Francisco E. Connell

Francisco (Cisco) Connell is a Principal in the banking and corporate transactions practice groups and a problem solver known for his calm and reassuring manner. As such, he often finds himself tapped for particularly challenging or sensitive cases. Clients choose Cisco to be that steady hand guiding them through complex commercial litigation as well as more routine transactional matters.

Leader of the firm's Banking Group, Cisco represents banks and other financial institutions in bankruptcy proceedings, creditors’ rights cases and complex commercial workouts, and he often can be found in court advocating on behalf of his clients. Recognizing that litigation is not always the best option, however, he regularly weighs cost against probable outcome and recommends the best course of action that will benefit each client.

Besides lenders, Cisco also represents small and midsized business entities both inside and outside the courtroom, providing counsel on entity formation, real estate acquisitions and leases, intellectual property, contracts and more. He works closely with clients and enjoys taking time to get to know them. Cisco takes a holistic approach to client service. With clients ranging from construction companies and dental practices to individuals and other lawyers, he sees the relationship much like a partnership that will secure the business’s best interests going forward. Accordingly, he looks for opportunities to ensure the client’s future business needs will be met—on everything from a wide scope of employment matters to succession planning and asset protection.

Cisco credits nearly a decade of experience as a Chicago police officer for cultivating his people skills and ability to manage difficult situations. Handling domestic calls on a daily basis taught him how to introduce calm when stress is in the room.

Cisco has served on the firm’s Management, Marketing and Litigation Committees and chaired the Recruitment and the Diversity & Inclusion Council. He currently serves on the Compensation Committee.

Leading Lawyers has recognized Cisco as an Emerging Lawyer for the past three years. Super Lawyers magazine selected him an Illinois Rising Star six years in a row.

Cisco and his wife are raising their three boys in Chicago—Cisco’s own hometown and a city he remains passionate about. The kids’ baseball, hockey and soccer games keep them all busy after hours and on weekends. He and his family also enjoy vacationing in Colorado, both summer and winter, and especially when there is opportunity to ski.