Overview
BFKN is pleased to announce Crain’s Chicago – a top source of news, analysis and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors – has recognized partners Sarah M. Bernstein and Maile Hitomi Solís as 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law. Sarah and Maile are 2 of only 100 attorneys, accountants and consultants in Chicago recognized for making an impact in all corners of their profession.
This recognition of both Sarah and Maile is so well-deserved. Their commitment to both our firm, their clients and their communities is inspiring and pushes all of us to raise the bar in everything that we do. I am proud to call them my partners and celebrate this recognition with them. — Howard J. Kirschbaum, Firm Managing Partner
Sarah M. Bernstein is a partner in the firm’s Corporate and Financial Institutions groups. She co-chairs the Motor Vehicle Group and leads its transactional practice, assisting manufacturers with vehicle and related product distribution. Bernstein founded and grew Barack’s transactional practice to a leading source for legal guidance on vehicle distribution matters. In a record year for dealership transactions, Bernstein counseled manufacturer clients through evaluation, closing and documentation. During the pandemic, she worked with manufacturers to qualify as franchisors with the Small Business Administration to allow their dealers to apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans. Bernstein is an immediate past president of the Public Interest Law Initiative board, having navigated the nonprofit through the pandemic, expanded services and worked with a budget over $1 million. She’s also board vice president of the North Lawndale Employment Network.
Maile Hitomi Solís co-chairs BFKN’s litigation group and is a partner in its fashion, luxury and retail, and motor vehicle groups. She has two decades of experience in complex commercial litigation, litigating matters involving breach of contract, fiduciary duty, data privacy, trademark infringement, insurance coverage, real estate, and employment discrimination disputes throughout the country. She serves as national counsel for LVMH in a range of litigation matters. Over the last year, she served as counsel to LVMH in an antitrust case; to Sephora in a biometric information privacy class action; and to Moët Hennessy USA in consumer class actions. Solís is co-chair of BFKN’s pro bono committee and has been a member of the Leadership Council of the National Immigrant Justice Center since 2003.
To view the full Crain's Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law 2021 list, visit: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/crains-2021-notable-gen-x-leaders-accounting-consulting-and-law
Crain’s Notable Gen X Methodology
The honorees did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from the nomination materials. This list features only individuals for whom nominations were submitted and accepted after a review by the Crain's editorial team. To qualify for the list, nominees must be based in the Chicago area and be part of Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980. They must have shown the ability or power to effect change and have assumed a leadership position outside their organization.