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    1. Home
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    3. Charles R. BernardiniPeople
    1. Home
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    3. Charles R. BernardiniPeople

    Charles R. Bernardini

    Partner


    • Chicago
    • Office312.977.4377
    • crbernardini@nixonpeabody.com
    • English (en) / Italiano (it)
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    Introduction

    Charles Bernardini concentrates on corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions. He also assists clients in procurement and economic incentive negotiations with U.S. state and local governments. He served for 12 years in elected office in Chicago, on the Chicago City Council and the Cook County Board. In 2014, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano conferred upon him the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

    Practice Areas

    M&A and Corporate TransactionsRegulatory & Government Relations

    Industries

    Cannabis

    My focus

    I focus my practice on two primary areas, stemming from my experience in corporate law and as an elected official in local government in Chicago.

    Transactions for corporate clients

    I’ve represented clients ranging from large multinationals to small- and medium–sized businesses and from Maestro Andrea Bocelli to the Italian Consulate of Chicago (pro bono), on a wide variety of matters related to doing business in the United States and Italy, including:

    • M&A
    • Litigation
    • Corporate formation and tax planning
    • Arbitration
    • Contracts
    • State and local government economic incentives
    • Work visas and green cards

    Government Relations

    I regularly advise U.S. and foreign companies in their procurement activities with Chicago and its related entities. I’ve also represented clients in obtaining economic incentives from local and state governments in many U.S. cities, counties and states for their manufacturing or commercial investments.

    Representative experience

    • Acquisition of assets of Wisconsin-based manufacturing company by leading piemontese producer of decorative laminate products. Formation of USA corporation to operate the business and provision of general counseling on operational legal matters, including IP, employment, environmental, contracts
    • Government relations counseling and lobbying for Chicago City Council and executive branch approvals of procurement agreements with Chicago airports and city agencies
    • Special Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for assisting 2nd largest county in the USA on real estate development projects
    • Successfully lobbied Chicago City Council for approval of long term leases and bonding authority at O’Hare International Airport for leading North American developer of airport cargo facilities
    • Special Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County, Illinois, advising on public/private redevelopment of Cook County Hospital and on construction of a new Provident Hospital
    • Planning and formation of U.S. subsidiary for Italian manufacturer and supplier of auto components; assistance with strategy on negotiating economic incentives from local governments; advice on construction contract for new US factory; providing legal opinion to Italian bank lender
    • Acquisition of US distribution company by leading Italian and US manufacturer of porcelain and ceramic tiles
    • Acquisition of majority interest in US food distribution company by leading Italian producer of cold cuts and pre-sliced meat products
    • Acquisition, by leading Italian trade show owner and organizer, of USA trade show services and design solutions company
    • Acquisition, by leading Italian tourism and events company, of USA tour operator
    • Sale of Canadian arm of U.S. subsidiary of Italian industrial group to Canadian investors
    • Leading Italian manufacturer of industrial equipment, in the corporate and fiscal planning of a new U.S.A. production facility
    • An Italian private equity fund in the tax and corporate planning of a U.S. subsidiary for one of its portfolio companies, and ongoing legal representation of the subsidiary
    • Italian manufacturer in the merger of its U.S. subsidiaries and 401 (k) plans
    • Italian manufacturer of construction materials in a joint venture with a U.S. investor
    • Italian manufacturer in structuring U.S. loan portfolios and other corporate matters
    • Italian manufacturer of auto components in the tax and corporate structuring of a manufacturing subsidiary in Michigan
    • Italian manufacturer in negotiating and structuring of a production joint venture in Ohio that involved tax and corporate planning
    • Multinational Swiss-based company in commercial litigation in U.S. federal court in California, obtaining multimillion-dollar settlement, including settlement of claims in USA, Switzerland and Italy
    • U.S. subsidiary of Italian industrial group in successful prosecution of commercial lawsuit against Korean supplier; defense of patent lawsuit brought by a competitor; restructuring of USA bank financing; and employment agreements and visas with executives
    • Maestro Andrea Bocelli in the negotiation of performance and merchandise contracts in North America
    • Italian manufacturer in successful defense of a patent lawsuit in Texas and of the appeal in Washington DC
    • Leading Italian fashion company in obtaining a successful arbitration result before the AAA International Centre for Dispute Resolution in New York
    • One of Italy's largest industrial groups, counseling on interaction with city, state and federal U.S. governments
    • Leading Japanese manufacturer, negotiating the bidding and procurement practices of the City of Chicago and related agencies
    • Leading worldwide financial institution, regarding state and local government affairs in the USA
    • National transportation company in coordinating its Chicago governmental relations and zoning for the establishment of a distribution center in Chicago
    • Several national banking and insurance companies, regarding Illinois and Chicago governmental affairs counseling
    • U.S. manufacturers in structuring and negotiating European distribution contracts, under U.S. and EU antitrust laws
    • U.S. manufacturers in structuring and negotiating joint venture and cross-licensing agreements with EU companies
    • Several Italian manufacturers in lawsuits in Wisconsin and Illinois involving former executives
    • Several Italian manufacturers in obtaining successful litigation results in Wisconsin and Illinois involving non-competition clauses of former or current executives
    • Numerous industrial and commercial property owners in negotiating TIF incentives and redevelopment agreements with Chicago and suburban municipalities
    • Diverse European clients in identifying and negotiating economic incentives from state and local governments in the United States
    • National distribution company in a successful lawsuit against a competitor, alleging theft of trade secrets
    • Several European manufacturers in successfully defending patent infringement lawsuits in Texas and Illinois
    • European machine tool manufacturer in a successful defense of a commercial lawsuit in Minnesota. 
    • Several U.S. investors in tax and corporate planning and negotiation of professional sports franchises in Italy
    • European bankruptcy trustees in U.S. proceedings
    • Pro bono representation in the U.S.A. of the Porretta Terme Soul Music Festival
    • Counseling not-for-profit organizations on conducting internal ethics and disciplinary hearings and proceedings, and revising their internal rules and procedures

