Richard P. Darke
Member

A formidable courtroom presence with a passionate commitment to his clients and their cases, Rick Darke matches his intuitive ability to connect with judges and juries with the enduring connections he forges with the businesses and individuals he represents in a wide range of commercial disputes.
Strategically aggressive when advantageous but always focused on achieving an optimal resolution that aligns with his clients' goals, Rick has substantial experience handling real estate, construction, energy, and healthcare-related litigation, including claims relating to partnership disputes, trade secret claims, tortious interference, privacy law, warranty claims, breach of contract, common law fraud, the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), fraudulent transfers, legal ethics and malpractice, restrictive covenants (non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements), and fiduciary duty claims. He is particularly well-versed in the unique and highly specialized real estate, construction, and energy issues related to the acquisition and development of large data centers.
“You can't effectively start work on a matter without contemplating the end of the matter. Every decision, argument, or rebuttal must be seen through the lens of how it will impact the outcome and whether it serves the client's ultimate strategic or business objectives.”
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- University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
- Western Michigan University, B.B.A.
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Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Court
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Trial Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
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Named an Illinois Leading Lawyer, 2013-2019
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Recipient of the Group Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service from the judges of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, 2009
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AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
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Areas of client focus

Trial Attorney Richard P. Darke Joins Dykema’s Chicago Office
Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Richard Darke as a Member in…