Gould + Ratner

David

Wayne

Partner

David Wayne represents companies and sophisticated individuals in complex business disputes, particularly those involving real estate, commercial disputes and employment-related matters. He has successfully litigated cases to judgment in Illinois state and federal courts, as well as to award before the American Arbitration Association, and he frequently appears before state and federal agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Department of Labor.

David has also developed a practice advising and assisting real estate brokerage companies in connection with their legal needs including assisting with enforcement of lien and contractual rights; responding to IDFPR audits, and counseling regarding licensing rights and duties.

David's breadth of experience has also enabled him to hone his skills as a trusted advisor and outside general counsel to successful entrepreneurs and business owners. In addition to assisting with dispute resolution (both pre-litigation and once in court), David also provides his clients with an array of services. These include drafting and negotiating employment and independent contractor agreements, preparing vendor agreements, and reviewing and counseling relating to leases, brokerage agreements and other real estate related contracts. Beyond these services, David also draws on his experience to help business owners triage the issues they face and, when necessary, direct them to outside sources of assistance.

Before joining Gould & Ratner, David was a partner at a large national firm’s Chicago office.

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Connect with David

(312) 899-1625 Office

Connect with David

(312) 899-1625 Office

Credentials

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Education

  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Northwestern University, B.A., Political Science, 1993

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois

Affiliations

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  • Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker
  • Member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago (HBAGC)
  • International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

Key Cases or Transactions

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    Litigation

  • Obtained an award at arbitration in favor of a financial services industry client for the recovery of significant wrongful charges levied upon it in connection with a revenue and cost sharing agreement.
  • Obtained summary judgment for a trading company who was sued for allegedly breaching a contract to engage in a joint business venture relating to the creation of trading funds.
  • Obtained a seven-figure judgment in favor of a nationally known personality in a defamation action
  • Obtained dismissal of lawsuit against telemarketer claiming violation of federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
  • Human Resources and Employment

  • Obtained dismissal of claim before Illinois Department of Human Rights against dental practice alleging religious discrimination.
  • Successfully defended (at the trial and appellate court levels) a real estate brokerage firm and company principals in action seeking both company and individual liability for alleged violations of Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act arising out of a brokerage fee agreement with former employee.
  • Successfully litigated claim against former employee of real estate brokerage firm violations of restrictive covenants contained in employment agreement.
  • Assisted client in internal investigations relating to alleged discriminatory promotion practices involving veterans.
  • Real Estate

  • Obtained a dismissal with prejudice on behalf of a property management company sued for allegedly acting as a state actor and violating the plaintiff’s claimed rights to use public spaces.
  • Successfully defended (at the trial and appellate courts) a real estate developer in a fraud action in connection with the sale of real estate.
  • Obtained successful resolution of high-profile forcible entry and detainer actions that were delaying development of very large real estate project.
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More than just legal advisors, our lawyers consistently demonstrate the care and commitment that set us apart from much larger law firms.