Chicago-based partner strengthens firm's corporate capabilities
CHICAGO (October 9, 2025) — Barnes & Thornburg (B&T), a national law firm with more than 800 lawyers across 23 offices, announced today that John Martin joined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Department, resident in Chicago.
Martin brings more than two decades of experience from his tenure at Chapman and Cutler, a Chicago-based law firm focused on financial services. He advises public and private companies, private equity firms, and high net-worth individuals on M&A transactions, helping clients achieve their strategic goals while navigating complex regulatory requirements.
"We are delighted to welcome John to the firm," said Michael Carrillo, managing partner of B&T's Chicago office. "He has a great reputation in the market, and the depth of his experience in representing clients on a wide range of transactions makes him an invaluable addition to our team."
Martin counsels businesses on the full spectrum of transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, entity formation and restructuring, financing transactions, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. He advises clients in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, supply chain, industrial, banking, financial services and technology.
"John is an ideal fit for us as we continue to execute on our strategy to build our core corporate practice with highly talented lawyers," said Jahan Sharifi, chair of B&T's Corporate Department. "Given his solid track record and deep client relationships in key industries, he brings a focused perspective that will further bolster our corporate team."
Over the past year, the firm has doubled down on organic growth, attracting top talent, and strategic expansion nationwide. Since April, the full-service, national firm has welcomed 100 new attorneys and business professionals across its 23 offices and bolstered several core practices including corporate, litigation, and intellectual property, to name a few.
Chicago is home to the firm's second largest office with more than 250 people, including 141 attorneys. The firm's Chicago presence has expanded considerably since the office first opened in 1994 and the firm now occupies four floors in the One North Wacker building downtown.
"I am excited to join Barnes & Thornburg in Chicago and work alongside such a talented group of professionals," said Martin. "I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the firm's corporate practice and helping our clients successfully navigate their important M&A deals and business challenges."
Martin earned his J.D. with honors from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and his B.S. from the University of Dayton in Ohio.