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David Brown Bio Image | Much Law

David is the legal quarterback for his clients, counseling public companies and closely held businesses on complex matters, including strategic planning, talent development, acquisitions and dispositions, private placements of debt and equity, and tax and entity structures.

From advising on the competition for talent, to supply chain issues, to macroeconomic concerns like inflation or recession preparation, David offers clients strategic advice to address the daily risks of running a business. His relationships span decades and demonstrate David’s commitment to his clients’ success, including advising on succession planning and serving as a general sounding board.

David represents institutional lenders in virtually all aspects of commercial real estate and corporate loan and workout transactions. He also represents a number of commercial real estate firms, assisting them with the acquisition, development, and financing of real estate projects.

As Much’s co-chairman, David is actively involved in strategic planning and leadership development for the firm. While focused on offering excellent service to clients, his leadership also emphasizes giving back to the community. In 2022, David and his wife received the Human Rights Medallion Award from the American Jewish Committee for their immense contributions to building a more enlightened and compassionate society. David was also appointed as general counsel of Navy Pier, a high-profile tourist destination in Chicago with unique legal issues involving multiple interested parties.

Much More Than My Work

I have been an active volunteer in the community for almost 40 years and am the incoming vice chair of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Previously, I served as national campaign chair of JFNA, where the collective raises in excess of $1 billion annually. I am currently chairing the Ukraine Allocation Subcommittee, raising funds for the humanitarian crisis and working with international nongovernmental organizations to ensure donations are properly allocated.

I am also a member of JFNA’s Executive Committee and prior chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council/Jewish Council for Public Affairs Task Force, which examines Jewish community relations in the United States. Previously, I served as chair of the Human Services and Public Policy Council, where I worked closely with JFNA’s Washington, D.C. office and lay leadership throughout the United States on health and long-term care issues, as well as disability and tax policies. Additionally, I am past chair of JFNA’s Global Operations: Israel and Overseas Council.

On a more local level, I am an active board member of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) and past chairman of its board of directors. I have held multiple leadership positions within JUF, and in 2016, I received the organization’s highest honor, the Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award that recognizes outstanding service to the local Jewish community.

Additionally, I am a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and am an active member of the YPO Gold Chicago Chapter, a global network of business leaders. Past leadership roles include chapter chair and learning officer.

The David T. Brown Community Service Award was established at Much in 2012 in recognition of my ongoing commitment to philanthropy. The annual award honors a Much staff member and attorney for ongoing dedication to the community and includes a donation to each recipient’s charitable organization of choice.

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