Overview
Margaret isn't afraid of trying cases; she has been protecting the interests of business owners in and out of the courtroom for more than 15 years. She enjoys researching and marshaling evidence to advocate for a party, and is apt to recognize when a case should be considered for early resolution.
Margaret is a litigator whose representations typically include defending construction firms and apartment / condo owners and managers against all manner of claims. Margaret recently defeated citations issued against a building by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal following a fire that resulted in the death of a young woman. She also achieved summary judgment on behalf of a church alleged to have employed a reverend who previously engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor. She has tried numerous jury trials and has authored appellate briefs.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
- Member: Illinois State Bar Association; DRI
- Lead Regional Coordinator: TYLA National Trial Competition, 2004 and 2005
Honors
- Received Excellence In Pro Bono Service Award from United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2015
- Received Outstanding Defense Verdict Award from the Jury Verdict Reporter, 2024
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Commercial Litigation: 2025
- Selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list: 2013, 2014, 2015
- Received Chicago-Kent College of Law Young Alumni Award, 2008
Resources & Insights
Alerts
Published Works
Firm News
- Partners Michael Schlechtweg and Margaret Firnstein Gebhardt Receive Outstanding Defense Verdict AwardPartners Michael Schlechtweg and Margaret Firnstein Gebhardt Receive Outstanding Defense Verdict Award
Congratulations to Amundsen Davis partners Michael Schlechtweg and Margaret Firnstein Gebhardt, who were honored with the Outstanding Defense Verdict Award by the Jury Verdict Reporter.
- 108 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2025 in America108 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2025 in America
We are proud to congratulate 108 of our attorneys on being recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2025 in America.
Education
IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1999
Northwestern University, B.A., 1996
Admissions
- Illinois