Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg
Partner
Financial Services & Restructuring
Lisa Vandesteeg is a Partner in the Financial Services & Restructuring Group at Levenfeld Pearlstein. She focuses on identifying risk exposure and mitigating liability for clients, with a concentration in the areas of bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, commercial litigation, and data security and privacy.
She represents secured creditors, debtors, unsecured creditors, creditors’ committees, landlords, and shareholders in bankruptcy courts throughout U.S, as well as representing clients in civil litigation in federal and state courts.
Her passion is helping clients identify and resolve potential problems related to creditors’ rights, troubled businesses, bankruptcy and workouts, and business disputes. She strives to resolve disputes without litigation, but when necessary, she will litigate cases logically and efficiently. She prioritizes client communication and an ongoing understanding of the clients’ objectives and what “success” in a particular case looks like so she can create a customized plan of action.
Lisa advises clients on cybersecurity and privacy compliance and regulatory issues. She also guides clients in developing and implementing information security programs that are reasonable and appropriate for their specific business needs and risks, as well as advising them in responding to data breaches.
In addition to her robust legal practice, Lisa is also on the Board of Directors of Chicago Run, an organization that promotes the health and wellness of Chicago children through innovative, engaging, and sustainable youth running programs.
Additional Information
Education & Admissions
Education
- Boston College, J.D.
- Columbia University, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- New York
Memberships
- Board of Director of American Bankruptcy Institute
- International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation
- International Association of Privacy Professionals
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
Awards
- Illinois Super Lawyers Top 50 Women: 2020-2023
- Illinois Super Lawyers Top 100: 2021-2024
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2016-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2021-2025
- Ranked in Chambers USA, 2022 - 2024
- Notable Women Lawyers, Crain’s Chicago Business, 2022
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers, 2020-2024
- Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2011-2015
- 40 Under 40, Chicago Law Bulletin, 2017
- 40 Under 40, America Bankruptcy Institute, 2017
Q&A
What’s one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?
I hate public speaking – which is a pretty substantial problem for a litigator in need of a strong courtroom presence. It took me years of practice to build up confidence and get past my fear of being the center of attention.What is your favorite month of the year and why?
October. Hands down. Fall is my favorite season, in general, with apple-picking and pumpkin-carving. The sky is still blue, but the air is cooling off. There are plenty of evenings out on the patio with a fire. And the kids are settled back into the rhythm of the school year. October is also a month of celebrations for me – wedding anniversary, birthday, and Halloween.If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be?
I’d love to be a marine biologist and underwater photographer. I am an avid SCUBA diver, having been certified for over 20 years and with more than 100 dives under my belt. There is little that makes me happier and more relaxed than spending time underwater.
Want a few photos of some cool ocean critters? Click Here.
“Being an insolvency litigator requires work, passion and an understanding of the risks involved for a client, and ability to reach a result in an effective manner. Lisa provides streamlined service while working hard to push the ball forward toward a client’s end goal.”
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