients today. Businesses in Illinois facing intricate legal challenges can rely on a firm that has historically attracted and developed leading legal talent, guided by principles of strategic thinking and client-first advocacy. Beyond corporate law, Mr. Helman's dedication to establishing Legal Aid Chicago highlights a broader commitment to justice that permeates the legal profession in Illinois, ensuring that locals seeking assistance for a wide range of legal issues can find competent and ethically driven counsel.

In essence, the "place" represented by Robert A. Helman's career is one of profound legal mastery, ethical leadership, and community dedication. For Illinois residents, engaging with a firm that embodies such a legacy means accessing legal services rooted in decades of top-tier experience and a genuine commitment to the legal and broader community.