    Government Experience

    • Alderman, 43rd Ward, City of Chicago (Elected), 1993-1999
    • Commissioner, Cook County Board (Elected), 1986-1992
    • Special Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for Election Fraud, Office of State’s Attorney Richard M. Daley, 1981-1983
    • Legislative Assistant to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, 1972-1974

    Looking ahead

    Italian manufacturers who had production in the USA prior to 2008 came out of that crisis sooner and stronger, because the US market came out sooner and stronger. I expect the same thing to occur after COVID-19. It makes sense for Italian manufacturers to have production—or at least assembly and servicing—in the USA, to better serve and compete. To do so, Italian companies should understand the economic incentives offered by US state and local governments and the visa work rules for sending over Italians.

    See Charles discuss his thoughts in further detail here. For a PDF from his presentation, click here.

    Insights

    Presentations

    • “Da Globalizzazione a neo-Regionalizzazione: Opportunità (e necessità) per le Aziende e i Dirigenti italiani negli USA”, Federmanager Lombardia, 17 ottobre 2022
    • “Crisi Russia – Ucraina: le sanzioni degli Stati Uniti ed i controlli sulle esportazioni”, Camera di Commercio di Torino Webinar, 15 giugno 2022
    • “Lavorare e sviluppare partnerhip e investimenti con una prospettiva transatlantica: principali normative, incentivi e problematiche in Italia e negli Stati Uniti”, Transatlantic Investment Committee Webinar, 10 maggio 2022
    • “Diversità, Equità e Inclusione: Migliori Pratiche Internazionali”, Federmanager e Fondirigenti Webinar, 16 dicembre 2021
    • “Le imprese del settore alimentare si aprono agli Stati Uniti”, Confesercenti Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, 2 luglio 2021
    • “Finanziamento dei Contenziosi da parte da Terzi”, Associazione Internazionale Giuristi Lingua Italiana, 18 maggio 2021
    • “USA dopo Trump: Incentivi per investimento; Visti di lavoro e di entrata”; Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna, 14 dicembre 2020
    • “Mercato Statunitense Consigli Pratici”, Istituto Commercio Estero e Camera di Commercio di Torino, 29 giugno 2020
    • “ USA: Covid Bankruptcy Opportunities, Current Problems and Challenges for the Future”, Bar Association of Sao Paolo, Brazil, June 17, 2020
    • “Misure di sostegno al credito e all’internazionalizzazione delle aziende in Italia e negli Stati Uniti”, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, 21 aprile 2020
    • “Accessing state and federal economic assistance for small US businesses”, Italian-American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago, 14 aprile 2020
    • “Mercato Immobiliare: I Mercati USA e Italia a Confronto”, Camera di Commercio di Bari, 24 settembre 2019
    • “Le Opportunità del Mercato Immobiliare Americano”, Confcommercio Veneto, Mestre-Venezia, 15 maggio 2019
    • “Selling & Investing in the United States of America”, Umbria Export e Confindustria Umbria, 27 settembre 2017
    • “Esportare negli USA e Collaborare con le Imprese Americane nell’Era di Trump”, Unioncamere Emilia Romagna, 14 settembre 2017
    • “Considerazioni nel costituire società in USA”, European Innovation Academy, Politecnico di Torino, 26 luglio 2017
