Three Chicago Partners Named Notable Women in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business

Crain’s Chicago Business (Crain’s) has named Chicago partners Rachel Bates, Alexa Berlin, and Heather Waller to its 2022 Notable Women in Law list. The annual list recognizes women in the profession for their professional achievements, leadership, and dedication to civic, philanthropic, and mentoring activities.

• Rachel Bates, Global Vice Chair of Latham’s Real Estate Practice, advises clients on all aspects of their most complex and significant real estate transactions across a variety of asset classes, with a particular focus on the hospitality industry. As highlighted in a profile published by Crain’s, Rachel has handled numerous multi-million and multi-billion dollar deals for clients. She is active in efforts to support women in the profession, including Latham’s Women Enriching Business Committee (WEB), which is focused on addressing the business challenges and opportunities unique to women lawyers and current and prospective women clients. Outside of her work at Latham, Rachel serves as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) representing children in situations where guardianship issues are disputed. She also works with the Chicago Community Loan Fund, which provides financing and technical assistance for community stabilization and development initiatives that benefit low- to moderate-income communities in the Chicago area.
• Alexa Berlin, Co-Chair of Latham’s Chicago Corporate Department, represents clients in capital markets transactions, including IPOs and other offerings, and advises public companies on corporate governance and securities law matters. As highlighted in a profile published by Crain’s, Alexa has led multiple high-profile capital market transactions, including multi-billion dollar IPOs. She serves on the WEB Committee for Latham’s Chicago office, and has served on Latham’s Training and Career Enhancement (TACE) Committee that oversees education programs for junior lawyers and the firm’s Associates Committee, which manages the global associates population. Alexa is also an active mentor to junior associates through Latham’s mentoring program.
• Heather Waller, a partner in Latham’s Litigation & Trial Department, has experience in a variety of internal and government investigations and litigation matters in state and federal court, including securities, environmental, insurance, and general commercial litigation. As highlighted in a profile published by Crain’s, Heather has played a leading role in a number of complex investigations and litigation issues and is known as a go-to litigator for high-powered clients. She serves on Latham’s WEB Committee and has worked directly with junior female associates through Latham’s Illinois Mentorship Program to ensure they have support and guidance to successfully integrate into the firm. Heather maintains an active pro bono practice and has worked on matters involving immigration, domestic violence, and prisoner rights and has served in the past as an Associate Board Member for the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Service.