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Leonard E. Hudson

Senior Associate
lhudson@collinslaw.com
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Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 227
Fax: (630) 527-1193

1770 Park St #200
Naperville, Illinois 60563

Len Hudson focuses on high stakes commercial litigation, helping people and companies in complex disputes.

Len has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in courtrooms and boardrooms across the country. He has deep experience in business and corporate disputes involving a wide variety of industries and claims, ranging from day-to-day operational disputes to sophisticated class actions and regulatory matters.

Len's experience includes:

  • Commercial disputes (contract, fraud, trademark enforcement, antitrust, unfair competition)
  • Franchising and dealer terminations and regulatory compliance
  • Securities & commodities enforcement and regulatory compliance (SEC, FINRA, CME, ICE)
  • Internal investigations
  • Intellectual property (trademark enforcement, trade secrets)
  • Restrictive covenants and trade secrets
  • Product liability
  • Technology litigation (software development, technology licensing)
  • Arbitration (AAA, JAMS, and FINRA)
  • Contract negotiations

Len has engaged in significant pro bono work, including handling the post-conviction appeal of a death penalty case, defending the treasurer of a non-profit group against claims of accounting misconduct, and helping a pre-trial detainee obtain major surgery.

Before joining The Collins Law Firm, Len practiced for a nearly a decade at the Chicago office of a large international law firm where he focused on complex commercial disputes and led the firm's retail, franchise and distribution team. Len recently completed a career sabbatical during which he achieved a lifelong dream of living on a sailboat with his wife and three young children. He now lives in Naperville.

Education

J.D., John Marshall Law School, 2007
magna cum laude
Law Review Executive Editor
Distinguished Scholar (full tuition scholarship)
Judicial Extern to Hon. Anne M. Burke, Illinois Supreme Court
Judicial Extern to Hon. Themis Karnezis, Illinois Appellate Court
CALI Awards for the highest grade in Torts, Property, and Constitutional Law

B.S., Illinois State University, 1997
magna cum laude

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice Illinois
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
Featured Cases
  • Recovered $3 million for a small business owner in breach of contract action against a public company.
  • Recovered $1 million for a technology company in a software development dispute against a former customer that claimed the product was inferior.
  • Recovered 100% of the amount owed to a beverage company in a breach of contract case.
  • Won a trial in Illinois state court on behalf of a propane distributor in a product liability case.
  • Handled over one hundred franchise disputes involving some of largest franchise networks, including terminations, non-renewals, contract enforcement, and fraud.
  • Negotiated a global settlement in a mass action of over 30 franchisees.
  • Negotiated a settlement at mediation of a complex commercial dispute between a manufacturer and a distributor that allowed the parties to resume their business relationship and saved the client from paying millions of dollars.
  • Won a judgment and complete dismissal of all claims against the receiver of a failed bank.
  • Defended a local manufacturer in a high stakes lawsuit by a competitor claiming $300 million in damages for alleged antitrust violations and theft of trade secrets.
  • Won dismissal and judgment awarding attorneys’ fees in a frivolous breach of contract claim involving commercial lending.
  • Defended a public company CEO in a securities fraud class action seeking over $150 million.
  • Won summary judgment on behalf of a propane distributor in a fire/explosion case.
  • Defended individuals and companies in various securities and commodities regulatory enforcement matters brought by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), FINRA, CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and ICE.
  • Won a temporary restraining order in federal court to enforce trademark rights.
  • Won a summary judgment upholding a restrictive covenant / non-compete agreement.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
Shawn Collins is a very talented lawyer, as are all the attorneys on his team. I've known and worked with Shawn for more that 30 years. Not only is he a top notch technical litigator but his communication skills are second to none. If anyone I know is ever in need of an attorney, Shawn is my very first recommendation. He gives very solid advice that goes beyond the law. He is someone you can trust to tell you the truth so you are not lead astray in the complex legal world. You really can't find a better advocate. E.M.
★★★★★
We were incredibly satisfied with our experience with The Collins Law Firm. We worked closely with Ed Manzke and found that he had a personal touch and truly got to know us in addition to being knowledgeable and effective in his field. The caring and individual attitude helped us tremendously throughout the entire process and we always felt like our case was in safe hands. We would highly recommend The Collins Law Firm for both its stellar work and dedicated employees. M.A.
★★★★★
My father recommended The Collins Law Firm to me after watching Shawn Collins and Ed Manzke at trial representing Lisle residents against Lockformer. For years, he told us courtroom tales about Shawn and Ed, citing their incredible skill as trial lawyers and how they put the huge Lockformer legal team to shame. So when my son was the victim of a wrongful death, they were my first and only choice. I can't say enough to truly express how grateful I am to The Collin's Law Firm for all that they did for me and my family. This amazing team advocated for me in my darkest moments, surpassing my expectations in every way. I will be forever grateful to Shawn and Ed. K.D.
★★★★★
I have worked with Rob, Shawn and The Collins Law Firm team in connection with both complex business transactions and litigation over the past several years. Shawn is far and away the best business litigation attorney I have worked with. Rob has been our lead attorney on M&A and corporate restructures, and he has delivered each time, and on time. I would highly recommend Rob to get the deal done! W.D.
★★★★★
Rob has been our out-side General Counsel for ten years. As a business with a global presence, it is important that we have the very best legal representation. Rob and the team have guided us through litigation battles, negotiating and drafting our important business contracts, and advising us in our business strategies. He has a great team of lawyers working with him. M.F.