TACY FLINT is an experienced appellate litigator who has authored briefs and critical motions in major commercial and constitutional cases in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and who has argued in state and federal courts of appeals around the country. Tacy’s strong advocacy for her clients won her recognition in 2017 as one of Forty Attorneys Under 40 in Illinois by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and as one of the 60 Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business. In 2015, she was honored as one of seven Rising Stars nationwide in Appellate Litigation by Law360.
Tacy’s work is sought after for her unique skill in crafting a factual and legal narrative in support of her client’s position. As one of her clients wrote for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, “she’s the heavyweight legal thinker and strategist you call when you want the knockout punch, be it an early dispositive motion or a Supreme Court brief. Tacy has a unique ability to tell her client’s story. A brief or motion written by Tacy does not simply set out key cases and facts. It builds the narrative.”
Tacy’s practice spans a wide range of legal issues, including antitrust law, ERISA, tax law, securities laws, federal jurisdiction and the First Amendment. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a law clerk to Judge Richard Posner of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Justice Stephen Breyer of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Representative cases have included:
- In the U.S. Supreme Court, won a ruling that a railroad could challenge a discriminatory state tax under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act, reversing a decision from the Eleventh Circuit.
- In a multimillion-dollar copyright and trade secret case, obtained dismissal of the complaint before a district court, successfully defended the dismissal on appeal to the Seventh Circuit, and won lawyers’ fees.
- In the Federal Circuit, succeeded in having an award of more than $500 million in patent infringement damages vacated and case remanded for a new trial.
- In a case in the Seventh Circuit concerning a novel interpretation of the Class Action Fairness Act, won judgment that class action had been properly removed to federal court.
- In appeals before the D.C. and Eleventh Circuits, won reversal of two separate district court judgments and prevented disclosure of private financial information under the Freedom of Information Act.
- In two separate cases, won dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6) of federal and state antitrust claims against regional trade associations.