J. Erik Connolly

J. Erik Connolly

Executive Committee Member; Managing Chair, Litigation Practice Group; Co-Chair, Securities Litigation Practice Group

He / Him / His

Chicago

T 312.624.6348

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Overview

“Erik is an effective oral advocate. He has a good style with both the judge and jurors.” – Benesch client, Chambers USA

“Erik provides excellent customer service. He is attuned to what we need and look for.” – Benesch client, Chambers USA

“Erik is tremendous, he is a very strong attorney and has handled very important litigation. He is smart, strategic and dedicated to client service.” – Benesch client, Chambers USA

Erik Connolly is Chair of the Litigation Group, where he leads one of the fastest growing and most respected litigation teams in the country. With a career spanning more than two decades, Erik has earned national recognition as a go-to trial lawyer for high-stakes, bet-the-company disputes that shape industries and protect reputations.

Erik’s work is defined by results. From securing dismissals of multibillion-dollar class actions to winning precedent-setting decisions, Erik has guided clients through some of the most complex litigation in U.S. history. Notably, Erik represented a beef producer in the $6 billion “pink slime” case against ABC News and currently leads Smartmatic’s $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News—cases that have captured national attention and set new benchmarks for holding the media responsible when they spread false information.

Clients turn to Erik for more than courtroom victories—they rely on Erik’s strategic insight and business-first approach. His counsel helps companies navigate litigation risk while preserving shareholder value and brand integrity. His clients range from Fortune 100 corporations and industry leaders to celebrities, family-owned businesses and philanthropic organizations around the country. He is trusted by global leaders in the technology, financial services, consumer goods, and manufacturing sectors, among others.

Track Record of Success

Erik and his teams are at their best when the stakes are highest, where the difference between winning and losing means billions of dollars and business lines operating or being shut down. In these cases, where grit and creativity make the difference, Erik has a recognized track record of success. For example:

  • Won a directed verdict after more than 100 days of testimony in a $3 billion auditor liability trial following the HealthSouth scandal.
  • Won summary judgment in a $2 billion securities fraud case on behalf of the largest set-top manufacturers in the world.
  • Won summary judgment in a nine-figure trade secret case for the largest supplier of UPS solutions in the country.
  • Defeated class certification in a multibillion-dollar commodities fraud case against one of the largest investment firms in the world.
  • Obtained dismissal with prejudice of a $20 billion securities fraud claim for a Fortune 100 technology company after multiple amended complaints.
  • Secured a landmark settlement in the $6 billion “pink slime” lawsuit after four weeks of trial, widely regarded as one of the most important defamation cases in U.S. history.
  • Secured settlement of a nine-figure trade secret misappropriation claim for less than 1% of claimed damages following a series of successful pre-trial motions.

Diverse Practice

Beyond earning his reputation as a “notoriously tough” defamation lawyer by taking on the largest media companies in the world, Erik has spent his career litigating commercial disputes in courtrooms across the country.

  • Business Torts: Representing Fortune 100 and 500 companies as plaintiffs and defendants in fraud, negligence and tortious interference claims against suppliers, competitors and customers – winning motions to dismiss and summary judgment.
  • Contract Disputes: Representing industry leaders in consumer products, financial services, food and beverage, and technology as plaintiffs and defendants in claims valued at over $1 billion.
  • Defamation: Representing companies and individuals in some of the largest, precedent-setting cases in the country – recovering hundreds of millions in damages, obtaining retractions, and securing injunctions.
  • Securities Fraud: Representing Fortune 100 companies in securities fraud claims with damages ranging from $2 billion to over $20 billion – winning motions to dismiss and precedent setting summary judgment, securing voluntary dismissals with prejudice, and negotiating $0 cash settlements.
  • Trade Secret Claims: Representing Fortune 100 companies and family-owned start-ups in trade secret misappropriation claims as plaintiffs and defendants – winning summary judgment, recovering lost profits (for plaintiffs), and forcing settlements with de minimis payments (for defendants).
  • Vendor Disputes: Representing industry leaders and family-owned businesses in disputes with their suppliers, ranging from product defects and recalls to breaches and fraud – winning motions that eliminate the business disruption and negotiating resolutions to get the business restarted.  

