Andrew Shelby
Novack and Macey LLP
Commercial litigation

Andrew P. Shelby, at a young age, has become one of the most sought-after commercial litigation trial attorneys in Illinois.

How has the Novack and Macey partner accomplished this? His peers point to Shelby's commitment to his clients, willingness to work long hours on their behalf, deep knowledge of the law and skill in the courtroom.

Count Robert Baizer, the founder of of Highland Park law firm Baizer Kolar P.C., as one of Shelby's fans. He observed the commercial litigator’s work up close while working with him on a complex business dispute. Shelby has not disappointed, Baizer said.

"Andrew quickly got up to speed on the complex factual background of the case, drafted a complaint involving a novel legal theory, defeated the motion to dismiss the complaint and defeated the other side's efforts to stop discovery," Baizer said.

Baizer said that Shelby put together multiple briefs that eloquently advanced the client's arguments and contained well-reasoned legal analysis. In fact, the judge in that case expressly complimented Shelby’s briefs, noting that they distilled complex issues into easy-to-follow arguments.

"He is well-prepared for every situation," Baizer said. "Andrew knows litigation is expensive, and is quick to recognize when the benefits do not outweigh the costs."

Shelby also worked defending an Am Law 100 law firm in a case that culminated in a favorable jury verdict. Shelby worked on the case since inception and played a critical role in drafting a motion for summary judgment that trimmed the plaintiff’s potential recovery by 75%. Shelby then conducted the direct examinations of the firm’s fact witnesses at trial and successfully argued against the plaintiff’s post-trial motion. The client’s general counsel called the results “impressive.” He also noted that Shelby "did a great job with preparing complex motions, and was a very effective jury trial advocate.” Further, “Andrew is very responsive to my requests and provides excellent client service."

While Shelby's performance was impressive, it came as little surprise to the general counsel.

"I trust Andrew's judgment and recommendations." He said. "He's a quick thinker and his skill set is definitely beyond his years."

Shelby has a long list of successes on his resume including representing Fortune 500 companies, closely held businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and other lawyers and law firms.

This includes his successful representation of the directors of a national construction company in a shareholder dispute over a proposed $100 million transaction and his representation of a restaurant in its defeat of the City of Chicago's claim to declare its contract with the Chicago Park District void.

Shelby also worked to obtain a complete victory for the owner of a poultry processing plant accused in a putative class action of failing to pay overtime and represented the former CEO of an artisan coffee company regarding the non-payment of compensation due upon the company’s sale.