MELVIN L. BROOKS, is a 1985 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law. Prior to joining the firm in 2003, Mr. Brooks was associated with the P.I. firm of Costello, McMahon & Burke, Ltd., handling cases involving construction negligence, police misconduct, products liability and medical negligence. He has extensive experience as a civil litigator having served with the City of Chicago Department of Law. Mr. Brooks advanced quickly through the ranks with the City's Law Department holding positions as Supervisor, Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel and Deputy Corporation Counsel. As Deputy, Mr. Brooks continued his role as lead attorney on complex multi-million dollar exposure cases, but in addition, managed a team of 34 attorneys responsible for the City's defense in personal injury cases.

Several legal publications recognized Mr. Brooks' litigation skills after he successfully achieved jury verdicts for the City in two catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters. In April, 1998, the "National Law Journal" selected the case of Sanders v. City of Chicago, 96 L 14155, for inclusion amount the "Years Top Wins for the Defense." In September, 1996, The "Chicago Law Bulletin," listed the case of Jefferson vs. City of Chicago, 95 L 13388, among the "Top Illinois Jury Verdicts."

Mr. Brooks is an active member of the American Trial Lawyers Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice before the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is a member of the Federal trial bar. In addition to his bar activities, Mr. Brooks has published an article "Police Pursuit Liability: Violation of General Order Did Not Constitute Evidence of Negligence or Willful and Wanton Conduct" in the Summer 1997, Legal Defense Manual.