Gerald L.Pauling

Partner

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Gerald is an accomplished litigator and trial lawyer, and a member of the firm's  Executive Committee. 


More About Gerald

Gerald has extensive trial and courtroom experience, and has represented employers in a wide variety of state and federal employment matters, including complex discrimination litigation and class actions, employment contracts, harassment claims, and claims brought under Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, and various other state and federal statutes. He also provides advice, training, and counseling to clients regarding employment policies and practices and diversity issues. 

Gerald is a member of Seyfarth’s seven-member executive committee, the leadership team that guides the firm’s growth and business strategy, and manages its global operations. 

Gerald’s achievements as an accomplished litigator and trial lawyer—whose court room advocacy includes numerous jury trial wins, summary judgments and "no money" settlements—have been broadly recognized. He was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, and also is a Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago. Gerald has consistently been listed in Illinois Super Lawyers in the area of Labor & Employment (Thomson Reuters) (2009-2020). In 2021, Crain’s Chicago Business recognized Gerald on its list of "Notable Black Leaders & Executives." Chicago United, one of Chicago's preeminent organizations devoted to business, leadership, and diversity, selected Gerald as a "Business Leader of Color." Gerald has been featured in Minority Corporate Counsel Association's Diversity and The Bar magazine as a "Cutting Edge Labor and Employment Practitioner," and in other prominent publications, such as the ABA Journal, Savoy Magazine, and the Law Bulletin.

Prior to joining Seyfarth Shaw, Gerald served as a clerk at the City of Chicago Law Department and an extern with the Honorable Terry J. Hatter, Jr., federal judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

  • JD, University of California, Los Angeles School of Law

    UCLA Moot Court Competition, winner (1990-1991)
    UCLA National Team, National Moot Court Tournament (1991-1992)
    UCLA Moot Court, executive board of justices (1991-1992)
    National Black Law Journal, business managing editor (1990-1991)
    Black Law Students Association, treasurer (1990-1991)
    Legal Research and Writing, teaching assistant (1990-1991)

  • BS, University of Illinois, College of Commerce
  • Illinois
  • US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, DC Circuit
  • US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan