Donald A. Murday

Don Murday, one of the founding members of Chittenden, Murday & Novotny, LLC, has been a litigator for twenty-six years. As trial counsel, he is licensed to practice in Illinois and Indiana, and has appeared in State and Federal Courts throughout the country. Don was recently recognized as one of the top commercial litigation lawyers in the State of Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network, an honor awarded to fewer than 5% of all the lawyers in the State. He has extensive trial and appellate experience, in both State and Federal courts. Through his involvement with all aspects of issues confronting financial services and life/health/disability companies, Don has become a valuable resource for his clients and able to represent them in various matters across the litigation spectrum. He has spearheaded the defense of large national class actions, been appointed coordinating national counsel overseeing a number of lawsuits filed throughout the country and served as lead counsel in both trials and arbitrations in Illinois and other jurisdictions throughout the country. As a result, he has extensive experience in claims involving securities fraud; ERISA; RICO; life, health and disability; real estate; agent fraud/misconduct and other general commercial and business-related matters.

Don also has extensive experience in employment related matters as they arise with his clients. He has successfully defended clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights and in Federal Court for claims alleging violation of Title VII, ADEA and ADA. He has also represented clients in claims for wrongful or retaliatory discharge and breach of employment contracts. Don continues to counsel his clients in all employment related aspects in an effort to prevent issues from arising.

In addition to successfully acting as lead trial counsel before the bench or a jury, Don has extensive appellate experience, arguing numerous times before the Illinois Appellate Court and United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Understanding his obligation to assist those who may not be able to afford legal representation, Don actively assists in many Firm pro bono matters. As a result of his efforts, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois recognized Don and presented him with the Walter J. Cummings Award in 2004. The Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association annually presents this Award to an attorney for excellence in pro bono service.

Mr. Murday is admitted to practice in Illinois, Indiana, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois (member of Trial Bar since 1993), Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, Northern District of Texas, and Northern District of Ohio. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Don has authored numerous articles and frequently speaks at industry-related functions. He is an active member of the American Bar Association, Association of Life Insurance Counsel, Indiana State Bar Association and Defense Research Institute.  He also currently serves as the Vice-Chair for the Marian Catholic High School Board of Directors, as well as the Chair of the Green Garden Planning Comission for Green Garden Township.

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