About Philip
Philip Fornaro has spent decades working in the Illinois legal community and before the federal appellate court that covers the Midwest. He arrived at law school after a liberal arts education in political science, and he built a practice that he has overseen for more than two decades.
Fornaro completed his undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, earning a B.A. in Political Science in 1991. He continued his legal education at The John Marshall Law School, receiving his J.D. in 1995. Those years shaped his understanding of both the rules that govern litigation and the political and institutional forces that affect legal disputes.
Early in his career he established deep ties to the local bar. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and is authorized to appear before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. In 2004 he took on the role of managing lawyer at Fornaro Law. That title reflects responsibility for both casework and the day-to-day running of the office.
Colleagues describe him as steady and practical in handling client matters. He maintains memberships in professional organizations and participates in the bar community. Over the years he has balanced courtroom work with client counseling and firm management. His practice has required attention to procedural detail and to the administrative needs of running a law firm.
Fornaro’s professional life has not followed a single narrow track. He has overseen litigation files, managed staff, and handled the administrative decisions that keep a small firm operating. The firm carries his name and his office locations are listed under Fornaro Law. He continues to accept matters in Illinois and before the Seventh Circuit, representing clients through pleadings, hearings and appeals.
Today he leads Fornaro Law as managing lawyer, directing firm operations and client work. He remains an active member of the legal community and continues to practice in Illinois and in the federal appellate court that covers the region.
