Allison J. Satyr and Nilofer Umar Named “Notable Women in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business

Sidley partners Allison J. Satyr and Nilofer Umar have been named among the 2026 “Notable Women in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business. The list profiles Chicago women lawyers who, in addition to maintaining significant legal practices, serve as mentors for other women in their firms and bring their experience to their communities and nonprofits outside the office.

Allison is a co-leader of Sidley’s Private Credit and Syndicated Finance practice. She counsels banks, direct lenders, funds, and businesses with respect to a diverse range of finance matters and transactions. Allison frequently represents agents, arrangers, lenders, participants, borrowers, and private equity sponsors in structuring and negotiating financings, including multicurrency and cross-border transactions, across different markets and numerous industries. As an extension of her transactional practice, Allison frequently presents to clients, fellow lawyers, and law students on a variety of commercial lending topics, including market trends, bankruptcy basics, the Uniform Commercial Code, and secured transactions generally.

Nilofer is a co-leader of the firm’s Securities and Shareholder Litigation practice. She leads teams in representing public and private companies, boards of directors, and officers in high-stakes commercial litigation and investigations, including federal securities class actions, shareholder derivative suits, M&A litigation, contract disputes, special committee investigations, and in response to shareholder demands. Nilofer is the Chicago co-chair of Sidley’s Inclusion Committee. She is a member of the board of directors of CARPLS, Cook County’s largest provider of free legal services. Nilofer is also a member of the Philanthropy and Engagement Advisory Council for the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities at Lurie Children’s Hospital.