    • “Dalle Alpi alle Montagne Rocciose, Nuovi Panorami di Internazionalizzazione per l’Economia della Valle”, Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta, 24 luglio 2017
    • “Il Settore Agroalimentare negli Stati Uniti: Approccio al Mercato, Nuove Regole, Opportunità e Previsioni”, Camera di Commercio della Romagna–Forlì-Cesena e Rimini, 14 dicembre 2016
    • “Operare negli Stati Uniti: incentivi economici, esigenze della grande distribuzione, trovare partner”, Unione Parmense degli Inustriali, 20 settembre 2016
    • “Planning to Open a Subsidiary in the USA”, U.S. Business Forum, Camera di Commercio di Torino, 16 novembre 2015
    • “Seminario di Approfondimento sugli Aspetti Tecnici, Normativi e Doganali nell’Esportazione di Prodotti Agroalimentari negli Stati Uniti”, Confindustria Perugia e Export Umbria, 11 giugno 2015
    • “Opportunità per pmi italiane di fare business nel Mercato Statunitense”, Seminario di Federmanager Bologna, 15 ottobre 2014
    • “Il Settore Immobiliare negli U.S.A.: opportunità per enti italiani”, Unione Piccoli Proprietari Immobiliari, Santa Margherita Ligure, 18 settembre 2014
    • “Investire e operare negli USA”, Confindustria Belluno, 28 ottobre 2013
    • “Accordi di trasferimenti di tecnologia in ambito internazionale”, Banca di Credito Cooperativo Alto Reno, Porretta Terme (BO), 25 ottobre 2013
    • “Il Mercato Statunitense: caratteristiche, incentivi, considerazioni”, Camera di Commercio di Torino, 19 settembre, 2013
    • “La strategia di penetrazione del mercato statunitense”, Camera di Commercio di Torino, 27 giugno, 2013
    • “Un Management innovativo per il manifatturiero: fra marketing globale e Teoria dei vincoli”, CIS Industriali Reggio Emilia, Chicago, 10 ottobre 2011
    • “Investire e Operare Negli USA: Opportunità e Strategie Operative”, Camera di Commercio di Bologna, 22 settembre 2011
    • “Strategie ed opportunità per penetrare il mercato USA”, Promos Monza Brianza, 20 luglio 2011
    • "Elementi da considerare nella strategia di entrare in USA", Centro Estero Internazionalizzazione Piemonte, Torino, 21 giugno 2011
    • "U.S. Federal and Local Government Investment Incentives", From Concept to Car, Centro Estero Piemonte, 23 settembre 2010
    • "Opportunità di Mercato e Incentivi agli Investimenti negli Stati Uniti: Quali Scenari per Le PMI del Friuli Venezia Giulia?", Camera di Commercio di Udine, 22 settembre 2010
    • "L'ingresso nel Mercato USA attraverso la costituzione di joint-venture: profili operativi e contrattuali", Lapam Confartigianato Imprese, Modena, 21 luglio 2010
    • “La Politica Industriale di Presidente Obama, Opportunità per Aziende Italiane”, Confindustria Como, 8 febbraio 2010, in collaborazione con la Camera di Commercio Americana in Italia
    • “Investire Negli U.S.A. – Analisi Concreta dei Nuovi Incentivi”, Confindustria Genova, 9 febbraio 2010, in collaborazione con Unioncamere Liguri e Provincia di Savona
    • “La distribuzione dei prodotti tipici sul mercato americano: cautele e strategie”, Centro Lorenzini, Comune di Porretta Terme, Provincia di Bologna, 24 luglio 2009
    • "Opportunità per le aziende italiane nell'America di Presidente Obama - Incentivi per Investimenti", CIS Scuola per la Gestione d'Impresa, Associazione Industriale di Reggio Emilia, 13 febbraio 2009
    • "Come le PMI Emiliano-Romagnole possono essere presenti nel mercato USA", Cassa di Risparmio di Cento, 12 febbraio 2009
