Brenan Salgado
Associate Attorney

Brenan joined Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge in 2022 and quickly became an integral part of the firm’s nationally recognized toxic tort practice. Known for his strong organization, leadership, and approachable communication style, he helps maintain the group’s reputation as a well-coordinated and results-oriented team.

He is an experienced civil litigator who has represented product manufacturers, distributors, and government entities in complex matters involving asbestos and toxic tort litigation, product liability, and personal injury defense. As national counsel for a Fortune 500 company, Brenan managed a nationwide portfolio of asbestos and toxic tort litigation, overseeing all phases from investigation and discovery through trial and resolution. He has extensive experience briefing and arguing dispositive motions, taking and defending depositions, and leading settlement negotiations across multiple jurisdictions.

His practice focuses on high-stakes cases that require diligence, creativity, and sharp legal acumen. Clients value Brenan’s ability to communicate complex technical and legal concepts in clear, persuasive language and his commitment to developing effective, results-driven strategies aligned with their business goals. His work often involves collaborating with senior litigators and mentoring emerging attorneys to ensure consistent, efficient, and excellent defense in complex litigation environments.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Brenan earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2015, where he served as Senior Technology Editor of the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law and as Co-President of the Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association. He also served as Vice President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Organization and Parliamentarian for the legal honor society, Phi Delta Phi. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Practice Areas

• Environmental & Toxic Tort
• Defective Products
• Premises Liability

Education

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., 2011 
• Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2015 

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

• llinois, 2016
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2016

Professional & Civic Organizations

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago

Notable Results

• Environmental and Toxic Tort: Managed over 300 active cases for a Fortune 500 client nationwide, achieving consistent and favorable rulings and settlements.
• Product Liability: Successfully defended a manufacturer in a multi-party product liability case resulting in full dismissal prior to trial.