ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2025
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of our Attorney Alumni Newsletter. This quarter, we’re delighted to spotlight Hari Sevugan, whose career journey since leaving NGE has been nothing short of remarkable.
Hari first joined the firm as a summer associate in 2000, and returned full-time in 2001 after graduating from Northwestern University School of Law – the same year I began my own journey at NGE. His class of incoming associates was the first I had the chance to welcome to the firm, and they continue to hold a special place for me more than two decades later. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch their paths unfold, and Hari’s is a particularly inspiring one.
Though Hari was with us for a short period of time, his impact was lasting. Even then, his sharp intellect, quick wit, and deep curiosity stood out. That wit is still very much intact, as you will see in his profile – alongside a heartwarming photo of his son Noa, a reminder that some of life’s most meaningful milestones come later and with great joy. It’s no surprise that he went on to become a nationally recognized political strategist and communications expert, serving in senior roles on presidential campaigns and at the highest levels of government.
Hari’s story is a testament to the diverse paths our alumni take—and the foundational role that NGE often plays in launching them. We hope you enjoy reconnecting with Hari through this profile.
This issue also features news on our office’s LEED Platinum Certification, our first client event in our new office and a farewell to the 2025 Summer Associate class.
As always, we invite you to stay connected—whether by joining our LinkedIn alumni group, sharing your own updates, or simply reaching out. Our alumni community continues to be a source of pride and inspiration, and we love hearing from you.
Warmest regards,
SONIA MENON Chief Operating Officer
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
HARI SEVUGAN
Current Company and Position: Narrator
Message + Media, President
Time at NGE: 2001 – 2003
Former NGE practice group: Securities Litigation
Who had the biggest impact on you during your time at NGE?
I worked with so many thoughtful, generous, brilliant attorneys at every level of NGE, including Nick Berberian, Tina Levin, Chris Burky, and Tricia Black.
How did your legal training at NGE prepare you for your transition to a career in politics?
Politics, and more broadly strategic communications, hinges on the ability to persuade. Understanding who my audience is and who it isn’t, what they value and what they don’t, what moves them and what won’t, are the essential questions I work with every day. Answering these requires an ability to lift up persuasive arguments and edit out lesser ones. It’s not that different from writing a brief.
You’ve served as a senior spokesperson for Barack Obama and held leadership roles in major campaigns. What’s been the most memorable moment in your political career?
An unusually warm night in Grant Park in the fall of 2008 wasn’t bad. But more than the big moments like election nights and debates, the memories I hold dearest are the late nights on the trail or in the conference room with my colleagues. Campaigns are team sports for grown-ups, and the camaraderie forged by shared purpose, intensity, and a steady diet of junk food and beer, is magical.
What is the biggest misconception people have about working in political communications?
It’s not the West Wing. It’s not Veep either. It’s somewhere in between.
How did you prepare for your transition from working in campaign policy to campaign communications?
Here’s a secret: Policy on a campaign is really a vehicle for message. It’s less about whether it’s sound from a policy perspective, and more about what it says about a candidacy.
HARI’S QUICK THOUGHTS
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done outside of work?
Having a baby in my 50s.
Best political soundbite you’ve ever delivered (or wish you had)?
“If they think kneeling for the national anthem isn’t patriotic, wait till they hear what General Lee and the boys did.”
Also, “Who?” and nothing else is always a great on the record response when asked to respond to anything by an annoying critic.
What’s your favorite destination in your hometown?
Wrigley on weekday afternoon, getting a breakfast sandwich at Kasama, and driving up Lakeshore Drive from the south.
If your career were a movie, what would the title be?
“Everything in Moderation.”
Best book you’ve read recently?
Barbarian Days by William Finnegan – Finnegan is a NYT international affairs journalist who happens to surf a lot. This book is a memoir of his surfing adventures.
Favorite political drama or documentary?
The War Room – A behind the scenes look at the communications team on the 1992 Clinton campaign.
The Superbad scene where McLovin shares his fake ID with Jonah Hill and Michael Cera for the first time. Something that never fails to make you laugh?
SHARE YOUR STORY
Let us know if you would like to be profiled in a future newsletter. Email alumni@nge.com
NEW ARRIVALS
New Hires
Brian White Counsel Corporate & Securities
Welcome Back
Alexis Johnson Director of Marketing & Business Development
As our new Marketing & Business Development Director, Alexis now leads our Alumni Network efforts! We’re thrilled to have her at NGE.
Emily Goldenberg Associate Corporate & Securities
Dhanoa Associate Litigation
We are thrilled to welcome our 2024 Summer Associate class back to the firm as full time associates!