    • “Incentivi fiscali del Governo statunitense per le imprese italiane”, Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, 9 ottobre 2008
    • “Opportunità di mercato e incentivi agli investimenti negli Stati Uniti quali scenari dopo le elezioni presidenziali”, Camera di Commercio di Siena, in collaborazione con la Facoltà di Economia Richard Goodwin dell’Università degli Studi di Siena, 8 ottobre 2008
    • "Investire Negli USA: incentivi dagli enti governativi americani e indicazioni a livello contrattualistico e societario", Associazione Industriale di Reggio Emilia, 17 luglio 2008
    • Co-Chair, “Illinois Real Estate Development and Finance” Seminar: 2006, 2007 and 2008, Seminar Group, regarding Government Approvals, Incentives, Credits, Abatements
    • “Incentivi Economici Offerti dagli Enti Governativi Americani: identificarli, negoziarli, redigerli, Consigli pratici”, Camera di Commercio di Verona, 5 giugno 2007
    • “Come Operare Nel Mercato U.S.A.; La Distribuzione e L’Etichettatura Dei Prodotti Alimentari”, Camera di Commercio di Treviso, luglio 2004
    • “Ingresso Nel Mercato USA e La Formazione di Joint Venture”, Camere di Commercio di Bologna e Modena, luglio 2004
    • “Il Mercato Agroalimentare U.S.A., Opportunità e Strumenti”, Camera di Commercio di Reggio Emilia, luglio 2004
    • “Negotiating and Drafting Cross Border Joint Venture Agreements”, International Trade Club of Chicago / Tooling and Manufacturing Association Global Connections Conference, Chicago, March 2004
    • “Establishing and Acquiring a Business in a Foreign Jurisdiction,” Insight Seminar on International Transactions, 2002, Chicago 
    •  “Opportunità, Incentivi, Sostegni a Favore delle Imprese Italiane che vogliono vendere e investire nel mercato Statunitense e Nafta”, Camere di Commercio di Modena e Parma, ottobre 2002
    • "Establishing and Acquiring a Business in a Foreign Jurisdiction," Insight Seminar on International Transactions, Chicago, April 15, 2002
    • “La Gestione di un contenzioso Negli USA; Cautele contrattuali e strategie difensive”, Camere di Commercio di Forlì, Bologna, Modena, Torino, Milano, Venezia, 2001
    • “Doing Business in Illinois,” Camera di Commercio di Treviso, ottobre 1999
    • "Selling to, Investing in, Europe," Phoenix International Seminar, Chicago, April 15, 1999
    • “L’ offerta dei prodotti all’estero - il contratto di agenzia e di disbrituzione commerciale; profili contrattuali e problematicle fiscali”, Camera di Commercio di Modena, novembre 1998
    • “Come affrontare la partecipazione del privato nei servizi pubblici: l’esperienza di Chicago”, Regione Emilia-Romagna, settembre 1998
    • “Le joint ventures tra le imprese italiane e americane: investire negli Stati Uniti” - Conferenza organizzata dall’Ervet s.p.a., Aster s.cons. a r.l. e dal Centro Estero delle Camere di Commercio dell’Emilia-Romagna - Bologna, 16 luglio 1997
    • “I contratti di intermediazione commerciale: profili operativi in Europa e negli Stati Uniti” - Convegno organizzato dall’Ervet s.p.a congiuntamente all’Aster s.cons. a r.l. e al Centro Estero delle Camere di Commercio dell’Emilia-Romagna - Bologna, 23 luglio 1996
    • “L’interscambio Italia-USA: Opportunità di Business per le Piccole e Medie Aziende Umbra”, Camera di Commercio di Terni, 21 maggio 1993
    • “Milano e Chicago: le opportunità di scambio e di interventi per gli operatori industriali e commerciali”, Associazione Industriale Lombarda, ottobre 1988

