Kirstie Brenson

Associate

Kirstie is a thoughtful, creative, and dedicated litigator who is committed to exceeding client expectations.

Kirstie Brenson Portrait

Kirstie concentrates her practice on complex contract claims, business torts, fiduciary litigation, disputes among owners of privately held businesses, and the media, entertainment, and sports industries. She has successfully represented clients at all stages of litigation – in state and federal trial courts, in arbitrations, and on appeal, including in the Seventh Circuit and the Illinois Supreme Court. Time and time again, Kirstie has proven her ability to learn quickly by successfully prosecuting and defending claims involving different areas of law and challenging facts.

Kirstie pays close attention to business objectives and industry-specifics in avoiding and resolving disputes for her clients. Kirstie puts her curiosity to work for her clients by identifying issues before they become problems and by proposing strategic solutions consistent with her clients’ ultimate objectives. Kirstie has uncovered issues with clients’ internal practices and helped clients to correct those issues to avoid significant liability.

Client Work

  • Obtained preliminary injunctions preventing the enforcement of an Iowa law that required the removal of books from school and classroom libraries on behalf of Penguin Random House, four award-winning authors, the Iowa State Education Association, teachers, a librarian, and a high school student.
  • Obtained a $95 million settlement for the co-founder of a proprietary trading firm after a four-week jury trial and on the morning of closing arguments for claims for wrongful removal as an owner and manager.
  • Drafted reply brief that led a unanimous Illinois Supreme Court to abolish the “test the waters” doctrine, which for at least 30 years some Illinois courts had invoked to limit a party’s absolute right to a single substitution of judge, ensuring uniformity throughout the state.
  • Examined witnesses, successfully briefed and argued motions in limine, and successfully argued jury instructions in  four-week jury trial.
  • Drafted briefs that defeated summary judgment and reconsideration on complex breach of contract claim.
  • Briefed successful Seventh Circuit appeal resulting in affirmance of dismissal of Sherman Act and Illinois Deceptive Trade Practices Act claims.

Solving Disputes Series

Our content series, “Solving Disputes Among Business Partners and Owners,” helps owners anticipate potential problems when structuring their businesses and find solutions to common issues among owners of privately held businesses, both before and during litigation. Kirstie is a leading contributor to the series.

View Solving Disputes Series

Presentations, Publications & Recognitions

Presentations

  • “Don’t Let Your Privilege Turn Into A Pumpkin,” ArentFox Schiff Family Office University, Conference (Oct. 29, 2025)
  • “Fighting Fiduciary Fires: Causes and Cures for Trust and Estate Disputes,” NYSSCPA 2024 Annual Private Wealth Conference, New York (Dec. 12, 2024)
  • “Family Office Investments: What Information Should Beneficiaries Be Provided?” ArentFox Schiff Family Office University, Conference (Nov. 13, 2024)
  • “Keeping Controversy at Bay: Litigators’ Lessons for Family Offices,” ArentFox Schiff Family Office University, Conference (July 26, 2023)

Recognitions

  • Illinois Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters (2023-2025)
  • Roger Pascal Pro Bono Award (2023)
  • Go To Thought Leader, The National Law Review (2022)

Professional Activities

Pro Bono

  • The Exoneration Project, Clinical Student

Professional Memberships

  • Media Law Resource Center
  • American Bar Association
  • Chicago Bar Association

Insights

Awards

National Law Review Go-To Thought Leader 2022