NILOFER UMAR 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 lightning smart, excellent with client service, and extremely accommodating with her time. She goes above and beyond. She is both as professional and aggressive as they come.”
Chambers USA 2025
Nilofer has handled matters around the country for clients including Walgreens, United Natural Foods, Treehouse Foods, Caterpillar, Discover Financial Services, Allstate, NiSource, Power Solutions, Brunswick, Cabela’s, Diplomat Pharmacy, Keurig, and others.
“Nilofer is thoughtful, knowledgeable and sensitive to business concerns. She is a good partner for our company.”
Chambers USA 2025
She is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers USA within the Litigation: Securities—Illinois category (2025). She has been named as a runner up for “Litigator of the Week” by The American Lawyer after leading a Sidley trial team to a full victory. Nilofer is also recommended by Legal 500 United States for Securities Litigation: Defense (2025). Earlier in her career, Nilofer was recognized as a “Notable Rising Star in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business; as one of “40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch” by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin; by Law360 as a “Rising Star” in the area of Securities Litigation; by Legal 500 United States as a “Next Generation Lawyer” in the area of M&A Litigation; and by Leading Lawyers as an “Emerging Lawyer” in the areas of Directors & Officers Liability Law and Commercial Litigation.
Nilofer is 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. She is a member of the Philanthropy and Engagement Advisory Council for the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities at Lurie Children’s Hospital.