Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC is home to a diverse team of trusted advisors and counselors valued for their legal skill, intellectual curiosity and commitment to forging pragmatic solutions. The firm’s clients include entrepreneurs, investors, growth-stage companies, family offices, family businesses and Fortune 500 companies
CFDB and Point of Difference professionals are deeply committed to serving the communities in which their team members live and work. In Chicago, for example, CFDB and Point of Difference attorneys dedicate significant time to civic and charitable initiatives, including Access Living, Choose Chicago, Intersect Illinois, The Economic Club of Chicago, The Executives’ Club of Chicago and World Business Chicago.
Career
At CFDB, we pride ourselves on our boutique and mentorship-driven model, where personality, responsiveness, hard work and dedication are deeply valued. As a summer associate, you’ll be immersed in a mentor-rich environment that offers meaningful, hands-on work from day one not just observation, but real contributions.
Our program goes beyond the traditional summer experience. You’ll have the opportunity to work across multiple practice areas, gaining exposure to a wide range of legal matters and client needs. And because we believe in a well-rounded summer, you’ll also enjoy the energy of the city through curated social and cultural events designed to build relationships and give you a taste of life at CFDB.
- At a recent Associates Retreat, collaboration went beyond the conference room. Associates engaged in interactive professional development sessions and strengthened connections through hands-on team-building activities—bike building included. A great reminder that strong teams build strong practices.
Community
CFDB always seeks individuals who are driven to practice law at the highest level to further our clients’ goals. Our mission is to build a platform for members of the Firm to unlock their full potential and find personal fulfillment as they provide unparalleled service to assist clients in doing the same.
CFDB has grown and succeeded because of our commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. We recognize that those words must be more than just words on a website; we must live, learn, and be humbled by the importance of those words as operating principles in every decision we make. CFDB leadership works tirelessly to create an open, productive culture that encourages sharing ideas, collaborating across experience levels, and voicing honest feedback. All team members are integral to the firm’s success. Firm committees include participation of staff at all levels, and all decisions are grounded in the respect we show one another. Partnering with our clients starts first with being authentic partners to each other.
Awards & News
- CFDB is proud to be one of the largest law firms to be certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as well as one of the largest members of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). Croke Fairchild Again Ranked as One of 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies by the Women President’s Organization (WPO) – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres
- Patrick Croke Featured Guest on the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres Patrick is one of our founders and shares our story of how CFDB grew from a team of just a few attorneys to more than100 attorneys across 14 states becoming one of Chicago’s fastest-growing law firms. He offers his perspective on what it takes to lead with humility, scale with intention, and stand out in a crowded legal market. Patrick also discusses CFDB’s unique approach to client service, why law firms often get KPIs and management wrong, and how Chicago’s business climate continues to evolve. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in the legal profession and encourages local leaders to become ambassadors for the city.
- Michael Layden Named to 2025 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys List – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres Partner Mike Layden has been selected for the 2025 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys list, which honors lawyers who demonstrate involvement in significant litigation and play an important role in the Chicago business community. With more than 25 years of experience in complex civil litigation at the trial and appellate court levels, Mike focuses his practice on technology-related disputes in the life sciences and e-commerce industries and has represented many high-profile companies and organizations.
- Croke Fairchild Hits 100 Lawyers, Expanding Its Roster of Heavy-Hitting Legal Talent – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres CFDB isn’t just growing—we are deepening our commitment to being a trusted, long-term legal partner to clients navigating their most complex and high-stakes challenges. The Firm’s latest strategic hires further enhance our ability to advise clients on mission-critical matters, including bet-the-company litigation, industry-defining transactions, and regulatory challenges through CFDB’s lobbying and government affairs partner, Point of Difference Strategies.