Practice Focus
Margaret Firnstein Gebhardt is a partner in Tressler’s Litigation Practice Group in our Chicago office. Margaret isn’t afraid of trying cases; she has been protecting the interests of business owners in and out of the courtroom for more than 15 years. She enjoys researching and marshaling evidence to advocate for a party, and is apt to recognize when a case should be considered for early resolution.
Margaret is a litigator whose representations typically include defending construction firms, apartment and condo owners, and managers against all manner of claims. Margaret recently defeated citations issued against a building by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal following a fire that resulted in the death of a young woman. She also achieved summary judgment on behalf of a church in a matter involving alleged employment of a reverend with a history of sexual abuse. She has tried numerous jury trials and has authored appellate briefs.
Margaret started her career as a Cook County prosecutor. Her trial advocacy skills translated to civil litigation practice in 2007. She has since tried numerous bench and jury trials. Margaret has been dedicated to teaching and coaching law school students and young lawyers in trial advocacy skills since she started her career in 1999.
Margaret was selected by her peers to the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in Commercial Litigation. In 2024, she received the Outstanding Defense Verdict Award from the Jury Verdict Reporter. Margaret was also selected for three consecutive years from 2013 through 2015 to the Illinois Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list. She received the Excellence In Pro Bono Service Award from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2015. Additionally, Margaret received the 2008 Chicago-Kent College of Law Young Alumni Award.
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member
- DRI, Member
- TYLA National Trial Competition, 2004 and 2005, Former Lead Regional Coordinator
Margaret is a proud mom of three.