Bio
With years of training and practical experience in the United
States and Europe, Joost van Rossum brings an international perspective to
complex commercial litigation and white collar criminal matters.
Clients trust Joost to undertake deep research into the legal
and technical aspects of their issues as well as investigate underlying facts
and issues, establishing a clear and compelling narrative that shapes their
case from the outset. Joost’s work includes managing the discovery process and
synthesizing data, drafting dispositive motions and briefs, and preparing
witnesses for depositions and trial. Whether responding to an initial
government inquiry, helping manage a business dispute, or representing a client
in court, Joost is a team member valued by clients and colleagues alike for the
responsiveness and quick work he brings to even the most daunting tasks.
In addition, Joost is committed to pro bono representation of wrongfully
convicted clients in multiple states. In his free time, he enjoys spending time
with his dog, Kaya.
Experience
Clerkships
District Court of Amsterdam & District Court of North Holland (2014-2016)
Representative Engagements - White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance
- Represented former CEO of multinational corporation as witness in U.S Attorney’s Office prosecution of alleged money laundering charges.
- Conducted audit of Fortune 100 company’s international investigation process and draft report outlining findings and recommendations.
- Protected interest of executive during government investigation into health insurer’s potential violation of the False Claims Act.
- Represented attorney-witness in U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecution of alleged conspiracy to commit $1 billion fraud and conspiracy fraud scheme.
- Represented a construction transportation company in a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into bribery of municipal officials and representations concerning underrepresented business enterprise involvement in public and private projects.
Representative Engagements - Civil Litigation
- Represented common carrier in compliance proceedings before the Chicago Commission on Human Relations resulting in a favorable settlement for the client.
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice of wrongful termination claims brought against Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company.
- Represented municipal corporation in wrongful death suit.
- Represented Fortune 500 company in ensuring their executive protection program is in compliance with state and federal laws.
Representative Engagements – Wrongful Convictions & Pro Bono Service
- Represented several individuals convicted of serious crimes in Cook County in appeals of wrongfully denied successive post-conviction petitions presenting new exculpatory evidence.
- Advocated for new trial in Michigan state lower and appellate court proceedings for wrongfully convicted individual.
- Filed federal habeas corpus petition seeking new trial and release of health care professional sentenced to life in prison without due process protections.
Credentials
Education
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, J.D., 2020, Center on Wrongful Convictions
The University of Chicago Law School, LL.M., 2017
VU University Amsterdam & University of Amsterdam, LL.M., Corporate Law, 2016, cum laude
President of the Criminal Law Legal Association
VU University Amsterdam, LL.B, Law, 2015, honors
VU University Amsterdam, BSc., International Business Administration, 2015
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Honors & Awards
2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Corporate Law and Criminal Defense: White-Collar), Best Lawyers®
Professional Memberships
Chicago Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Languages Spoken & Fluency
Dutch
German, Reading Proficient