Background
Schmidt, John R. was born on November 24, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Edward F. and Josephine (Roggen) Schmidt.
Schmidt, John R. was born on November 24, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Edward F. and Josephine (Roggen) Schmidt.
Bachelor magna cum laude, Harvard College, 1964. Juris Doctor cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1967.
Associate Mayer, Brown & Platt, Chicago, 1967-1973, partner, 1973-1984, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Chicago, 1984-1993. Ambassador, chief United States negotiator for Uruguay Round United States Department Justice, Washington, 1993—1994, associate attorney general, 1994—1997. Partner Mayer Brown LLP, Chicago, since 1998.
Visiting scholar Northwestern University School Law, 1997—1998.
Member editorial board Chicago Lawyer, 1978-1988. Contributor articles to professional journals.
Chair Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, 1980—1982. Co-chair Citizens for Court Reform, Chicago, 1988—1992. Appointed chair Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, 1989—1994.
Board trustees Chicago Symphony Orchestra, since 1978, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1989—1993, since 1998. Chair board overseers Chicago-Kent Law School, since 1998. Board directors Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Northwestern Center Human Rights, National Forum Crime & Justice.
Fellow: American Bar Foundation. Member: American Bar Association, Chicago Council Lawyers (president 1974-1976).
Married Janet Gilroy, April 24, 1982. 1 child Laura.