Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres Adds Former IAA Executive VP Sidney Kerley as New Partner
IAA’s Former EVP, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary Brings Deep Experience in Corporate Governance and Strategic Counseling to CFDB’s Fast-Growing Firm
CHICAGO, January 17, 2025 — Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC (CFDB), a dynamic law firm founded by entrepreneurially-minded Big Law alumni, is pleased to announce that Sidney Kerley joined the firm as a Partner, effective January 6, 2025. Sidney has a broad range of experience in corporate law, corporate governance, and strategic legal counseling, honed through decades of advising boards and C-suite executives and guiding high-stakes corporate transactions.
Sidney joins CFDB with a distinguished career spanning more than two decades. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of IAA, Inc., a former public company, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing all global legal matters. His accomplishments include leading IAA’s SEC compliance as a publicly- traded company on the NASDAQ from 2001 through 2005 and on the NYSE from 2019 through 2023. Sidney was instrumental in navigating IAA’s spinoff and IPO from KAR in 2019 and its $7 billion sale to Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers in March 2023. In addition, his experience in handling complex corporate governance and shareholder activism matters further bolsters CFDB’s capabilities.
“The addition of Sidney to our securities, outside general counsel and corporate/M&A practices allows CFDB to continue to build on its track record of advising boards, executives and companies through complex and transformative transactions,” said Jessica Fairchild, Partner and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Management Committee at CFDB. “Sidney’s perspective, as a long-time general counsel, will undoubtedly resonate with our clients who are often looking for practical and efficient legal guidance across a range of legal and business issues.”
“Joining CFDB represents an exciting new chapter in my career,” said Kerley. “The firm’s entrepreneurial drive and dedication to pushing boundaries in client service resonate strongly with me. I am eager to leverage my experience into crafting innovative strategies, fostering growth, and delivering transformative results for our clients.”
Sidney holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University and a M.B.A. from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. He is deeply committed to advancing diversity and equity and recently served on the Board of Directors of EqualPride Media.
During the past year, CFDB has expanded its team by welcoming 31 new attorneys, underscoring the firm’s dedication to growth and exceptional client service. By its fifth anniversary in December 2024, CFDB grew to more than 90 attorneys, further establishing its reputation as a dynamic force in the legal industry.
About Croke Fairchild:
A full-service law firm with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC is home to a diverse team of trusted advisors and counselors valued for their legal skill, intellectual curiosity and commitment to forging pragmatic solutions. The firm’s clients include entrepreneurs, investors, growth-stage companies, family offices, family businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Croke Fairchild is also a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). For more information, visit www.crokefairchild.com.
Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC’s lobbying and government affairs partner is Point of Difference Strategies (PoD). PoD is the largest wholly Latina-owned lobbying firm in Illinois, with offices in Chicago and Springfield. Specializing in strategic advice, advocacy, and relationship management, PoD offers top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at federal, state, and local levels. PoD proudly serve a diverse client base, including local governments, trade organizations, Fortune 100 companies, and non-profits. For more information, visit www.podstrategies.com.