Buchanan Ramps Up Expansion in Chicago with Three Shareholders

CHICAGO (January 2026) - Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney continues its expansion of the Chicago office with the addition of Nathalina Hudson, shareholder in the litigation section; Nathan Howze, shareholder in the corporate section; and Jean Marie R. Pechette, shareholder in the healthcare section. 

“As we celebrate our first year in Chicago, we’re excited to welcome three new shareholders to our ranks,” said Jim Newell, Chairman and CEO. “They add significant experience to our bench and will be leaders in the office as we continue to enhance the value we offer clients across our national platform.”

“This is a great way to kick off 2026 as we continue to focus on meaningful growth in our Chicago office,” said Michael Gaertner, shareholder and head of the Chicago office. “The new shareholders and their practice areas align with key opportunities for the firm, and I expect more growth in the Chicago office as the year continues.”

With more than 20 years of experience, Hudson focuses her practice on white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and cybersecurity management, including incident response and recovery. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

Howze focuses his corporate law practice on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, joint ventures, entity formation and corporate governance, and other business matters. He serves as trusted outside counsel to private equity and venture capital funds, family offices, investors, start-ups and emerging companies in a diverse range of industries, including technology/AI, manufacturing, logistics, food and beverage, life sciences, real estate and cannabis.

With more than 20 years of experience, Pechette serves clients ranging from start-ups and emerging growth companies, health systems, to several multinational Fortune 500 companies, including industry leaders that offer software, hardware, cloud computing platforms, online advertising, search engine technology, artificial intelligence and other advanced technology products and solutions. She focuses her practice on sophisticated healthcare technology-based transactions with an emphasis on information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity, and intellectual property law matters.

Buchanan launched its Chicago office in January 2025 with 17 lawyers and six professional staff joining the firm. It opened its new office at 150 N. Riverside Plaza in early 2025.