Bio
Brendan Gerdes is a nationally recognized trial attorney who brings a dynamic blend of litigation prowess and strategic counsel to his practice. He advises clients of all sizes, particularly in sophisticated and highly regulated industries, on complex litigation and disputes, internal and government investigations, regulatory defense and compliance, and everything in between.
Brendan has deep experience litigating cases in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as alternative dispute forums abroad. He plays a pivotal role in successfully representing high-profile clients in public and closely-watched class action disputes. Whether guiding clients towards early settlements, representing them in trials, or exploring alternative resolutions, Brendan works collaboratively with clients and prioritizes client satisfaction above all else.
A trusted advisor in regulatory defense and compliance matters, clients rely on Brendan’s insights to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes, such as biometric privacy, greenwashing, and anti-human trafficking laws. He serves as outside counsel for several technology startups, advising them on corporate governance, employment agreements, and general risk assessment.
Prior to joining RSHC, Brendan honed his skills at a prominent international law firm, where he focused his practice on complex commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, and government investigations for technology and financial services clients.
With a proven track record of success and a passion for advocacy, Brendan tackles the most challenging legal issues with skill and determination.
Experience
Representative Engagements
- Successfully defended several clients, including a leading airline and national insurer, in putative consumer class actions across the country asserting a variety of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, greenwashing, biometric privacy, and others.
- Represented co-founder(s) of closely-held cryptocurrency private equity investment vehicles in litigation over shares, governance, and distribution of profits.
- Serve as outside corporate and compliance counsel for healthcare-focused startup from inception of company through eventual sale.
- Developed domestic and international compliance recommendations for companies seeking to mitigate risk under novel laws and regulations, including those related to biometric privacy, greenwashing, and anti-human trafficking laws.
- Perform comprehensive risk assessments for a range of clients, from an international automotive corporation to an offshore cryptocurrency casino.
- Managed nationwide counterfeiting investigation and corresponding litigation across multiple federal districts.
- Achieved favorable resolutions in investigations brought by the FTC, DOJ, SEC, and other government bodies.
- Obtained dismissal of enforcement actions brought by CME, FINRA, and others against both institutional and individual clients.
- Won complete victory for client in pre-trial commercial arbitration as lone attorney appearing before arbitrator.
Credentials
Education
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, J.D., 2018, cum laude
Phyllis and Louis Blumenthal Scholar
Criminology Production Editor, Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
Bartlit Center National Trial Team
National Moot Court Team
First Place, 68th Annual National Moot Court Competition
First Place, Julius H. Miner Moot Court Competition
University of Illinois, B.A., English, 2012
Illinois Trial Team, Invitational Captain
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Professional Memberships
Chicago Bar Association
Honors & Awards
2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Commercial Litigation), Best Lawyers®
Community Service
Brendan also maintains an active pro bono practice. He won a jury trial freeing a man who was wrongfully imprisoned on a murder charge for more than 26 years.