Akerman is pleased to share that Litigation Partner Joel Bertocchi has been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Circuit Rules of the Seventh Circuit. The Advisory Committee provides a forum for continuing study of the procedures of the court and to serve as a conduit between members of the bar who have suggestions for change. The Court appoints one district judge, one law school professor, and three attorneys from each state of the circuit, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, who have demonstrated a commitment to the Seventh Circuit to serve on the committee.

A highly skilled civil, criminal, and appellate litigator, Bertocchi handles appeals in state and federal courts and represents clients in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, providing counsel on compliance policies and related issues. He has argued cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal circuits and state appellate courts, and served as Illinois’ Solicitor General, the chief appellate lawyer for the State. A former federal prosecutor, he conducts internal investigations in all areas, including corporate governance and employee misconduct, and represents defendants and witnesses in criminal investigations and prosecutions.