    Publications

    • “Organizzare gli investimenti in Cina...il trend e le scelte,” Fiscalità e Commercio Internazionale, Wolters Kluwer Ipsoa, n. 10/2021
    • “SBA LOAN PROGRAMS available to US companies, including potentially subsidiaries of Italian companies” - Newsletter Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna Informa n. 12/2020
    • “Considerazioni sull’Arbitrato: difetto di imparzialità dell’arbitro e rischio di pregiudizio”, Il Bollettino dell’Associazione Giuristi di Lingua Italiana, n. 71, Febbraio 2020
    • “Considerazioni sul fenomeno del finanziamento delle spese di causa da parte di (terzi) investitori negli USA”, Il Bollettino dell’Associazione Giuristi di Lingua Italiana, n. 71, Febbraio 2020
    • “Le nostre aziende investono negli States”, UnionCamere Emilia-Romagna, 15 Aprile 2019
    • “Vendere impianti, attrezzature e macchinari in USA: direttamente o tramite la propria filiale statunitense?”, Fiscalità e Commercio Internazionale, Wolters Kluwer Ipsoa, n. 2, 2019
    • “USA: Commercio Estero, Componenti e Brevetti”, Il Bollettino dell’Associazione Giuristi di Lingua Italiana, n. 64, 2017
    • “Elezioni USA. Il rebus della politica economia”, Progetto Manager, Federmanager, ottobre 2016.
    • “Vendere impianti, attrezzature e macchinari in USA... come minimizzare, l’esposizione alle passività fiscali, le vendite”, Fiscalità e Commercio Internazionale, Wolters Kluwer Ipsoa, n. 11, 2016
    • “Contenzioso commerciale negli Stati Uniti d’America – Italia. Rifiuto di testimoniare”, Il Bollettino dell’Associazione Internazionale Giuristi di Lingua Italiana, n. 61, 2016
    • “Fare impresa negli Stati Uniti”, Beesness, Milano, Digital Magazine, June 17, 2014
    • “Dove costituire una società negli USA…il mito di Delaware”, Fiscalità & commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 4, 2013
    • “Franchise in USA: Opportunities in 2013”, Italia Franchising Year Book 2013, Edifis S.p.A., n. 2-2013
    • “Retail (e non solo) Oltreoceano: tutti i costi per operare in USA”, Retail & Food, Edifis S.p.A., marzo 2013
    • “Franchisor e Retailer: situazione attuale e prospettive future in USA”, BeTheBoss.it, dicembre 2012
    • “Brevettare negli USA: come accelerare la procedura?”, Mercato Globale.it, Promos Milano, 2012
    • “USA: causa dei brevetti, l’importanza della “Due Diligence” pre-processuale”, Fiscalità e commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 1, January 2012
    • “L'impatto del Patent Reform Act in USA”, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 22, 2010
    • “Google e 'discovery' negli USA di comunicazioni elettroniche pertinenti ad un utente del loro servizio”, Il Bollettino dell'Associazione Internazionale Giuristi di Lingua Italiana, n. 50, 2010
    • “La tutela dei diritti civili dei lavoratori disabili: il recente caso statunitense della United sulla discriminazione sul luogo del lavoro”, con Matteo Gulino, Il Bollettino dell'Associazione Internazionale Giuristi di Lingua Italiana, n. 49, 2010
    • “Incentivi degli enti governativi americani per attirare investimenti”, Penta Group S.r.l. (e-book, www.toplegal.it ), settembre, 2009
    • “Presentazione”, Obama Leadership, FrancoAngeli/Trend, 2009
    • “Ovvietà di un brevetto e volontarietà nella contraffazione”, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 9, 2008
    • “Conservazione di documenti e distruzione di prove nel contenzioso civile USA - e discovery”, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 18, 2007
    • “L’era del documento elettronico e la electronic discovery law negli USA”, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 5, 2007
    • “Incentivi degli enti governativi americani per attirare investimenti”, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 2, 2007
    • “Industrial Development Incentives Offered by Federal, State and Local Governments”, Office & Commercial Real Estate Magazine, Volume VI, Winter 2006-2007
    • “L'impatto della normativa fallimentare statunitense sui contratti e sull'arbitrato internazionale”, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 5, 2004
    • “U.S. Sales Representative Laws”, Zincografica Felsinea s.r.l. Bologna, 2003
    • “Il recupero crediti negli Usa, una missione possibile”, con Antonio Di Meo, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 8, 2001; Italian American Business, 11-12/2001
    • “L'Assegno Negli Stati Uniti D'America”, con Antonoio Di Meo, Commercio internazionale, Ipsoa, n. 22, 2000
    • “La normativa Usa antidumping e i pericoli per le societa' italiane”, con Alessandro Albicini, Italian American Business, No. 5-6, 1999
    • “Should the size of the Illinois House be Cut?: No”, Illinois Issues, Vol. VI, n. 1, January, 1980
    • “The Illinois State Board of Elections: A History and Evaluation of the Formative Years”, The John Marshall Journal of Practice & Procedure, Vol. II, n. 2, Winter, 1977-78
    • “Major Revamping of statutes needed to give State Board of Elections independence from politics”, Illinois Issues, Vol III, n. 3, March, 1977