Erik and his team develop deep, institutionalized relationships with their clients so they can advise on every type of commercial matter – big and small. For several clients, they serve as an extension of the in-house team, handling everything from internal investigations, false advertising and consumer deception claims, regulatory compliance issues as well as every type of dispute with consumers, competitors, suppliers, and vendors.

First in Service Approach

Erik’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, accountability, and strategic growth. As Chair of the Litigation Group, Erik oversees more than 200 attorneys and professionals across multiple states. He emphasizes team empowerment and integration, driving initiatives in recruiting, client service, and cross-office collaboration. His approach combines high-performance expectations with mentorship, fostering a culture where attorneys are encouraged to innovate while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence.

Under his leadership, the Benesch Litigation Group has been recognized as one of the best in the country. The Group has been named a Highly Recommended Firm for Commercial Litigation by Benchmark Litigation, received national ranking for Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Reports, and ranked by Chambers for Commercial Litigation and related practices. BTI Litigation recognized the Group as a Litigation Leader for Commercial Litigation (top 7%) and Distinguished for Complex Commercial Litigation (top 12%).

Erik is known for being hands-on in complex cases—mastering the details while never losing sight of the big picture. His breadth of experience allows him to quickly understand business objectives, engage with business leaders on their terms, and give real “answers” instead of “overly conservative legal advice.” He and his teams “know what to do and how to navigate most anything.” They create the “perfect” outside counsel relationship. Erik’s attention to client service is “unmatched.”

National Recognition for Excellence

Erik has been recognized as a Litigation Star by Benchmark (2026), a Leading Lawyer for Commercial Litigation by Chambers (2024, 2025), and a Stand-Out Lawyer by Thompson Reuters (2024-2026). He has been named a Notable Litigator and Trial Attorney by Crain’s Chicago, a General Litigation Trailblazer by The National Law Journal, and Notable Gen X Leader in Law by Crain’s Chicago. He is also listed for Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers and Commercial Disputes by the Legal 500 City Elite.

What I Do

Accounting & Financial Reporting Litigation
Cannabis
Commercial Litigation & Disputes
Consumer Protection & Class Actions
Crisis Management & Strategic Response
Defamation Litigation
Food & Beverage
Litigation
Manufacturing
Product Liability & Mass Tort Litigation
Retail & E-Commerce
Securities & Commodities Litigation & Investigations

Featured endorsements

Experience

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company against a breach of contract claim seeking nine-figure damages. Negotiated a business resolution of the dispute on the eve of trial after successfully barring the opposing party’s expert and limiting testimony of key fact witness.

Represented a beef producer in a defamation case against ABC News seeking over $6 billion in damages. Secured a confidential settlement after four weeks of trial testimony that was characterized by the press and industry leaders as vindicating the producer.

Represented a manufacturer of cable set-tops in securities fraud litigation seeking over $2 billion in damages. Secured summary judgment in favor of the manufacturer with a precedent-setting decision that was affirmed by the 11th Circuit.

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company in securities fraud litigation seeking over $20 billion in damages. Prevailed on a motion to dismiss the complaint with prejudice.

Represented a Fortune 50 financial institution in class action alleging manipulation of the multibillion-dollar Treasury market. Successfully narrowed the claims with motions to dismiss and summary judgment and then defeated class certification following two years of fact and expert discovery.

Represented a technology company in tort claims seeking nine-figure damages from a supplier due to product defects. Secured a confidential settlement after defeating three successive motions to dismiss.

Represented a Fortune 50 financial institution in a multimillion-dollar contract and tort dispute. Secured summary judgment after two years of discovery in a precedent-setting decision that was affirmed by the 7th Circuit.

Achieved a significant summary judgment decision for election technology company Smartmatic in its defamation case against MyPillow and Mike Lindell. The Court found Lindell’s accusations were false and defamatory per se and that MyPillow was vicariously liable for their publication. The ruling also found injunctive relief was appropriate pursuant to the Minnesota Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The case will be proceeding to trial in Minnesota Federal Court in 2026. 

