Sidley Austin’s Michelle Illene Ruiz, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, was honored at The Anti-Defamation League’s 3rd Annual Rising Star Awards Luncheon Tuesday. Ruiz was one of five women recognized “as the next generation of women defining the future.”
“Michele has a deep commitment to Chicago and has been dedicated to the community throughout her career,” said Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley’s Executive Committee. “Her leadership and tireless commitment to her profession and the community is evidenced through the wide range of Chicago organizations to which she contributes her time and talent.”
In addition to her legal practice, Ruiz is actively involved in many organizations throughout Chicago. She served as co-chair for three years of the Alliance of Latinos and Jews, a bridge-building organization with a long history in the Chicago area. She also has given back to her law school, the University of Chicago Law School, in many ways, including co-chairing their Annual Fund campaign in 2006-2007 and serving as a mentor in their Women’s Mentoring Program.
At Sidley, Ruiz represents hedge fund clients in structuring private offerings and compliance matters. She assists hedge funds and other end-users to navigate the complex world of derivatives, particularly in light of the recent sweeping U.S. financial reform.
Sidley Austin is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms, with approximately 1,600 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities, including Beijing, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.