Gerald M. Newman

AREA OF LEGAL CONCENTRATION

Gerry has been representing independent sales representatives for over 35 years, and also represents manufacturers who contract with independent sales representatives. Gerry’s expertise in the field of independent sales representatives includes commission collection issues, negotiation, preparation, and review of sales representative agreements, mergers, acquisitions, buy outs, and succession planning. Spearheaded by Gerry’s efforts, the Firm has collected millions of dollars in commissions for sales representatives, and serves as general counsel for the Electronics Representatives Association and trade associations serving sales representatives in the plumbing, marine, incentive products, housewares, electrical, healthcare, home and gift industries, and other product and service areas. He has provided services as an expert witness in numerous contested rep matters.

His practice areas also include leveraged buy outs, business continuation plans, estate planning, probate, trust administration, real estate, trade association law, trademarks and general corporate matters.  He is admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Gerry has written many articles published in industry trade journals, and has conducted numerous seminars for trade and professional associations on manufacturer rep relations, succession planning, principal communications, contracts, estate planning and patent, trademark and copyright issues.

Professional Memberships

• Chicago Bar Association

• Illinois State Bar Association

• Decalogue Society

Bar Admissions

• Illinois Bar

• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division

• United States Patent and Trademark Office

Education

• J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago

• B.S.M.E., University of Illinois, Champaign