Brian D. Straw is a shareholder in the Litigation Practice of the firm’s Chicago office. His practice focuses on consumer class actions, commercial and business litigation, financial services and securities litigation. Within the consumer class action space Brian defends companies against false advertising claims including challenges to nutrition, origin and utility labeling under the Lanham Act and other state consumer protection statutes. Brian also has a wealth of experience defending officers, directors, broker-dealers, investment advisors, and public issuers against related investor class-actions, FINRA and financial services litigation for clients.
In addition to the above Brian maintains an active sports law practice representing institutions, coaches, and student athletes on issues surrounding athletic eligibility, national letters of intent, student-athlete transfers, and compliance issues. Brian played an active role defending Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions LLC in a multidistrict litigation proceeding stemming from the Mayweather/Pacquiao boxing match.
Brian is also strongly committed to pro bono work and providing legal support to non-profit organizations. In this capacity Brian focuses on immigration, asylum, discrimination and constitutionality issues and is a board member and Development Chair of Northern Illinois Justice for our Neighbors. Brian was recognized as the GT Chicago Outstanding Pro Bono Individual, 2017, and received the GT Team Pro Bono award, 2019.
Concentrations
•Commercial and business litigation
•Financial services litigation
•Consumer class actions
•Sports law
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 'Ones to Watch,' 2025-2026
•Commercial Litigation, 2025-2026
•Mass Tort Litigation / Class Action - Defendants, 2026
•Appellate Practice, 2026
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 'Rising Stars,' 2022-2024