Daniel Collins Email & Phone Number

Daniel Collins is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who represents clients in a variety of complex litigation matters. An award-winning former federal prosecutor, Dan regularly interacts with the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other government agencies. Dan is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a distinction reserved for the top one percent of trial lawyers across the United States and Canada. He also has been recognized repeatedly by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, in which clients and peers have described him as “a very savvy, tactical and hard-working lawyer who is held in high esteem in the community” with “first rate cross-examination skills” and “a great bed-side manner.”During his 10-year career as an assistant United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Dan led a number of significant prosecutions and trials, including the international investigation of those responsible for the planning of the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.

Greater Chicago Area

Dan co-led the firm’s litigation practice group at Faegre Drinker, comprising over 250 lawyers and other professionals, and served as a Managing Partner at Drinker Biddle prior to its merger with Faegre.

Chicago, Illinois

Dan served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois from 2003 to 2013, where he investigated and prosecuted a wide array of white collar crimes, including commodities and securities fraud, bank fraud, mail and wire fraud, computer access fraud, export controls and sanctions, public corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. In particular, Dan developed substantial experience conducting parallel investigations with the SEC, the CFTC and other regulators. Dan held several supervisory positions while at the United States Attorney’s Office. Most recently, he was Deputy Chief of the Financial Crimes and Special Prosecution section, where he oversaw the work of several senior AUSAs in the investigation of more complicated white collar matters. Before that, Dan served as Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section, where he supervised and trained AUSAs in federal criminal practice and trial advocacy. For seven years, Dan also was the Export Enforcement Program Manager for the Northern District of Illinois. In this capacity, Dan counseled the senior management of the criminal enforcement authorities who investigate violations of export controls and sanctions, including those of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Arms Export Control Act. Dan supervised and participated directly in numerous investigations, and frequently coordinated with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division to obtain the necessary approval for charges against companies and individuals.

Chicago, Illinois

Dan represented companies and individuals in a wide range of matters, including trade secrets, trademarks, restrictive covenants, breaches of fiduciary duties, and shareholder disputes. Dan tried cases before juries in both federal and state court, prosecuted and defended numerous requests for temporary restraining orders, and argued appeals before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate Court. In two separate matters, Dan was appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General, representing the Illinois Department of Financial Institutions and the Illinois Office of Banks and Real Estate.

Represented companies in all aspects of complex commercial litigation

Practiced commercial litigation in 100-plus attorney firm

Doctor Of Law (J.D.) With Honor

Activities and Societies: - Order of the Coif - Article and Note Editor, DePaul Law Review - Member, National Mock Trial Team

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Economics

Activities and Societies: Chick Evans Scholar

Education record