This year heralds a major milestone for Foran Glennon as the Firm celebrates 25 years of legal excellence, growth, and client service.
In 2001, with eight attorneys, the Firm was founded with a mission to provide effective and cost-efficient legal services to clients navigating high stakes claims and complex litigation. Twenty-five years later, Foran Glennon holds steadfast to this mission and has grown to become a trusted leader in insurance advocacy with a global presence of nearly 70 attorneys across 10 offices in two countries.
Continued Growth Throughout a Quarter Century
With nine offices in North America, including Chicago, Denver, Irvine, Nashville, New York, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, and Tampa, as well as an office in London, England, Foran Glennon attorneys are strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients where and when they need it most.
In the last four years, the Firm has seen a period of accelerated growth. In 2023, Foran Glennon opened its San Jose and Sacramento offices to better serve clients across California. The following year, the Firm established its Tampa office, further strengthening its national platform and reach.
“Foran Glennon’s footprint reflects the Firm’s commitment to being present where our clients do business and where challenges demand trusted and experienced counsel,” said Helen Franzese, Firm President. “As we have grown across the country and internationally, our focus hasn’t changed; excellence and innovation drive every endeavor.”
The Firm’s geographic growth has paralleled its expansion in practice areas. Today, Foran Glennon attorneys serve as trusted advocates in insurance coverage, defense and subrogation matters, as well as commercial litigation, construction, bankruptcy, insolvency and creditor’s rights and medical malpractice defense. Across practice groups, the common thread is a client-centered approach emphasizing value and innovation, which has led to a national reputation known for delivering strategic solutions that protect clients’ interests as well as billions of dollars saved through early resolutions, arbitration awards and trial and appellate victories. These successes have earned the Firm continuous recognition in Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms® lists and a newly earned honor in Chambers Spotlight Illinois 2026.
“For 25 years, our Firm has had the privilege of standing alongside clients during some of their most critical moments. This anniversary reflects not only our longevity, but the relationships, results, and reputation we’ve earned along the way,” stated Matthew Ponzi, founding Partner and Shareholder. “Clients who took a leap of faith in our earliest days—many of whom continue to trust us today—helped shape who we are as a firm. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service for the next generation of clients.”
Involvement that Moves the Needle
Foran Glennon’s attorneys are actively involved in industry groups and global networks to gain and share cutting edge insights. Over the years, Firm attorneys have not only been members, but also leaders, in the International Association of Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute, National Association of Subrogation Professionals, American Bankruptcy Institute, American Board of Trial Advocates, and various bar associations and subcommittees throughout the nation.
As a founding member of Global Insurance Law Connect (GILC), an alliance of global insurance law firms in over 20 countries, the Firm collaborates with peers around the world to gain valuable insight and pioneer legal solutions for clients both domestically and in cross-border disputes.
Looking Ahead While Looking Back
As Foran Glennon marks its 25th anniversary, the occasion is not only one of celebration but also reflection. The Firm’s success is driven by the deep bench strength of its attorneys—many of whom have practiced together for decades—and the support of a team of professionals who bring precision, pride, and dedication to their work, every minute of every day.
“Our strength is in our people,” said Jim Glennon, founding Partner and Shareholder. “Over the years, we have benefitted from skilled attorneys developing within the Firm, while also attracting like-minded attorneys to join us in our commitment to the insurance industry. This continuous expansion has and will continue to allow us to meet the industry’s needs,” Jim explained.
Guiding the Firm through decades of steady growth, founding shareholders and senior partners have built their careers at Foran Glennon and are committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders within the Firm to preserve institutional knowledge and ensure consistency in representation.
“Nobody can predict the future,” said Mike Foran, founding Partner and Shareholder, “but everyone can prepare for it. Our firm and attorneys are ready to help our clients meet, face, and surmount the challenges they will face in the next quarter century by staying agile, embracing innovation, and empowering the next generation of attorneys with the necessary tools, technology, and training.”