Atty. Sheldon T. Zenner
Drawing on nearly 40 years of combined experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney, Sheldon Zenner expertly navigates his clients through high-stakes matters, including government and internal investigations, regulatory proceedings, all phases of criminal matters and related civil litigation. Sheldon's diverse client base is made up of corporations, high-ranking executives and company owners across a wide range of industries, including financial services, health care and entertainment.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Sheldon T. Zenner at a Glance
Sheldon T. Zenner is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Katten. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at Northwestern University (J.D., 1978) and Northwestern University (BS, 1974). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Civil and Criminal (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Sheldon T. Zenner
- Drawing on nearly 40 years of combined experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney, Sheldon Zenner expertly navigates his clients through high-stakes matters, including government and internal investigations, regulatory proceedings, all phases of criminal matters and related civil litigation
- Sheldon's diverse client base is made up of corporations, high-ranking executives and company owners across a wide range of industries, including financial services, health care and entertainment
- Importantly, his representation of clients goes beyond advising on purely legal issues
- it encompasses practical business implications, operational issues, public scrutiny, reputational damage and other considerations relevant to corporate and individual clients with businesses or livelihoods on the line
- The foundation of Sheldon's white-collar defense practice is the seven years he served as an assistant US attorney in Chicago, prosecuting hundreds of high-profile criminal matters and supervising the work of junior line prosecutors
- Having a prosecutorial background gives Sheldon critical insights into, and the ability to anticipate, the government's strategic decision-making
- It also informs Sheldon's approach as a defense lawyer
- Although never anything short of zealous, he favors a search for common ground and reasonableness, whenever possible, over unproductive displays of aggression
- That defense style has proven effective even when the government has opted for dramatic action
- In one matter of note, 100 federal agents were deployed to execute a massive search of a client company's headquarter offices, seizing millions of dollars of products and attempting to interview executives
- Sheldon immediately showed up on the scene to help control the situation, calm the employees and negotiate with the government and to address the press, which had been alerted by law enforcement to the raid
- He then engaged with federal prosecutors in a year-long effort to persuade them that the company had engaged in no criminal conduct
- Ultimately, after numerous meetings with the prosecutors and the submission of a lengthy legal analysis, the government was persuaded to decline any prosecution and return all of the seized products without any charges being filed
- Although it is a paramount goal of any potential criminal matter to avoid prosecution, Sheldon is equally prepared to, and equally skilled at, trying cases
- Among other victories, he convinced the government to abandon the first federal criminal computer-hacking prosecution after his damaging cross-examination of the government's expert at trial
- Many of Sheldon’s matters involve alleged violations of antitrust, securities, tax, FCPA or anti-fraud laws
- Given the international nature of his clients' businesses, his work takes him to many foreign jurisdictions, including China, Japan, Brazil and South Africa, as well as many European countries
- In addition to advising on government inquiries, Sheldon also helps clients conduct internal investigations into suspected wrongdoing and respond when they have been victimized by white-collar crime
- The breadth and depth of Sheldon's experience provides his clients with great assurance and comfort that they have counsel on board who can assist them to meet whatever challenges they may be facing
Practice Areas Explained
Sheldon T. Zenner's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Sheldon T. Zenner handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Criminal Defense in Chicago
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Sheldon T. Zenner is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Illinois →
White Collar Crimes in Chicago
Sheldon T. Zenner is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Illinois →
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 Sheldon T. Zenner
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 Sheldon T. Zenner's practice in the field of criminal defense and white collar.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense and white collar, Sheldon T. Zenner can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Sheldon T. Zenner attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Sheldon T. Zenner's Practice Areas & Specializations
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