Phillip J. Zisook

zisook@dlec.com

Professional Bio
Phillip Zisook joined Deutsch, Levy & Engel, Chartered in 1992 and is a Principal. Phil concentrates his practice in First Amendment and Defamation law, commercial litigation, appeals, copyright and trademark litigation and employment matters. Phil also represents businesses and individuals in cases involving contracts, false advertising, business torts and fraud.

In litigating speech related cases, Phil's experience includes challenging a Chicago ordinance banning alcohol and cigarette billboards; defending media entities and individuals charged with defamation; and representing professional athletes, media personalities and prominent individuals in defamation and privacy actions. Phil successfully represented former Chicago Bear Keith Van Horne in a defamation case involving radio personality Mancow Muller. The case resulted in a settlement of 1.6 million dollars.

In addition to his litigation work, Phil has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois involving environmental issues. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Appellate Advocacy and Lawyering Skills at the John Marshall Law School. He has published several articles regarding defamation and First Amendment law, and has handled more than fifty appeals in various federal and state courts of review.

Education
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law: J.D., with Honors, 1978

• Member of the Law Review
• Teaching assistant in the Legal Writing Program

University of Illinois: B.A., Political Science, 1975

Admissions

• Illinois
• United States District Court, N.D. Illinois
• United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
• United States Supreme Court

Associations

• American Bar Association
• ABA - Section on Litigation
• ABA - Communications Law Forum
• Appellate Lawyers Association
• Chicago Bar Association