Dena M. Singer

An accomplished trial lawyer, Dena represents clients in federal and state courts, guiding them through every stage of the criminal justice process, from the earliest stages of an investigation through trial, sentencing, and appeal.

After years of trying cases together, Dena and Jonathan Bedi founded Bedi & Singer, LLP on a shared commitment to exceptional advocacy and personal representation. Every Bedi & Singer client benefits from the experience, judgment, and dedication of both founding partners. Together, they develop the defense strategy, stand beside their clients in court, and remain personally involved throughout each case.

Criminal defense and investigations

Dena’s practice encompasses a broad range of complex federal and state criminal matters. In federal court, she defends clients facing white-collar charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, financial fraud, and healthcare fraud, as well as serious allegations involving homicide, Hobbs Act robbery, drug conspiracies, and racketeering (RICO). Dena has also been appointed to represent individuals charged with death-penalty-eligible crimes. In Illinois state courts, she represents individuals charged with murder, sexual assault, and other serious felonies, including young people whose futures hang in the balance.

Dena’s practice also includes representing professionals and individuals facing sensitive government investigations, often working to resolve matters discreetly before formal charges are filed or allegations become public.

Throughout her career, Dena has secured not-guilty verdicts in both jury and bench trials, successfully challenged evidence that was obtained through unconstitutional government conduct, obtained dismissals of criminal charges, and negotiated favorable resolutions that have allowed clients to avoid incarceration.

Beyond her courtroom accomplishments, Dena is known for her compassion and unwavering commitment to the people she represents. She understands the profound impact criminal charges can have on individuals and their families and approaches every case with empathy, personal attention, and a determination to protect her clients’ rights, dignity, and futures.

Appointments and recognition

In 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Dena to its Committee on Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, the committee responsible for developing and reviewing the instructions used by judges and juries throughout Illinois criminal courts reflecting the Court’s confidence in her judgment and legal ability.

Dena often receives recognition for her legal work, including Chicago Lawyer and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s Top Women in Law (2023), Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Women in Law (2022), Illinois Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers every year since 2017, and two Excellence in Pro Bono Service Awards from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. She has appeared as a legal commentator on WGN Radio, CBS News, and other news outlets. Her cases have been featured in major news outlets in the United States.

Dena is a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, the Chicago Inn of Court, and she is a former chair of the Criminal Law Committee of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious organization of criminal defense attorneys, with membership limited by rigorous peer review, investigation, and vetting.

Teaching and education

She previously served as an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law, where she taught in the law school’s clinical program and helped train future lawyers in practical advocacy. She speaks regularly on criminal justice and trial advocacy at various law schools.

Dena earned her B.A. with distinction from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her family and two dogs.