Sidley partner Janelle Ibeling has been honored at Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 2022 Salute! Top Women in Law Awards. The annual program selected Janelle for her work advancing other women in the profession, for her professional achievements, and her leadership in the community.
With Chicago playing a major role in the global hedge fund industry, Janelle uses her front-row seat to advise investment managers and investors on the structure and operational needs of hedge funds and private equity funds. She counsels clients in connection with single investor funds, managed accounts, co-investments, and regulatory matters. Janelle spends a significant amount of time advising asset managers on life cycle events, including agreements among principals, seeding capital, spin-outs of funds/teams of employees, revenue shares, and acquisitions/sales of equity.
Janelle prioritizes mentoring through extensive involvement at Sidley and in the community. She is involved with the renowned Chicago Scholars, which mentors high school students aspiring to be first generation college students. Janelle regularly mentors young female lawyers through a Chicago-based mentoring program. Janelle is a prominent leader, mentoring and developing careers of young Sidley lawyers through the Evaluation of Associates Committee and the Diversity Mentoring Program.
Emma Rodriguez-Ayala, General Counsel of Legal & General Investment Management America said, “When I first started my career, Janelle was instrumental in showing me the ropes, helping me navigate partner dynamics, and sharing the joys of afternoon frozen yogurt as the energy boost for a long evening of work. She was my first call both when I needed work and when I was overwhelmed with work. I ultimately decided that I wanted to go in-house, and I could only do that because of the time Janelle spent teaching me the basics of asset management.”
Janelle’s civic leadership includes serving on the board of Chicago Cares where she has participated in community involvement activities. Janelle is a member of the Granting Committee of Help For Children, which provides grants to child abuse prevention and treatment interventions. Janelle is also a member of the Advisory Committee for Invest for Kids. She has coached elementary students for Girls on the Run. Janelle and her family have also served as a host family for Safe Families, which provides safe environments for children while their parents face challenges presented by homelessness and addiction. She and her family welcomed children into their home and provided a nurturing and healthy environment.