Audra Pavilcius Karalius excels at evaluating complex business issues, regulatory requirements and risks, sustainability trends and developing insightful, comprehensive business solutions. She is also passionate about assisting her clients in assuring their future through effective estate planning.

Audra has successfully managed legal and business opportunities at Nalco Chemical Company, Argonne National Laboratory and Sara Lee Corporation. She has served as Corporate Counsel, Vice President, Sustainability, Environment and Safety and Chief Environment, Health & Safety (ESH) Counsel. These positions have given Audra extensive experience in corporate, labor, employment, and ethics law. She is adept at dealing with various stakeholders. Audra has managed due diligence and contract term negotiations for numerous corporate transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures.

EDUCATION

  • BS, Chemistry, DePaul University, 1974

  • MS, Chemistry, DePaul University, 1975

  • JD, Loyola University School of Law, 1981

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Illinois

  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

Corporate

  • Adept at evaluating complex business and legal issues, trends, requirements and risks, and developing insightful, comprehensive business solutions.

  • Drafts and negotiates business acquisition agreements, services contracts and leases.

  • Merger & Acquisitions work.

  • Assists clients in business reorganizations.

Estate Planning

  • Believes that Estate Planning encompasses the growth, conservation, and transfer of an individual’s wealth through the creation and maintainance of an “estate plan”. The purpose of estate planning is to develop a strategy that will maintain the financial security of you and your family through your lifetime and facilitate the intended transfer of their property and assets at death.

  • Prepares estate plans considering many factors, including age, marital status, family, value of assets, how assets are held, whom the intended beneficiary is, healthcare desires, etc.

  • Assists you in developing an estate plan that will distribute your estate in the most economical manner while still achieving the desired result.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Counsels clients in general business matters, including corporate governance and regulatory, labor and employment compliance.

  • Represents corporate interests and ensures compliance with DOL & EEOC.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Recognized by Leading Lawyers as one of the Top Business Lawyers in Illinois since 2020. Named a Leading Lawyer in Closely & Privately Held Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, and Trust, Will and Estate Planning Law (2018-2024).

  • Named by Super Lawyers an Illinois Super Lawyer, Corporate/Business Law and Estate Planning (2023-2024).

ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

  • President, Board Member, the Lithuanian Foundation ($50 million in assets)

  • Former Board Member, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Engineering Advisory Board

  • Past Vice Chair, Public Service, American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources In-house Counsel Committee

  • Cabrini Green Legal Aid volunteer

  • Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, Lawyers in the Classroom volunteer

  • Audra is a leader in legal and community organizations.

  • Audra is a recognized conference speaker and presenter on the topic of sustainability strategies and implementation.

  • Audra was an Adjunct Professor at Kendall College, teaching sustainability related classes.