Bridget Ruschak is a litigator who represents manufacturers and other companies in civil litigation, including contract disputes, product liability, chemical exposure, and toxic tort.
Before entering private practice, Bridget clerked for Judge Michael F. Otto in the Circuit Court of Cook County, where she worked on a wide range of civil and commercial matters involving fraud, defamation, trade secrets, tortious interference, and other business and tort claims. Her earlier experience includes work with Northwestern's Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic.
Bridget brings disciplined research, close attention to the record, and practical case management to fact-intensive matters. She works across discovery, motion practice, expert issues, and trial preparation, with particular experience in litigation involving alleged chemical exposure and environmental contamination.
Defending manufacturers and other companies in CERCLA, chemical exposure, and toxic tort matters.
Handling product liability and toxic tort matters involving technical records, experts, and complex discovery.
Managing discovery and factual development in cases involving alleged exposure, causation, product identification, and environmental contamination.
Researching and briefing dispositive, evidentiary, discovery, and procedural issues in complex civil litigation.
Working on civil and commercial matters involving fraud, defamation, trade secrets, tortious interference, and related claims while clerking in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Representing clients and communities through Northwestern's Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic and pro bono work.
EDUCATION
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, J.D.
University of Pittsburgh, B.A.
ADMISSIONS
Illinois
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS
Hon. Michael F. Otto, Circuit Court of Cook County, 2021-2023
HONORS AND RECOGNITION
New York State Bar Association Empire State Counsel Program for Pro Bono Work Honoree, 2025
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Illinois State Bar Association
PRIOR ACTIVITIES
Northwestern Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic, Legal Intern, 2020
Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, Legal Intern, 2019
