In Memoriam: Kim Rubel

Our friend, colleague, and beloved partner, Kimberly K. Rubel, passed away early in the morning of September 5 from breast cancer. For some time, Kim had been addressing health issues, while at the same time continuing to be everything she had always been – kind, caring, dedicated, and a tremendously gifted individual who always put the interests of her family, friends, and colleagues ahead of herself, even as her health declined.

Kim was part of the foundation and soul of the firm. She spent her entire 24-year legal career at the firm, honing her skills as a top corporate and securities lawyer who was a trusted advisor to public companies throughout her career. Kim was what all corporate lawyers aspire to be – a highly sophisticated and knowledgeable technician who understood the needs of her clients and their businesses and was respected in the executive suites and boardrooms of clients as a trusted advisor.

Kim cared deeply about the firm and considered her colleagues part of her extended family. She held an array of management positions in the firm over the years including, among others, being Vice-Chair of the Corporate and Securities Group and a member of most – if not all – of the firm’s committees at one time or another. Almost four years ago, Kim was elected by the partnership as one of the firm’s Managing Partners. Kim’s leadership was graceful, thoughtful, and selfless. She was a leader of the Chicago office. She acted as a mentor to many of our lawyers, many of whom are now our partners.

Kim is survived by her husband, John, and her two children, Lena and Brendan, as well as her mother Nancy, her brother Scott M. Rubel and his wife Kristin Heath, her parents-in-law Theodore (Ted) J. and Teresa Marchese, and brother-in-law Ken Marchese and his wife Karen. Kim was the beloved aunt to her nephew Ocean Kemble and nieces Julia Marchese and Margaret (Maggie) Rubel.

Kim’s passing is a tremendous loss to those who had the privilege to know her.

• Visitation will be Tuesday, September 10 from 3-9 p.m. at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.
• Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, September 11 at 1 p.m. at Saint Benedict Parish, 2215 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618.
• Interment to follow at Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum, 4001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 606213.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to support the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund, c/o Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 420 E. Superior Street, Rubloff Building, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611. Please indicate “Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund” in the text box provided if donating online.

You can read more about Kim’s life and legacy here.