Winston Honors Life of Edward Foote, Partner and Pillar of the Firm

On May 18, 2019, Winston & Strawn lost a pillar of our Firm. Edward Lane Foote, 91, of Aurora, Illinois, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family.

Ed was born on November 6, 1928, in Ottawa, Illinois. He was a graduate of West Aurora High School, Harvard College, and Harvard Law School.

Ed, together with Tom Reynolds Jr., built the Winston & Strawn of today. Ed helped institute a number of programs, including law school and lateral partner hiring, practice specialization, geographic diversity, and client development. He was a tremendous lawyer and we are grateful for his contributions.

Ed practiced law for more than 60 years. He joined Winston & Strawn in 1955 as its 12th lawyer and was a true artist in the courtroom. He was “the best lawyer in America,” as stated by noted author Scott Turow. Winston attorneys David Boies, Layn Phillips, and Dan Webb all viewed him as a mentor.

Ed argued three cases before the United States Supreme Court and was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, The International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was a faculty member of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the Advanced Institute for Trial Advocacy, and the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. In 2016, Ed taught a course at Loyola School of Law on trial advocacy, cross-examination, and closing arguments.

In addition to his years as an attorney, Ed’s life included time as a factory worker, a farmer, a professional baseball player, a teacher, and a Marine. Ed will live on in the memory of anyone lucky enough to be graced with his tremendous presence.

Details regarding his visitation are available here.