Geoffrey M. Pipoly
Geoffrey M. Pipoly
Geoffrey M. Pipoly
Biography
Geoff is a senior associate in the firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court and Business and Commercial Disputes Practice Groups. Geoff is an experienced trial and appellate litigator who brings his skills and passion to bear on behalf of his clients at every stage of the litigation process. At the trial court level, Geoff serves regularly as preservation counsel in complex trials. In that role, he advises trial counsel on the preservation of defenses and constitutional arguments; drafts dispositive motions; prepares jury instructions; drafts and responds to evidentiary motions and post-judgment pleadings; and consults on strategy throughout the pre-trial, trial, and post-trial stages.
At the appellate level, Geoff is passionate about drafting thorough, persuasive, and (above all) winning briefs for his clients. He has experience on a diverse array of complex topics ranging from drafting merits briefs for Fortune 50 companies in state and federal courts, to representing thousands of immigrants in a nationwide challenge to U.S. government policy, to drafting unique amicus briefs on hot-button issues involving the First Amendment, civil liberties, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Prior to joining BCLP, Geoff was a senior litigation and appellate associate at an international law firm. Before entering the private sector, Geoff spent two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Richard Allen Griffin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Geoff attended the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of the Order of the Coif. In law school, Geoff was a member of the Minnesota Law Review and a student editor for the journal Constitutional Commentary.
Civic Involvement & Honors
- Ravinia Festival, Associates Board Member (2022-present)
- National Immigrant Justice Center, Rising Star, 2018
- Mayer Brown LLP, Pro Bono Associate of the Year, 2018
- Mayer Brown LLP, Pro Bono Matter of the Year, 2019
Admissions
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Illinois, 2011
Education
University of Minnesota, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, 2011
University of Dayton, B.A., cum laude, 2005
Related Practice Areas
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Business & Commercial Disputes
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Intellectual Property and Technology Disputes
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Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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Regulation, Compliance & Advisory
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Appellate
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Class Actions
Experience
- Defended agricultural biotechnology company at state court trial against claims that its product caused cancer—obtained defense verdict.
- Defended agricultural biotechnology company in appeals against claims that exposure to company’s product caused cancer.
- Defended private consulting company in federal court against claims of professional negligence arising out of the Flint Water Crisis.
- Represented over 60,000 Haitian immigrants in challenge to federal government’s decision to terminate their immigration status—obtained 140-page nationwide injunction enjoining the government’s decision.
- Co-authored amicus brief in U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of satirical publication The Onion in support of petitioner who faced incarceration for his own satirical speech.
- Drafted amicus brief on behalf of 83 legal ethics scholars in support of petition for rehearing in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in case involving transgender inmate’s request for courts to refer to her as “she” and by her requested name. Wrote brief without using any gender-defining pronouns whatsoever to show that it can be done, contrary to Fifth Circuit panel’s opinion.
Resources
Publications
- Geoffrey M. Pipoly (with Michael A. Scodro), Illinois Civil Appeals: State and Federal, Ch. 25: Petitions for Rehearing, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2017 and 2022 Eds.).
- Geoffrey M. Pipoly (with Michael A. Scodro), Illinois Civil Appeals: State and Federal, Ch. 30: Certification of State Law Questions from the Seventh Circuit to the Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2017 and 2022 Eds.).
- Geoffrey M. Pipoly (with Evan M. Tager), Fourth Circuit Issues Important Decision on District Court’s Gatekeeping Obligation, Washington Legal Foundation Legal Pulse (Oct. 4, 2021). https://bit.ly/3S0inmw
- Geoffrey M. Pipoly, Daubert Rises: The (Re)Applicability of the Daubert Factors to the Scope of Forensics Testimony, 96 L. Rev. 1581 (2012).
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