Dan Brenner
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Coming from a family with several generations of general contractors, Dan Brenner has a reputation for being a "mensch with a wrench." But that extends beyond basic handiwork. He's a construction attorney during the day and uses his free time to help build Chicago's Jewish community.
Dan has been named an "Emerging Lawyer" in Construction Litigation by Leading Lawyers since 2014 and a "Rising Star" in Construction Litigation by Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for the top 2.5 percent of all Illinois attorneys under the age of 40. Yet he's an even bigger star for the Jewish Council for Youth Services -- he has served on the board since 2011 and held nearly every leadership post, including his current role as president.
Dan is also involved with JUF, where he sits on the committees for the annual Real Estate Division dinner and Steak and Scotch event.
AGE:
35
PRIMARY GIG:
Partner at Laurie & Brennan, LLP, a boutique law firm focusing on construction law
ON THE SIDE:
Father to two energetic boys and Jewish Council for Youth Services Board President
RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Happily married
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My wife, who has devoted her career as a Jewish non-profit professional and inspires me on a daily basis to do what I can to give back to the Jewish community in my role as a volunteer leader.
HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
Primarily in two different ways: 1) Networking with other Jewish professionals; and 2) Celebrating the Jewish holidays and traditions with my family. My sons and I also treasure the afternoons when we receive a new PJ Library book to read over and over and over and over again.
IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
I would create a foundation that distributes funds to organizations committed to fostering new and innovative ideas to meet the everchanging needs of the Jewish community and also to those organizations that help develop Jewish leaders who are committed to creating positive change in our community. In my spare time, I would travel the world with my family on a boat.
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