    In the news

    • Crain’s Chicago

      Big O'Hare cargo expansion back on track

      This article on a project to expand Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s cargo space mentions Chicago Corporate partner Chuck Bernardini for representing the developer, Aeroterm. Chuck is also quoted for his outlook on this project as the first major project at the airport to be led by a Black-owned construction firm.
      Jan 25, 2021
    • Radio 24

      Nessun Luogo è Lontano

      This Italian radio segment features Nixon Peabody partner Charles Bernardini discussing U.S. legal and constitutional issues of removal of a president from office.
      Jan 8, 2021
    • Formiche.net

      Ecco perché la democrazia Usa è a rischio. Parla l’avv. Bernardini

      This article features an interview with Nixon Peabody partner, Charles Bernardini, regarding President Trump’s challenge to the 2020 presidential election results.
      Nov 14, 2020
    • Sole 24 Ore Radio 24

      Radio 24 con Charles Bernardini

      This Italian radio segment features Nixon Peabody partner Charles Bernardini discussing procedural steps involved in challenging the 2020 USA presidential election results.
      Nov 6, 2020
    • <a href="https://www.econerre.it/primo-piano/sba-loan-programs-available-to-us-companies-including-us-subsidiaries-of-italian-companies/" target="_blank">Econerre</a>

      SBA loan programs available to US companies including US subsidiaries of Italian companies

      Chicago Corporate partner Charles Bernardini wrote this contributed article for an Italian publication discussing which Italian subsidiaries in the United States may be eligible for disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.
      March 24, 2020
    • Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno

