Jeff has represented the financial services industry in individual and class action cases across the country for over 25 years. The complex world of banking law is where he thrives.

He is known for anticipating risk before it surfaces, an ability that has earned the trust of major institutions in a fiercely litigious industry. Clients value his clarity, responsiveness, and unwavering command of the legal and regulatory landscape.

Though he began his career in finance and consulting, Jeff quickly realized that law offered the intellectual challenge and human connection he was looking for. At the intersection of analysis and advocacy, he found a professional home—one that inspired him to co-found Pilgrim Christakis, and that continues to fuel his drive for excellence to this day.

Jeff is an elected fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, an Officer of the Governing Committee of the Conference on Consumer Finance Law, the Chair of the ABA’s National Institute on Consumer Financial Services Basics, and a frequent author and speaker on pressing legal issues affecting the financial services industry.

Jeff grew up in Forest City, Iowa, a town with a population of 4,100, and the birthplace of the Winnebago motorhome. Although he still considers himself an Iowan at heart, he has proudly called Chicago home for more than half his life. Jeff and his wife live on the City’s north side with their daughter and three dogs.

Day-to-day, Jeff tries to keep in mind the simple advice his dad gave him more than 30 years ago: “Balance.”


Education

Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude (1999)
University of Iowa, B.B.A (1993)

In his younger days, Jeff used to perform “the worm” at parties until an unfortunate accident involving a tux stud ended his career.

A lifelong Cubs fan, Jeff was at Game 7 of the World Series
which, along with meeting his wife and daughter, was one of the three
best days of his life (not necessarily in that order).

He loves movies, particularly ones by Wes Anderson and
Quentin Tarantino.

According to his daughter, Jeff can be “embarrassing.”
[cue eye-roll and exasperated gasps]

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