Atty. Todd Herst
Todd Herst is a partner in Kirkland's Chicago Technology & IP Transactions Practice Group, focusing on structuring and negotiating complex transactions involving technology, intellectual property, and data, including mergers and acquisitions, licensing arrangements, outsourcing/services arrangements, bankruptcy matters, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Todd was recognized in the 2021 and 2022 editions of Best Lawyers as "Ones to Watch" and in The Legal 500 U.S. as "Next Generation." He was also named a "Rising Star" by both The Legal 500 United States for Outsourcing in 2019–2021 and b
Intellectual Property Law & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Todd Herst at a Glance
Todd Herst is a real estate, ip, m&a, and internet attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at Northwestern University (J.D., 2014). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Intellectual Property Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Todd Herst
- Todd Herst is a partner in Kirkland's Chicago Technology & IP Transactions Practice Group, focusing on structuring and negotiating complex transactions involving technology, intellectual property, and data, including mergers and acquisitions, licensing arrangements, outsourcing/services arrangements, bankruptcy matters, joint ventures, and strategic alliances
- Todd was recognized in the 2021 and 2022 editions of Best Lawyers as "Ones to Watch" and in The Legal 500 U.S. as "Next Generation
- He was also named a "Rising Star" by both The Legal 500 United States for Outsourcing in 2019–2021 and by Super Lawyers (Illinois) for Technology Transactions in 2018–2022
- Before attending law school, Todd was a consultant with IBM in their Enterprise Systems Group, where he provided strategic and technical advice in connection with enterprise system and process implementations at several clients across various industries, including Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and energy companies
Practice Areas Explained
Todd Herst's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Todd Herst handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Real Estate Law in Chicago
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Todd Herst is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Illinois →
Intellectual Property in Chicago
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Todd Herst is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Illinois →
Mergers & Acquisitions in Chicago
Todd Herst is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Illinois →
Internet & Cyber Law in Chicago
Internet and cyber lawyers for data breaches, online defamation, privacy law, and cybersecurity matters.
Todd Herst is one of 17,826 internet attorneys indexed nationally. Browse internet 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 Todd Herst
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 Todd Herst's practice in the field of real estate, ip, m&a, and internet.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering real estate, ip, and m&a, Todd Herst 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 Todd Herst attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Todd Herst Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Todd Herst has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Todd Herst directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Todd Herst Online
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Todd Herst's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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