Philip Cowan
Chairman
Phone: 312-704-7224 (direct)
Phone: 312-782-5050 (main)
Fax: 773-360-7393
Email: pcowan@bnf-law.com
Departments: Chairperson – Labor & Employment, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration
Phil was raised in Chicago, Illinois and the Northern Suburbs. He attended the University of Illinois where he received a B.S. in political science in 1961. In 1962, Phil received a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.
After law school, Phil served in the U.S. Army eventually becoming a Reserve Army Officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps.
Since joining Berger, Newmark & Fenchel P.C., in June 1963, Phil has chaired the firm’s Labor and Employment group, served as a director, Vice President and Treasurer, President, and is currently Chairman of the firm. Phil’s areas of practice include all aspects of labor and employment law representing management, as well as corporate transactions, estate planning, trust administration and other related aspects of business.
Phil is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois Bar Association.
During his career he has practiced in both State and Federal Courts and various Administrative Agencies (Local, State and Federal).
Phil has been active in the Midwest Friends of the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled, an international non-denominational program providing financial support to the Center, empowering over 2,500 physically disabled men, women, and children to participate in physical and psychological rehabilitation through sports to attain the goal of leading productive and successful lives.
Phil is an avid golfer and served as a past President of his country club.
Phil and his wife Arleen spend much of their free time keeping up with their two married daughters, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, as well as pursuing an insatiable interest in extensive international travel.