"Sulema is a terrific addition to our national insurance practice," said Andrew C. Kassner, Drinker Biddle's chair and chief executive officer. "She is an experienced trial lawyer, having successfully defended high-profile insurance clients in federal district and circuit courts. She joins a deep – and growing – bench of skilled insurance litigators, and we are pleased to welcome Sulema to Drinker Biddle."

Prior to entering private practice, Ms. Medrano served as an assistant state's attorney in Cook County, Illinois, beginning in the criminal appellate division and then moving to the domestic violence division. During her nearly two years in the state's attorney's office, she litigated more than 23 trials to verdict and successfully defended more than 18 appellate cases on issues including ineffective assistance of counsel, excessive sentencing, proper jury instructions, and the adequacy of the trial evidence.

"We have one of the premier insurance industry platforms in the country, and Sulema brings impressive litigation skills and substantial trial experience that add further depth and versatility to those capabilities," said Stephen A. Serfass, chair of the firm's insurance practice. "She is also active in the legal and business communities, and has earned a strong reputation for her collegial and collaborative approach. That, coupled with her superb advocacy skills, make her an excellent fit for Drinker Biddle."

Ms. Medrano earned her B.A. from Michigan State University and her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law. While in law school, she served as a judicial extern to District Judge Ruben Castillo of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Ms. Medrano has served as president of the Hispanic National Bar Association's Region IX and chair of its Commission on Women. She is a member of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Gun Violence and has served as a board director of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois.

Learn more: https://www.drinkerbiddle.com/.