Key Contacts: J. Erik ConnollyJames R. BedellNicole E. WrigleyJulie M. LoftusTimothy M. Frey

Represented underwriters in securities fraud litigation alleging misrepresentations in connection with IPO. Secured voluntary dismissal of claims against underwriters prior to commencement of discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented underwriters in securities fraud litigation alleging misrepresentation in connection with an IPO. Settled claims prior to commencement of discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a technology company against a breach of contract claim stemming from cancellation of purchase orders. Negotiated a settlement prior to the commencement of litigation.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a company regarding potential exposure to trade secret claims by an acquisition target.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a technology company on a breach of contract claim relating to royalty payments.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a real estate investment firm in breach of contract negotiations with a former investor.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a real estate investment firm in negotiations over a breach of contract and defamation dispute with a former partner.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a technology company against a trade secret misappropriation claim. Secured summary judgment based on statute of limitations defense.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a leading beef producer in defamation and disparagement action against ABC. Recognized by media as the largest defamation action in U.S. history. Secured a confidential, nine-figure settlement following four weeks of trial.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a leading beef producer in a breach of contract and breach of fiduciary dispute against an employee.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 company in negotiations over enforcement of a noncompete agreement by a former employer.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company against claims of securities fraud. Class plaintiffs sought damages in excess of $7 billion. Settled case with motions for summary judgment pending following three years of fact and expert discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised manufacturer regarding damage exposure relating to potential hardware defects.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised leading technology manufacturer regarding response to product recall.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 financial institution in a putative class action alleging manipulation of the multibillion-dollar Treasury market. Narrowed claims through motions to dismiss and summary judgment, and then defeated class certification following two years of fact and expert discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented an asset manager with respect to news coverage and advised regarding defamation claims against a media outlet.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented an automotive parts manufacturer in a putative class action alleging violation of ERISA fiduciary duties due to offering company stock as a retirement investment option.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented an automotive parts manufacturer and officers in a putative class action alleging violation of ERISA fiduciary duties due to approval of a buyout agreement.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a beef producer against product liability claims following a food contamination event. Negotiated dismissal of claims.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 financial institution against claims of predatory lending in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a cable set-top manufacturer and officers against securities fraud claims. Plaintiffs sought over $2 billion in alleged damages. Secured summary judgment in favor of the company and officers following two years of fact and expert discovery. Affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a purchaser in responding to government inquiries following acquisition of a competitor.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a leading cybersecurity developer in negotiations with a competitor over disparaging advertising and marketing material.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a gold refinery in a multimillion-dollar breach of contract and tort dispute with a former supplier.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 banking institution in shareholder and bondholder litigation following a multibillion-dollar acquisition. Claims settled on eve of trial following three years of fact and expert discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a beef producer against contribution claims by a competitor following a food contamination event. Secured summary judgment in favor of the producer.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a cloud innovator against claims of breach of contract and tortious interference with a business based on alleged improper solicitation of customers.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a cable set-top manufacturer in a series of securities fraud class actions stemming from disclosure of accounting fraud by a customer. Prevailed on motions to dismiss all claims and all actions.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a technology company regarding potential trade secret misappropriation claims against a competitor following the departure of several employees.

