Mr. Whiting’s service as counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives provides the foundation for his government and regulatory practice.  He represents client interests before executive and legislative branches of state and federal government, municipalities, and independent regulatory agencies. Understanding the complexities of the legislative and regulatory process, Mr. Whiting adeptly uses the rules of these processes to develop and implement practical solutions for clients. Working with Republicans and Democrats, his large number of contacts allows him to provide effective client service on both sides of the political aisle.

Government Programs and Contracts

Mr. Whiting has successfully represented both large and small corporations in the construction, consulting, health care, pharmaceutical, insurance, manufacturing, research and development, and service industries.  He counsels clients on government contract policy matters such as small business set-asides and minority business programs in addition to contract issues.

Government Representation

On several occasions, Mr. Whiting has represented government agencies themselves in cases brought by corporate entities, other government agencies, and individuals. The following are examples of Mr. Whiting’s work on behalf of his clients:

• Successfully represented the Illinois Department of Human Services in a multi-million dollar environmental claim brought by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.


• Lobbied the Illinois General Assembly to pass a health food industry sponsored bill lifting a ban on a specific additive to sports and health food drinks.


• Defended a national managed care company that constructed, opened, and operated a large surgery center prior to obtaining the appropriate state licensure by persuading the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation to grant the company an operating license and waive a significant fine.


• Represented an insurance agent and his agency in a fraud claim brought before the Illinois Department of Insurance by enabling the agent to avoid a suspension and retain his license.


• Successfully represented an Atlanta based corporate landlord in a building code violation claim brought by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings helping the client avoid a several hundred thousand dollar fine.


• Defended a general practice physician in an administrative law/regulatory licensing matter brought by a patient before the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.


• Represented a Houston based national temporary employment company in a series of licensing, tax, and employment claims before the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Bar and Restaurant

As a part of his government/regulatory practice, Mr. Whiting advises clients in the alcohol beverage and hospitality industries on matters related to the production, distribution, and sale of licensed beverages. With knowledge of the local, state, and federal alcohol beverage laws and regulations throughout the U.S., and the personnel who enforce those laws, he has the experience and resources necessary to guide manufacturers, importers, wholesale distributors, and retail vendors in the U.S. or abroad on a full spectrum of legal issues related to alcohol beverage law including:

• Regulatory compliance and licensing
• Defense against administrative or enforcement actions
• Protection of intellectual property rights
• Interstate and international trade and shipping
• Dispute resolution
• Alcohol legislation and advocacy

Case examples include:

• Negotiating a favorable settlement for a Polish vodka manufacturer in a copyright infringement claim brought by a competing, world-renowned manufacturer.  Through Mr. Whiting’s efforts, the Polish manufacturer was able to continue producing, marketing, and selling its products in its markets of choice, preventing the loss of millions’ of dollars in revenue.


• Successful renewal of a previously revoked City of Chicago Liquor License for a nightclub client accused of conducting illicit/illegial activity on its premises


• Defending the Chicago venue of a national entertainment and restaurant chain in several administrative actions brought by and before the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Regulation and Licensing, saving the company tens’ of thousands of dollars in fines, and preventing temporary closure of the venue and the loss of several million dollars in revenue.