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Address
191 North Wacker Drive
Suite 1800
Chicago, Illinois 60606-1615 (Cook Co.)
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(Main Office) Founded in 1970 and numbering two attorneys, Much Shelist Denenberg Ament & Rubenstein, P.C., has grown steadily to the mid-sized firm we are today. Many of our attorneys concentrate their expertise in highly sophisticated practice areas. Our Clients include large national and multi-national corporations. And in both our business and nationwide litigation practices, we regularly-and successfully-oppose law firms many times our size. Our firm represents a wide variety of business clients including institutional lenders, real estate developers, national retailers and apparel manufacturers, e-commerce start up companies, venture capitalists, individual entrepreneurs, attorneys and other professionals, and brokers and traders. To enable us to comprehensively serve our clients' needs, attorneys in our firm are admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and several states including Florida, Indiana, New York and Texas, as well as Illinois. We have the experience to explore innovative approaches based on firsthand experience. We use mediation, arbitration and other alternatives to resolve disputes when we believe they are in our clients' best interest. Statement of PracticeCorporate, Secured Lending, Real Estate, Federal Taxation, Estate Planning and Probate Law, Business, Antitrust, Commodities and Securities Law, Litigation, Trade Regulations Law, Bankruptcy, Environmental Law. Year Established: 1970
Firm Size: 84
References:American National Bank
NBD Chicago Bank
Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Bank Hapoalim.
Address191 North Wacker Drive
Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606-1615, (Cook Co.)
PhonePhone: 312-521-2000
Fax: 312-521-2100
Websitehttp://www.muchshelist.com
Firm/Affiliate OfficesIrvine, California: 2030 Main Street, Suite 1200, 92614. Telephone: 949-851-7475. Fax: 949-250-1714.
(For Other Personnel and Biographical Data, see Professional Biographies at other Chicago, Illinois Office, 10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3300)
David Alan Alman (Principal) born Illinois, December 19, 1971; admitted to bar, 1997, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1994; J.D., magna cum laude, 1997). David A. Alman, Vice Chair of the Business & Finance group and a member of the Financial Crisis Response Team, concentrates his transactional practice in corporate law, secured lending, and corporate finance and securities. In his corporate practice, David represents a diverse group of companies in connection with significant business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures of both healthy and distressed businesses. In his secured lending practice, he represents both financial institutions and corporate borrowers in commercial loan transactions and related matters, including workout situations. In his corporate finance practice, David represents companies in their capital raising efforts, including private debt and equity offerings, mezzanine financings and venture capital transactions. He also handles other corporate matters, including commercial contract drafting and review, and corporate and limited liability company structuring and governance, and advises clients with respect to food labeling and advertising issues. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Corporate; Finance.Email: David Alan Alman
Joseph D. Ament (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, October 14, 1936; admitted to bar, 1963, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., 1958); Roosevelt University (M.B.A., 1959); John Marshall Law School (J.D., 1962). Nu Beta Epsilon; Beta Alpha Psi; Beta Gamma Sigma. Member, Order of John Marshall. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois, 1959. Joseph D. Ament is an accomplished tax and business lawyer, as well as a certified public accountant. He has extensive experience in financial, estate and income tax planning; business mergers and acquisitions; and entity structures, including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. Joe is the sole Chicago-area attorney to participate in litigation brought on behalf of Holocaust victims and their heirs against Swiss, German, Austrian and French banks for restitution of assets; against German industrial companies for using slave and forced labor; against pharmaceutical companies for conducting medical experiments; against life insurance companies for non-payment of claims; and against other entities engaged in unlawful activities during World War II. Illinois Education Vice President Director of the American Association of Attorneys-CPAs American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Illinois Association of Attorneys-CPA's Insurance Conference Task Force Continuing Education Ethics Subcommittee American Accounting Association American Taxation Association Decalogue Society of Lawyers Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants. Member: American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Taxation Law; Business Acquisitions; Estate Planning; Commodities; Securities Class Action and Shareholder Derivative Matters; Reinsurance Matters.Email: Joseph D. Ament
William N. Anspach, Jr. (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, May 22, 1949; admitted to bar, 1974, Illinois; 1975, District of Columbia. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1971); University of Illinois (J.D., 1974). William N. Anspach, Jr., currently heads the firm's Employee Benefits practice. He has extensive experience in virtually all areas of employee benefits, including designing and implementing qualified plans, health and welfare plans, executive compensation plans and other deferred compensation programs. He provides extensive, ongoing counsel regarding the operation of these plans, and is regularly involved in litigation regarding ERISA and employee benefits matters. In the area of corporate law, Bill counsels closely held businesses in connection with a variety of transactional matters, including business structuring and general business affairs. He has a significant number of clients in the death-care industry, including funeral homes and cemeteries. American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries' Government Affairs committee Great Lakes Area TE/GE Counsel. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Employee Benefits; Corporate.Email: William N. Anspach, Jr.
Marvin N. Benn (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, September 24, 1944; admitted to bar, 1972, Illinois and District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Education: University of Illinois (B.S.E.E., 1966); University of Illinois Law School (J.D., 1971). Co-Author: "§117-The Right to Adapt into the Fourth Generation and the Source Code Generator's Dilemma," The John Marshall Journal of Computer & Information Law, Vol. XII, No. 4, Spring 1994; "Disablement of Software Risks and Potential Liabilities," Software Law Journal, Vol. VI, No. 1, February 1993. Adjunct Professor of Computer Law, John Marshall Law School, 1985. Marvin N. Benn serves as Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property group. He handles all types of intellectual property litigation and protection, and has a broad consulting and license-drafting practice with an emphasis on matters related to patents, trademarks, and computer hardware and software. He currently represents a number of cellular telecommunications and Internet industry clients with regard to patent and trade secret protection and litigation. Member: Chicago (Chairman, Computer Law Committee, 1992-1993), Illinois State (Chairman, Patent, Trademark & