Max Brittain

Max G. Brittain, Jr passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025. He was born on December 22, 1947, and was a beloved member of his family and community. 

Max enjoyed a distinguished legal career that began at Schiff Hardin as a summer associate in 1975. Upon graduation from Loyola School of Law in 1976, he joined the firm as an associate until 1979. Max spent the next twenty years (1979-1999) leading and working with partners Kovar, Nelson, Sledz, Morris and Slovak. He returned to Schiff Hardin in 1999. Max served on the Policy Advisory Board, the Disability Committee and was the Practice Group Leader for the Labor & Employment group from 2001-2011 before retiring from the firm in 2021.

Throughout his career Max was an active member of the American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section and its EEO Committee as well as its Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee (co-chair for many years). His professional achievements were matched only by his passion for mentoring young lawyers and contributing to the community. He served his community for many years as a board member at Northwest Community Hospital.

Max was a member of Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights. He was passionate about golf and shared his passion with his family. Although he claimed to enjoy playing with his wife, children, and grandchildren, many of his happiest moments occurred while golfing and gambling with his friends on a Saturday morning.

Max was preceded in death by his parents Max and Eloise Brittain as well as his brother William Brittain. He is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa Brittain (nee Hochreiter), his sister Lyn-El Mace, his children, Matthew Brittain and Amanda Nelson (Mike), and five adoring grandchildren: Brody Nelson (18), Marleigh Nelson (16), Quinn Nelson (13), Max Brittain (11), and Mosley Brittain (8). His legacy will live on through their lives and the memories they shared.

Known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and unwavering support, Max touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Max’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1st, at the Union League Club of Chicago. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund in his memory.

Rest in peace, Max. May you never roll a 7 again knowing your spirit will forever remain in our hearts.