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Marcelo Halpern

Profile photo for Marcelo Halpern
Profile photo for Marcelo Halpern
Partner

Marcelo Halpern

  • Chicago
  • New York
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Marcelo approaches client engagements using a multifaceted “systems thinker” methodology that situates legal issues within the context of a client’s broader business strategies.

Marcelo Halpern focuses on sophisticated commercial transactions at the nexus of law and technology. He represents a range of entities from multinational Fortune 100 companies to startups, governments, and nonprofits. Emphasizing collaboration and client service, he guides clients through collaboration, development, distribution, licensing, manufacturing, and service relationships in an array of industries. 

Marcelo crafts holistic, adaptable strategies to address complex business challenges by leveraging his exceptional interdisciplinary knowledge of law, business, and technology. This client-centered, rigorous, and pragmatic approach delivers highly tailored, robust, long-term business solutions. 

Marcelo actively partners with colleagues and clients, building teams to address the spectrum of business and legal risks—including intellectual property (IP), tax, antitrust, bankruptcy, accounting, and regulatory matters—that arise during transactions. That collaboration extends to opposing parties, helping clients to create effective solutions and build long-term relationships across the negotiating table. 

Education & Credentials

Education

  • Columbia Law School, J.D., 1992
  • Columbia University, M.B.A., Graduate School of Business, 1992
  • Wesleyan University, B.A., 1985

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Illinois
  • New York

Related Employment

  • Latham & Watkins LLP, Chicago, IL, Partner
  • Gordon & Glickson LLC, Chicago, IL, Partner

Professional Recognition

  • Ranked by Chambers USA as “America’s Leading Lawyer" for Technology & Outsourcing, 2004-2024; (Nationwide) Technology, 2021-2024

  • Listed as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers Magazine, 2009-2011, 2013-2025

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Technology Law, 2006-2025

  • Listed in Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000, 2018-2024

  • Named the Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" for Technology Law, 2016, 2022

  • Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Fintech & Blockchain, 2021 

  • American Bar Foundation Fellow, 2017-present

  • Illinois Leading Lawyers Network, 2004-present 

  • Legal 500, Leading Lawyer, 2005-present

  • *The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

Impact

Professional Leadership

  • Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, Board of Directors, 2018-2024; Board Chair, 2023-2024
  • Practising Law Institute, Advanced Licensing Agreements program, Chair
  • Practising Law Institute, Understanding the Intellectual Property License program, Chair
  • International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw), Membership Committee, Local Representative 
  • American Bar Association, Science and Technology Section, Member
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Member
  • Chicago Bar Association, Financial and Emerging Technologies Committee, Member

Community Involvement

  • Youth Guidance, Board of Directors, 2015-present
  • Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, Board of Directors, 2018-2024; Board Chair, 2023-2024
  • Illinois Legal Aid Online, Board of Directors, 2006-2015, President, 2011-2013
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