Marisa K. Perry is a litigator focusing on complex commercial disputes arising from corporate transactions and construction agreements. She has significant experience litigating a broad range of matters including breach of contract, fraud, unfair competition and trade secrets, trademark, trusts, and class actions. In addition, Marisa has represented corporations in connection with internal investigations, and individual clients in high-profile white collar criminal cases.
Marisa has a vibrant criminal and civil pro bono practice, which has included representing individuals in federal and state courts. She argued and persuaded the Seventh Circuit to reverse summary judgment in a Section 1983 civil rights case on behalf of an inmate who was challenging the conditions of his confinement. Marisa led a complex RICO class action through settlement approval and appeal on behalf of rent controlled and rent regulated tenants who sued their landlord for forcing them out of their homes. Marisa also was part of a team that successfully appealed a 20-year conviction to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and she briefed and argued her client’s resentencing in the district court. Marisa has been recognized for her pro bono efforts within the legal community. In 2010, Marisa received an Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in recognition of her outstanding commitment to pro bono representation and her service to the court. In 2011, Marisa was named the winner of the Albert E. Jenner, Jr. Pro Bono Award in connection with her work on a complex RICO class action against a New York City landlord.
Prior to joining the Firm, Marisa was a senior associate at a large litigation firm in New York City and Chicago focused on complex commercial litigation. In law school, Marisa first-chaired a criminal bench trial in Michigan state court and successfully defended her client against charges of domestic violence and breaking and entering. She was part of Michigan’s American College of Trial Lawyers regional championship trial team and received an award for her oral advocacy. Before attending law school, Marisa worked in telecommunications and on federal grants involving clinical research and evaluation studies.