PHILLIPS LYTLE'S BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES PRACTICE ANCHORS CHICAGO GROWTH STRATEGY

Newly named Chicago Office Leader Victoria L. Grady accelerates Midwest expansion plans with focus on banking and litigation

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Phillips Lytle LLP has appointed Victoria L. Grady, a Partner with the firm, to serve as Chicago Office Leader. In taking on the new leadership role, Ms. Grady will position the firm's nationally recognized Banking and Financial Services Practice at the center of its growth strategy in Chicago, one of the nation's foremost financial markets. She will also assist in leading Phillips Lytle's Litigation Practice in the Midwest and lead regional efforts to recruit top legal talent and deliver the firm's multifaceted expertise and ultra-responsive service to clients.

Across the markets it serves, Phillips Lytle represents more than 55 banking and finance clients, ranging from national and regional lenders to large-scale financial institutions and international banks to community banks and credit unions.

"As a global financial center, Chicago is an ideal market to continue growing our Banking and Financial Services Practice. It's one of Phillips Lytle's most longstanding industry strengths, and we've made it a priority for our Midwest expansion plans," said Ms. Grady. "Phillips Lytle has built momentum in Chicago, thanks to our expansive capabilities, finance and litigation expertise and what we call 'sophisticated grit.' As we enter this new phase of growth, I'm excited to help lead us forward."

As Phillips Lytle continues to expand its presence in Chicago, the firm plans to strategically add lateral talent in areas of strong growth, including telecommunications, energy, data centers and real estate among others. These investments will build on the Chicago office's established banking and financial services and litigation capabilities while further strengthening the firm's ability to serve clients across industries and address evolving legal and business needs throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Phillips Lytle's Banking and Financial Services Practice advises clients through complex financing arrangements, growth-accelerating transactions and high-stakes business challenges. Its capabilities span across mergers and acquisitions, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, middle-market and commercial lending, commercial real estate, mortgage finance, affordable housing, community development, wealth management, cross-border transactions and more. The firm delivers practical, business-focused counsel tailored to the evolving needs of the financial services industry.

With three decades of legal experience, Ms. Grady has honed her leadership skills through many years of advising clients through consequential negotiations amid pressure from stakeholders on all sides of their deals. The financial institutions she represents rely on her for guidance and support in commercial lending, affordable housing, development financing, secured transactions, complex financing structures and other matters. A 30-year Phillips Lytle veteran, Ms. Grady is a member of the firm's Governing Committee.

"Chicago remains an important growth market for Phillips Lytle, and Victoria is the right leader to help push the office to new heights. She brings the experience and vision necessary to further expand our local presence, attract top talent and build meaningful client relationships," said Phillips Lytle Managing Partner Douglas W. Dimitroff. "With Victoria taking charge of the office, we are expanding the local focus on banking and financial services, while building on the litigation platform that has already established a strong foundation in Chicago."

In addition to banking and financial services, which have been a cornerstone of Phillips Lytle's practice for more than a century, the firm has developed top-tier capabilities in litigation, energy, data centers, telecommunication, technology, cybersecurity, real estate, corporate law and more. This wide-ranging, continually expanding roster of practice areas reflects Phillips Lytle's commitment to providing clients with strategic, multidisciplinary counsel as industries and markets evolve. The firm's attorneys prioritize service excellence in every client engagement. They get to know their clients' businesses, offer informed advisement and deliver practical solutions when complex legal challenges arise.

Phillips Lytle LLP is a preeminent law firm that is recognized nationally for its legal excellence. With offices throughout New York and in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Canada, our attorneys serve a multinational client base, including Fortune 1000 companies, global and regional financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, middle-market companies, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals on important matters affecting their businesses and personal wealth. For more information, visit www.phillipslytle.com.

Contact:

Tracey Mancini
Communications Manager
716-847-8340
[email protected]

SOURCE Phillips Lytle LLP