Overview

Colton Long is an experienced litigator and legal advisor who prides himself on providing thorough, timely, and pragmatic legal advice on a broad range of business matters affecting employer-employee relationships across the United States, including:

  • Trade secret and restrictive covenant litigation and counseling and other related business competition matters
  • Securities whistleblower investigations, litigation, and counseling
  • Wage and hour litigation and counseling
  • Executive compensation and contract matters
  • Workforce restructurings and transactional due diligence matters

Colton also has broad experience advising businesses on employer policies and practices, with particular experience guiding clients through the maze of workforce matters that arise for young and fast-growing businesses.

Colton’s first priority is building positive working relationships with clients, instilling trust, and working proactively to take complex legal issues head on. He is also passionate about providing pro bono legal work and giving back to his community and devotes his time on behalf of multiple nonprofit organizations across the Chicago metro area.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

Chicago Bar Association

Member

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

Chicago Chorale

Board Member (Jr.)

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

Recognition

Named, Ones to Watch

The Best Lawyers in America®

2021-2025

Named, Rising Star

Illinois

Super Lawyers

2018-2022

Named, Rising Star

Minnesota

Super Lawyers

2016

News, Analysis & Press

FTC Proposes Rule Banning Non-Competes

Insight

January 5, 2023

Nine Steps Cannabis Companies Can Take to Protect Trade Secrets

Bloomberg Law

December 15, 2020

Comparing The Presidential Candidates' Labor Policies: Part 1

Law360

March 2, 2020

The Delicate Nuances In New State Noncompete Laws

Law360

December 20, 2019

Paid Family Leave In 2019: A Multinational Employer's Guide

Law360

July 29, 2019

Speaking Engagements

Sharp Curve Ahead… Again! An Employer’s "2nd Edition" Roadmap to Continued Legislative Developments in Illinois

May 5, 2021

Education

  • J.D., University of Iowa College of Law, 2012With Distinction
  • B.A., Luther College, 2009cum laude

Bar Admission

Illinois
Minnesota

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana