CHICAGO, August 2, 2004 –  The law firm of Hurley McKenna & Mertz announced today that Michael S. Keating, 29, assistant counsel  to Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, has joined its office as an associate. 

In Springfield, Mr. Keating acted as counsel to House committees, analyzed, researched, and amended legislation, interacted with lobbyists and elected officials, and represented the House in civil matters as a staff attorney.   Prior to his work in the House, Mr. Keating worked as an attorney at the Chicago firm of McLennon & McFadden, Ltd, where he specialized in civil litigation.  He  also clerked at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Mike to our firm,” said Christopher T. Hurley, founding partner of Hurley McKenna & Mertz.  “His talent and abilities will be a tremendous asset to our clients.” 

Mr. Keating, a lifelong Illinois resident, has a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, and a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law.   Long active on the political scene, he was recently elected as a delegate to represent Illinois’ 7^th Congressional District at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.