      Due convegni a Barisui rapport transatlantici tra Italia e Stati Uniti

      This Italian publication mentions Chicago Corporate partner Chuck Bernardini’s September 24 speaking engagement at Bari Chamber of Commerce on “Opportunities in the U.S. Market.” Bari is a major international commercial hub in southern Italy.
      Sep 13, 2019
    • UnionCamere Informa

      Our companies look toward the States

      Chicago Corporate partner Charles Bernardini wrote this article, originally in Italian, discussing the phenomenon of Italian companies setting up assembly and production in the United States, and the economic incentives available to attract them.
      April 24, 2019
    • Wolters Kluwer’s Fiscalità Commercio Internazionale

      Vendere impianti, attrezzature e macchinari in USA: direttamente o tramite la propria filiale statunitense?

      In this contributed article to Wolters Kluwer’s Italian business publication, Chicago Corporate partners Chuck Bernardini and Frank Emmons discuss state and federal tax, customs and corporate considerations for an Italian manufacturer exporting plants, equipment and machinery to the USA, particularly whether to do so directly or through a U.S. subsidiary.
      Feb 12, 2019
    • La Gazzetta Di Parma

      Hillary e Trump: gli scenari dell’ultima partita

      This Italian publication quotes Chicago M&A and corporate transactions partner Charles Bernardini discussing the U.S. presidential race. Charles discusses the closing efforts of the candidates in terms of getting voters to the polls and how that differs from Italy where everyone is registered automatically. The article refers to Charles' family roots in Emilia-Romagna and our firm’s Chicago office.
      Nov 7, 2016
    • Fiscalità e Commercio Internazionale

      Vendere impianti, attrezzature e macchinari in USA... come minimizzare, l’esposizione alle passività fiscali, le vendite

      Article by Charles Bernardini and Frank Emmons on sales tax and use tax issues facing foreign companies selling and installing manufacturing equipment in the United States.
      Oct 1, 2016
    • Gazzetta di Parma

      Stati Uniti porte aperte alla qualita

      This article summarizes a seminar in Parma on exporting food products to the USA at which Charles Bernardini spoke.
      Sep 22, 2016
    • Gazzetta di Parma

      Export Agroalimentare Negli USA

      Partner Charles Bernardini is included in this article on a discussion of exporting food and beverage products to the United States.
      Sep 6, 2016
    • DNAinfo: Chicago

      Gold Coast Development Scaled Way Down After Major Legal Battle with City

      Chicago partner Chuck Bernardini is quoted in this feature article discussing the issue of zoning and development in Chicago.
      March 28, 2016
    • Il Bollettino dell'Associazione Internazionale Giuristi di Lingua Italiana

      Contenzioso commerciale negli Stati Uniti d'America – Italia. Rifiuto di testimoniare

      Partners Charles Bernardini and Kevin Shea co-authored this article discussing the refusal to testify by an Italian witness in U.S.-Italian cross-border commercial litigation. Click here to read the full article.
      March 1, 2016
    • Crain's Chicago Business

      What's really going down with the CTA's big rail car deal

      Former Chicago alderman and Chicago partner Charles Bernardini is included in this column as representing Bombardier of Canada in a Chicago Transit Authority bid for 846 new rail cars.
      Feb 22, 2016
    • Crain's Chicago Business

      A night in Chicago with Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina

      Chicago partner Charles Bernardini is quoted in this article highlighting the recent Italian American Chamber of Commerce Midwest event honoring Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO of Walgreen Boots Alliance.
      Jan 26, 2016
    • Crain's Chicago Business

      Name Chicago Cultural Center after Lois Weisberg

      Chicago partner Chuck Bernardini is quoted throughout this column about renaming the Chicago Cultural Center after Lois Weisberg, as a tribute to Chicago’s former city cultural affairs chief who died last week.
      Jan 15, 2016
    • La Gazzetta dello Sport

      Cordata Usa per l? «Altra Milano» La città sogna il ritorno del derby

      In this Italian sports business newspaper, this article notes that an Italian sports franchise is for sale. Chicago partner Chuck Bernardini has been has contacted to seek a buyer.
      Nov 15, 2015
    • Il Resto del Carlino (Bologna, Italy)

      Il sindaco torri: mercoledi' diamo la cittadinanza a Charles Bernardini

      This coverage notes that Chicago partner Chuck Bernardini will be given honorary citizenship at a ceremony on July 22 in Lizzano in Belvedere, Italy. Lizzano is part of the Province of Bologna. The ceremony is part of a 3-day business conference.
      July 16, 2015
    • New York Times

      In an Ocean of Cynicism, Sturdy Faith

      Charles Bernardini is featured within Believer: My Forty Years in Politics, by David Axelrod. Charles is highlighted as David's first winning candidate (Cook County Board in 1986) when he began his political consulting career.
      Feb 6, 2015
    • www.linkiesta.it

      Charles Bernardini Quoted in Italian Digital Newspaper, <em>Linkiesta</em> Regarding the Future of Italian Exports to the United States

      Charles R. Bernardini was quoted in the Italian Digital newspaper, www.linkiesta.it. The article, titled "Stati Uniti, il ritorno al futuro dell’export italiano," discusses the future of Italian exports to the United States:

      "Una conferma della tendenza a installarsi negli Usa non solo per semplici esportazioni arriva da Charles Bernardini, ex direttore della Camera di Commercio italiana del Midwest e avvocato d’affari dello studio Ungaretti & Harris di Chicago. Insieme con l’aumento di esportazioni dall’Italia, stiamo vedendo anche un tipo di export più sofisticato. Le aziende italiane che esportano stanno costituendo in Usa proprie filiali, sia per svolgere il ruolo di importatore e catturare quel guadagno, sia per vendere ai clienti americani prodotti realizzati dalla filiale, in modo da apparire come "società americana", immagine sempre più importante per molti clienti statunitensi.

      Le aziende italiane che hanno successo in Usa, aggiunge Bernardini, «sono quelle che hanno investito tempo per visitare gli Usa, preparato un business plan, commissionato una ricerca di mercato a un professionista americano, impiegato tempo per trovare e selezionare il partner giusto americano."

      To read the full article, click here.

      Feb 7, 2014

    Admitted to practice

    Illinois

    Education

    University of Illinois, B.S., Communications
    University of Illinois College of Law, J.D.

    Professional activities

    • Pro bono US Counsel, Porretta Soul Festival
    • Member, American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit
    • American Chamber of Commerce in Italy, Representative for Illinois
    • Honorary Legal Advisor to Italian Consulate of Chicago
    • President, Italian Chamber of Commerce of Chicago, 2006-2009
    • President, Emilia-Romagna Association of Illinois
    • Consigliere, Associazione Internazionale Giuristi della Lingua Italiana
    • Associazione Nazionale Avvocati Italiani, Socio Onorario
    • Co-Chair, Finance Committee, Preckwinkle for President
    • Chairperson, Global Markets Committee, Illinois Economic Recovery Commission
    • Former State Chair, Independent Voters of Illinois
    • Former Chair, Advisory Council, Illinois Eye Bank

    Recognition

    • AV Preeminent Attorney, Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Cittadino Onorario di Lizzano in Belvedere, 2015
    • Cavaliere Ufficiale all’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, conferita dal Presidente Giorgio Napolitano il 1 giugno 2014
    • Riconoscimento Speciale Contenzioso Brevetti, Intellectual Property 2013 Awards, by Legalcommunity.it Milan, Italy, June 17, 2013
    • Excellence in Law Award, 2011, Italian Chamber of Commerce, Chicago
    • Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Publishing Company
    • Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
    • National Law Journal: Chicago's Top Lawyers
    • Founders Award, Illinois Eye Bank
    • Chiavi della Città, Porretta Terme 1999
    • Leslie and Rosalie Anixter Center Legislator of the Year award, 1995
    • IVI-IPO Glynn Sudberry award, 1988
    • IVI-IPO Legal Eagle award, 1982

    Languages

    Italian

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