Luke Balestrero
Associate Attorney

Luke works on high-exposure and complex litigation matters with a specialization in food-borne illness and allergic reaction cases. He has significant experience in a wide variety of practice areas for both plaintiffs and defendants, including bodily injury & wrongful death, premises liability, construction, automotive & trucking employment, insurance litigation, business litigation, local government litigation, civil rights, administrative law, and more. He also has significant deposition experience, has successfully briefed and argued numerous dispositive motions in both state and federal courts, and has conducted or participated in numerous internal investigations. Luke also has significant alternative dispute resolution experience, having successfully participated in many mediations and arbitrations on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants.

Luke graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 2017. He received his law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 2022. In law school, Luke clerked for the Honorable Thomas V. Lyons II, the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, and worked for an insurance subrogation firm on complex and catastrophic losses.

Before joining HME, Luke worked for a reputable and well-established insurance defense firm where he gained invaluable litigation experience and insights.

Luke joined HME in April of 2026, where he litigates cases throughout the country, including various state and federal courts. Luke’s practice with HME is unique in that he frequently represents both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation. Working on both sides allows Luke to bring a unique perspective to his cases. He understands the goals and strategies of the other side and works to strengthen his clients’ position by anticipating the opposition’s next move. He understands what the strengths and weaknesses of a given case are, and, importantly, how to value a case. Luke is a zealous advocate for his clients and is dedicated to achieving a successful outcome on their behalf.

Outside of work, Luke enjoys spending time with friends, family, and his dog, traveling, cooking, playing the piano, swimming, and exploring the great outdoors.

Practice Areas

• Automotive & Trucking
• Business Litigation & Counseling
• Civil Rights
• Construction Accidents & Defects
• Defective Products
• Employment
• Premises Liability

Education

• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2017
• DePaul University College of Law, 2022

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

• Illinois, 2022
• Northern District of Illinois, 2022

Professional & Civic Organizations

• Center for Disability and Elder Law, 2021
• Member of the Chicago Bar Association