Norton Rose Fulbright adds Director of Economic Analysis and Market Strategy in Chicago

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announced that George Khalife has joined the firm as its Director of Economic Analysis and Market Strategy in the Chicago office. In his new role, George will help grow the firm’s presence in the Midwest by fostering strategic partnerships within the venture capital and emerging growth community, as well as the wider Chicago business ecosystem.

George is a strategic growth professional with a capital markets and entrepreneurial background. He joins the firm after serving as the Vice President of US Capital Formation for the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), where he assisted US companies with going public in Canada. George spearheaded the establishment of TSX’s office in Chicago and its Midwest expansion, providing access to Canadian capital markets, aiding in raising public venture capital and, eventually, facilitating the going public process for US companies.

Gina Shishima, Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Chief Strategy and Operations Partner, said:

“Norton Rose Fulbright has enjoyed tremendous growth since opening in Chicago two years ago, and George will help us make meaningful connections in this thriving market. His familiarity with business leaders in Chicago and beyond will help us to grow our business in our newest market.”

Norton Rose Fulbright was the first major law firm to move to the vibrant Fulton Market District when it opened its Chicago office in 2022. In two years, the firm has tripled its presence in the city to nearly 40 lawyers, who serve tech and tech-enabled businesses in transformative sectors across a range of litigation, transaction and intellectual property practices.

Sameer Ghaznavi, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Chicago Co-Partner-in-Charge, commented:

“George is a connector with a true entrepreneurial spirit, passionate about the growth of startups and venture capital in Chicago and a valued resource within that community. I am pleased to welcome him to the Chicago office, which serves clients focused on growth, innovation and the evolution of modern business.”

George, who is the founder/host of the Let’s Grab Coffee podcast highlighting entrepreneurs as well as the cofounder of a textbook resale app called BookBack, said:

“Chicago presents amazing opportunities for growth as the country’s third-largest legal market, with innovative startups, large corporations and a robust business infrastructure. It’s also a vibrant city with a thriving tech scene, solid investor foundation, rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. I am thrilled to join Norton Rose Fulbright in Chicago as the firm continues to integrate into the business community.”

Prior to his time at TSX, George led business development and marketing for FinTech startup owl.co and, before that, drove business expansion for tech-focused M&A firm Sampford Advisors. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa and is currently pursuing a joint Global Executive MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and York University’s Schulich School of Business.