Nick Laureano
University of Chicago Law School Associate Labor & Employment
Grace Wickstrom
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology Associate
Intellectual Property
Anna Ylitalo
Chicago-Kent College of Law,
Illinois Institute of Technology Associate Real Estate
Hannah Anderson
University of Chicago Law School Associate
Corporate & Securities
Sudeep
LIFE AT NGE
Client Event
Earlier this month, we welcomed our clients to The Bell for our largest event yet in our new building. Guests enjoyed a beautiful evening of live music, food and drinks, while taking in the stunning rooftop views. We look forward to planning an event for our alumni in our new space, to fully bring the past, present and future of NGE together.
Open House
Attorneys and staff invited their friends and family to check out the new office during our first open house. Guests of all ages had a blast playing games in the amenity spaces and soaking in the skyline views.
Potluck
Our annual Potluck Throwdown was even better this year in our new communal eating space, The Club. The annual event showcases our firm’s cooking talents with a friendly cooking competition.
Blood Sugar Management Program
NGE hosted a program on blood sugar management and how nutrition plays a role in optimizing our performance in the workplace. Registered dietician Kim Ross MS, RD, CDN, explained the effects of different foods on our blood sugar, energy levels and mental clarity and provided tips for improvement.
RECENT NGE CLIENT ALERTS
Parity on Ice: MHPAEA’s 2024 Final Rule Heads to the Penalty Box
7.7.25 | Linda Hoseman, Patricia Cain, Aaron Weiss; Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Read Alert >
AI and Social Engineering Practice Tips
7.28.25 | David Wheeler; Intellectual Property
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Federal court finds that training AI on copyrighted books is “quintessentially” transformative fair use
Partner | David Wheeler
Associate | Josh Hanson
Westlaw Today
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How Hospitality Employers Can Prepare for New Union Representation Tactics
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New Slogan, new packaging, and a letter of protest: Danone V. Chobani
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Associate | Ali Maloney
The Trademark Lawyer
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How Lululemon v. Costco could impact IP strategies for private label branding Expert Viewpoints
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Partner | Tanvi Patel
Associate | Ali Maloney
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QUOTES
Specialty Line Insurance Cases
To Note: 2025 Midyear Report
Counsel | Freya Bowen
Law 360
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House Bill Would Ban FMLA Cap for Same-Employer Spouses
Associate | Alissa Griffin
SHRM
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Growing Pro Bono Without Dedicated Staff: Perspectives from Two Firms with Strong Programs
Paladin Partner | Mike Turner
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ACCOLADES
How Law Firms Are Winning The Succession Game
Managing Partner | Bobby Gerber
Law 360
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What Attys Want to Know About Lutnick’s Harvard IP Threat
Partner | Tom Campbell
Law 360
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Corporate & Securities Partner Brian Crump has been named one of Law Bulletin’s Media’s 2026 “40 Under Forty”, marking the 16th consecutive year an NGE attorney has been featured.
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Michael Gray named Notable M&A Dealmaker by Crain's Chicago Business
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Larry Richman ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2025
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70 NGE Attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers
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SUSTAINABILITY & PRO BONO
NGE Achieves LEED Platinum Certification for New Office at The Bell
We are proud to announce that our new office at The Bell, has achieved LEED Platinum Certification under the LEED v4 Interior Design & Construction (ID+C) rating system—the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED certification is a framework for constructing sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective buildings. NGE is the only law firm in Chicago to have achieved this distinction.
NGE focused sustainability efforts in six key areas:
• Materials & resources
• Water efficiency
• Energy & atmosphere
• Indoor environmental quality
• Innovation & regional priority
• Location & transportation
We plan to build on this momentum by advancing our ESG initiatives and sharing best practices with peers across the legal and business communities.
To read the full press release, click here.
2025 CBF Pro Bono & Public Service Awards
In July, NGE attorneys attended The Chicago Bar Association & The Chicago Bar Foundation’s 2025 Pro Bono & Public Service Awards. Marlon Lutfiyya, Director of Talent & Diversity, served as Co-Chair of this year’s Selection Committee and awards luncheon. This event recognizes attorneys in our legal community for their remarkable pro bono and public service achievements. The attorneys honored this year have devoted their pro bono work to causes aiding immigration rights, disabled individuals and equal housing access.
2025 SUMMER ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
As we wrap up another wonderful summer, we say goodbye to the 2025 Summer Associate class. Each year, we enjoy providing our summer associates with an educational and enriching program at NGE, as well as the sights and sounds of a memorable Chicago summer. Our summer associates enjoyed a Cubs game, dinners out in Chicago’s famous neighborhoods and even a visit to the future home of the Obama Foundation Presidential Center.
STAY CONNECTED
SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS
Did you get a promotion or a new job? Get married? Welcome a baby?
Send us your news and milestones to alumni@nge.com so we can celebrate with you.
Join the Neal Gerber Eisenberg Attorney Alumni Network on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest news from the firm and connect with your fellow alumni.
Visit the NGE Alumni page on NGE.com to share your updated contact information with us.