Lawrence H. Heftman
Larry is a trial lawyer and litigator who heads the Complex Litigation practice in Chicago.

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Larry has litigated high-stakes complex commercial disputes throughout the country with a strong record of success in jury and bench trials. He has a diverse practice involving commercial disputes, including fiduciary litigation, shareholder disputes, antitrust litigation, director and officer liability, audit malpractice, trust and estate litigation, class actions, and real estate and consumer claims, with a particular focus on financial institutions and telecommunications companies.
Among other significant accomplishments, Larry was recently co-counsel in a federal bench trial over audit malpractice claims leading to a $625 million damages award.
Client Work
- Prosecuted claims against auditor resulting in $625 million damages award, the largest ever auditing malpractice damages award, after five-week bench trial.
- Represented a Fortune 500 financial institution in four-week jury trial resulting in a complete trial victory, successfully defeating claims for more than $65 million in damages and obtaining a judgment for more than $1.2 million for his client.
- Representing a chicken processor in a multidistrict antitrust litigation and related state Attorney General actions in Washington, Alaska, and New Mexico. Accordion Toggle
Publications, Presentations & Recognitions
Presentations
- “Witness Preparation,” Pincus Professional Education’s Mastering the Deposition (Apr. 13, 2017)
- “Cain v. Abel, Dealing with Sibling Rivalries in Family Owned Businesses,” American Bar Association Webinar (Apr. 19, 2016)
Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers (2021-2024)
- Illinois Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin’s Illinois Leading Lawyers Network (2020-2021)
- Emerging Lawyer, Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s Leading Lawyers (2016-2019)
Professional Activities
Larry regularly represents indigent clients at the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services clinic addressing their critical needs in bankruptcy, divorce, and child custody.
Larry has also taken on significant and complex pro bono litigation. Larry has litigated two related federal lawsuits, including a federal jury trial, on behalf of an individual falsely accused and detained after the 9/11 attacks. He also represented an inmate on Georgia’s death row in state habeas evidentiary proceedings.
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Education
Harvard Law School, JD, Harvard Civil Rights - Civil Liberties Law Review, Solicited Content Editor; Ames Moot Court Competition, Semifinalist; magna cum laude, 2004Emory University, BA, Phi Beta Kappa; summa cum laude, 2000