Robert M. "Bob" Hayward, Securities Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted securities attorney serving Chicago.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Robert M. "Bob" Hayward is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Securities.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Securities
- Handles Securities matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Chicago) (2026).
About Robert M. "Bob" Hayward: Robert M. "Bob" Hayward is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Securities.
Areas of practice
Robert's practice areas in Chicago
Robert concentrates on securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Securities cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes securities matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Robert M. "Bob" Hayward, securities attorney serving Chicago
Robert M. "Bob" Hayward is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Securities. Robert works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on securities matters across the region.
Bob Hayward – named a “Notable Gen X Leader” by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2021 and a “Trailblazer in the Midwest” by The American Lawyer in 2022 -- helps lead the team that has been awarded “Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year” numerous times by Law 360.
Bob provides direct, thoughtful and practical advice to publicly-traded corporations — across all industries — and private equity funds and their portfolio companies in all aspects of securities, M&A, SEC compliance/ disclosure, corporate governance, stockholder activism, executive compensation, crisis management and general corporate matters. He has extensive experience representing companies in IPOs, high-yield and investment grade debt offerings, private financings, joint ventures and public and private M&A transactions.
Some of the publicly-traded corporations that Bob regularly advises include: The Boeing Company, Deere & Co., Kellogg Company, Cushman & Wakefield, Ping Identity Holding Corp., Ryan Specialty Group, PowerSchool, JAMF Software, R1 RCM, Inc., Whirlpool Corporation, Sylvamo Corp., Victoria’s Secret, Wynn Resorts, Carvana Co., Datto Holding, Maravai LifeSciences, Oak Street Health, Express, Inc., U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., Tenneco Inc., Innovage, Integrated Ad Science, LiveVox, Inc. and Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.
Robert's approach to securities cases
Bob Hayward – named a “Notable Gen X Leader” by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2021 and a “Trailblazer in the Midwest” by The American Lawyer in 2022 -- helps lead the team that has been awarded “Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year” numerous times by Law 360. Bob provides direct, thoughtful and practical advice to publicly-traded corporations — across all industries — and private equity funds…
Clients Robert works with
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for securities matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Robert studied and practices
Northwestern University
J.D. · 1997
Northwestern University
— · 1994
Robert studied at J.D. in Northwestern University and — in Northwestern University.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in Northwestern University and — in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Robert's legal honors and published work
Robert has received 14 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Chicago)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Chicago)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Chicago)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Capital Markets
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Disclosure
2026
Best Lawyers in America — High Yield
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers & Acquisitions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Equity
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Chicago) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Chicago) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Chicago) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026).
Locations
Robert M. "Bob" Hayward's office in Chicago
Robert's primary office is at 333 West Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, 60654. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert M. "Bob" Hayward
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Robert M. "Bob" Hayward — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new securities attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a securities attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many securities matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Robert
Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in securities practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every securities matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many securities practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert M. "Bob" Hayward
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a securities case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some securities attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do securities cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple securities matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Robert is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Robert?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new securities clients right now?
Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Securities attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Robert handles securities matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified securities attorneys in that community.
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If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these securities attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





