Jessica Giulitto
Overview
Jessica Giulitto is a trial lawyer in Kirkland’s Chicago office and focuses on litigating complex commercial cases. She has represented clients at the trial court and appellate levels in both single-plaintiff claims and sprawling class actions and multi-district litigation. Her experience includes antitrust litigation and investigations, employment litigation, toxic torts, product liability, fraud litigation, ADA disputes and contract disputes.
Jessica also has experience representing professional sports teams including the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Rams. She recently second-chaired a trial resulting in a complete defense victory for the Cubs, a win that received Litigator of the Week runner-up acknowledgement.
Jessica also maintains a robust pro bono practice, representing clients in significant Section 1983 litigation. She was a key member of the trial team that secured a $19.3 million judgment for a woman subjected to sexual abuse while incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center in Illinois. The historic verdict received a Litigator of the Week win and significant media attention, including from the Chicago Tribune.
Jessica received a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where she graduated with honors. Before joining Kirkland, Jessica clerked on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for the Honorable James S. Gwin.
Experience
Representative Matters
Cerda v. Chicago Cubs: Second chair trial counsel for the Chicago Cubs in an Americans with Disabilities Act dispute regarding accessible seating after renovations at historic Wrigley Field. After a hotly contested one week bench trial, the Court found for the Cubs on all claims. The victory was recognized as a “Litigator of the Week” runner-up by The American Lawyer.
Downing v. Abbott Laboratories: Trial counsel for Abbott Laboratories in an employment discrimination lawsuit. After a two week jury trial, the jury unanimously found for Abbott on all eight of Plaintiff’s claims. The trial team was featured in The American Lawyer's “Litigator of the Week” (“Kirkland Trial Team That Fought Off … Racial Discrimination Claims”). The Seventh Circuit affirmed the verdict and the district court's decision on all counts.
Plastic Reclamation Partners v. MRC Polymers: Counsel for plaintiff Plastic Reclamation Partners in dispute alleging sellers committed fraud in sale of plastic recycling technology.
Exactech Polyethylene Orthopedic Device Litigation (MDL): Counsel for TPG Inc. in nationwide mass tort alleging TPG portfolio company, Exactech, designed and manufactured defective knee, hip, and ankle implants. The Kirkland team secured a ruling dismissing TPG from the MDL, a key precedent for other alternative asset management firms moving forward in indirect liability cases. The win earned a “Litigator of the Week” shout-out from The American Lawyer.
In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation: Counsel for Sanderson Farms in putative antitrust class actions brought by direct and indirect poultry purchasers as well as dozens of additional direct action poultry purchasers alleging conspiracy to reduce output and raise prices of broiler chickens.
City of St. Louis v. Los Angeles Rams: Counsel defending Rams and its owner in action challenging team’s relocation to Los Angeles.
Tonti v. Avee Laboratories: Counsel securing dismissal on summary judgment and affirmance on appeal in insurance fraud case brought by alleged “whistleblower” under the California Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.
Clerk & Government Experience
Law ClerkHonorable James S. GwinUnited States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio2016–2017
Prior Experience
Summer Associate, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago, IL, 2015
Summer Associate, Zeiger, Tigges & Little LLP, Columbus, OH, 2015
Equip for Equality Kirkland & Ellis Pro Bono Fellow, Chicago, IL, 2014
More
Credentials
Admissions & Qualifications
- 2022Ohio
- 2016Illinois
Courts
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Education
- University of Chicago Law SchoolJ.D.with Honors2016
Edward W. Hinton Moot Court Champion, 2015
Federal Criminal Justice Clinic, 2015–2016
- The Ohio State UniversityB.A., Political Science & International Studies; Spanish Minorsumma cum laude2013