Atty. Lance A. Zinman
Lance Zinman, global chair of Katten's Financial Markets and Funds practice, provides comprehensive legal services to asset managers, proprietary trading firms and other participants in the financial markets in need of a single advisor to assist with all aspects of their business. His unique skill set combines a deep understanding of corporate, regulatory, intellectual property and tax law with broad knowledge of the securities and derivatives markets.
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Lance A. Zinman at a Glance
Lance A. Zinman is an attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Katten. Educated at Northwestern University (J.D., 1998). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Lance A. Zinman
- Lance Zinman, global chair of Katten's Financial Markets and Funds practice, provides comprehensive legal services to asset managers, proprietary trading firms and other participants in the financial markets in need of a single advisor to assist with all aspects of their business
- His unique skill set combines a deep understanding of corporate, regulatory, intellectual property and tax law with broad knowledge of the securities and derivatives markets
- Using his extensive experience with these interconnected areas, he finds creative solutions to legal challenges while also providing practical, common sense counsel
- Lance represents hedge funds and commodity pools in all asset classes, private equity funds, investment advisers, commodity trading advisors and other asset managers
- He also advises a broad cross section of proprietary trading firms — large and small — including many of the major firms in the industry
- Originally a corporate attorney, Lance later joined the firm's financial markets and funds group, creating an integrated transactional, funds and regulatory practice
- He counsels clients on a wide range of issues, including corporate structuring, securities, futures, derivatives and other regulatory matters, trading issues, brokerage and derivatives documentation, tax planning, intellectual property matters, labor issues, equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and seed deals
- Having counseled the proprietary trading industry since its inception, Lance has significant experience representing quantitative asset managers and proprietary trading firms that deploy volatility, algorithmic, low-latency and other quantitative trading strategies
- In addition, he counsels clients in other sectors of the financial markets, including domestic and foreign exchanges, brokerage firms, swap counterparties and other participants in over-the-counter transactions
- Lance also advises clients that are looking to establish a presence internationally or trade directly on foreign exchanges, including advising on the often-complex corporate structuring, tax, intellectual property and regulatory issues associated with such projects
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Lance A. Zinman
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Lance A. Zinman's practice.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Lance A. Zinman attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Transparent Client Communication
Clients consistently note that understanding what is happening in their case — and why — is as important as the outcome itself. Lance A. Zinman maintains clear, timely communication throughout every matter.
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Lance A. Zinman's Practice Areas & Specializations
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