Steven J. Yatvin

Steve is a business litigator who represents clients in a broad range of industries, including automotive, product distribution, real estate, and construction. Steve has achieved positive results in all of these contexts through both negotiated resolution and, when trial is necessary, successful litigation strategy. 

In the automotive industry, Steve’s practice includes advising clients regarding dealer network initiatives, such as allocation programs and margin programs, and other issues arising out of the web of laws governing the manufacturer-dealer relationship.  Steve’s knowledge and advice has helped his clients successfully advance their dealer network goals, even when faced with efforts by dealers to challenge them. 

In addition to business litigation, Steve is the partner in charge of recruiting for the firm and participates in the firm's pro bono initiative. Recently, Steve successfully represented a man from Guatemala seeking asylum in the United States.

Steve’s community involvement includes membership on the board of the Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League.

Representative Matters

• Obtained a jury verdict on all counts for an auto manufacturer in a lawsuit by a dealer seeking millions in damages in connection with alleged cost overruns on a facility project.
• Won an arbitration award for a client alleged to have breached payment obligation on subordinated notes.
• Won summary judgment for an auto manufacturer in a damages action brought by a dealer who refused to provide a relocation plan after Hurricane Katrina.
• Obtained summary judgment for defendant alleged to have violated a non-compete and accused of destroying electronic documents.
• Successfully argued appeal to the Seventh Circuit involving a dealer challenging the scope of an arbitration agreement.
• Negotiated a settlement for a subcontractor in an action arising out of project in which the subcontractor experienced millions of dollars in unexpected costs.
• Defended Fair Credit Reporting Act class action seeking millions in statutory damages.
• Represented a real estate investment trust (REIT) in a contract dispute in which the parties disagreed over the amount of land actually conveyed in their sale agreement.
• Represented auto manufacturers in lawsuits by dealers alleging price discrimination in connection with incentive programs.
• Represented auto manufacturers in several add-point, relocation, and termination protests.
  

Professional Activities and Honors

• University of Illinois Law Review, Executive Administrative Editor, 1998-1999