Key Contacts: Kate Watson MossJ. Erik Connolly

Represented the largest gold refinery in the U.S. in defamation action against a media company. Secured publication of an update correcting misinformation prior to commencement of discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented leading manufacturers of set-top devices in a nine-figure fraud and negligence dispute against a supplier. Negotiated a settlement after successfully defeating three successive motions to dismiss.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company in a nine-figure, breach of contract dispute with former customer. Negotiated business resolution of the dispute on the eve of trial after successfully barring the opposing party’s expert and narrowing testimony of a key fact witness.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 lender in putative class action asserting claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of Consumer Fraud statutes. Obtained voluntary dismissal of all claims with prejudice.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company in a breach of contract dispute against a service supplier stemming from alleged improper termination of agreements.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company in vicarious liability litigation stemming from an alleged tort by a employee. Negotiated a settlement following successful motions to strike multiple categories of damages.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 lender against claims of fraud and negligence relating to a purchase agreement. Prevailed on motion to dismiss.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 lender against claims of promissory estoppel and tortious interference. Secured summary judgment in favor of the lender following two years of fact and expert discovery. Unanimously affirmed by the 7th Circuit.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a financial institution and officers in a putative class action alleging violation of ERISA fiduciary duties.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a developer of firewall products in negotiations with a competitor over disparaging marketing material.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 purchaser in responding to government inquiries following an acquisition.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company against securities fraud claims. Plaintiff sought over $20 billion in damages. Prevailed on motion to dismiss and secured dismissal with prejudice.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 company against claims of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty claims following an acquisition.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a “Big Four” accounting firm against breach of contracts claims by an audit client. Plaintiff sought over $3 billion in damages. Obtained directed verdict in favor of the accounting firm following 103 days of trial testimony and argument. Affirmed by state supreme court.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a county in an action by the Department of Justice relating to law enforcement practices. Claims settled on the eve of trial following two years of fact and expert discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented broker-dealers in a putative class action alleging improper “naked” short selling. Secured voluntary dismissal of claims with prejudice.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a manufacturer in a contract dispute with a supplier for failure to provide negotiated rebates.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 financial advisor against claims of tortious interference with contractual relations relating to allegedly improper redemption of bonds. Prevailed on motion to dismiss. Unanimously affirmed by the appellate court.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company and officers against claims of breach of fiduciary duties stemming from disclosure of executive compensation. Negotiated a settlement prior to commencement of discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented Fortune 100 purchaser in responding to government inquiries relating to acquisition.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a leading consumer product manufacturer on defamation claims against a supplier.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a “Big Four” accounting firm in securities fraud claims by bondholders and stockholders stemming from disclosure of multibillion-dollar accounting fraud by an audit client. Claims settled following three years of fact discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented broker-dealers in a securities fraud class action alleging improper short trading. Obtained voluntary dismissal of claims.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Advised a Fortune 100 seller on breach of contract claims by a purchaser relating to alleged product failures.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company in vicarious liability litigation stemming from an alleged tort by an employee. Secured summary judgment in favor of the company.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a biofuel industry leader with respect to a false and defamatory article published by a major media organization and secured full retraction of the article within two weeks of publication.

Key Contacts: J. Erik ConnollyNicole E. Wrigley

Represented a Fortune 50 financial institution in a multimillion-dollar contract and tort dispute. Secured summary judgment after two years of discovery in a precedent-setting decision that was affirmed by the 7th Circuit.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a technology company in tort claims seeking nine-figure damages from a supplier due to product defects. Secured a confidential settlement after defeating three successive motions to dismiss.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 50 financial institution in class action alleging manipulation of the multibillion-dollar Treasury market. Successfully narrowed the claims with motions to dismiss and summary judgment and then defeated class certification following two years of fact and expert discovery.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company in securities fraud litigation seeking over $20 billion in damages. Prevailed on a motion to dismiss the complaint with prejudice.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a “Big Four” accounting firm in auditor liability litigation seeking over $3 billion in damages. Secured a directed verdict in favor of the accounting firm following 103 days of trial testimony and argument.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a manufacturer of cable set-tops in securities fraud litigation seeking over $2 billion in damages. Secured summary judgment in favor of the manufacturer with a precedent-setting decision that was affirmed by the 11th Circuit.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a beef producer in a defamation case against ABC News seeking over $6 billion in damages. Secured a confidential settlement after four weeks of trial testimony that was characterized by the press and industry leaders as vindicating the producer.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

Represented a Fortune 100 technology company against a breach of contract claim seeking nine-figure damages. Negotiated a business resolution of the dispute on the eve of trial after successfully barring the opposing party’s expert and limiting testimony of key fact witness.

Key Contacts: J. Erik Connolly

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Credentials

Education

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, 1999, J.D.
Northwestern University, 1996, B.A.
  • History and Political Science
  • with honors

Clerkships and Bar Admissions

Illinois
New York
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

More

  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Illinois Bar Association
  • Member, Chicago Bar Association
  • Listed, Benchmark Litigation, Litigation Star, 2026
  • Named, Crain’s Chicago Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys, 2025
  • Listed, Legal 500 City Elite: Commercial Disputes list
  • Listed, Chambers USA Leading Lawyers, Litigation: General Commercial, 2024, 2025
  • Named, Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyer, 2024-2026
  • Listed, Crain’s Chicago Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys, 2023
  • Listed, The National Law Journal General Litigation Trailblazer, 2023
  • Listed, Best Lawyers®, Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026
  • Named, Crain’s Chicago Notable Gen X Leaders in Law, 2022

Hobbies

Exploring, connecting, and learning

Favorite Quote

“I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.”  ― Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Book

Animal Farm by George Orwell