E. Kent Ayers is a senior partner in the law firm of Spesia, Ayers & Ardaugh. Mr. Ayers graduated with a B.A. from Wabash College in 1964 and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Dakota in 1968. Mr. Ayers received various awards for his legal academic achievements and for outstanding performance. After receiving his J.D., Mr. Ayers worked as a Midwestern Representative for the Council of State Governments at its national headquarters in Chicago. In 1971, he became associated with this firm where he has concentrated in litigation. He is admitted to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court, Southern and Northern Federal District Courts of Illinois, the Federal Trial Bar, and the United States Supreme Court.

In his capacity as the senior trial attorney at Spesia, Ayers & Ardaugh, Mr. Ayers manages a complete case load and coordinates all civil jury litigation for the firm. Mr. Ayers has been involved in a multitude of personal injury cases and has extensive trial experience in defending tort matters. Much of his work involves defending substantial corporate interests in matters that include not only commercial litigation but also vehicular accidents, explosions, construction injuries, and catastrophic injury situations. His clients include major utilities, corporations, insurance companies and individuals.

Mr. Ayers is active in the Illinois State Bar Association and has served four terms as a member of the ISBA Assembly. Mr. Ayers was instrumental in drafting the local court rules for the Circuit Court of Will County as a member of the Rules of Practice Committee. Additionally, he belongs to several professional associations and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.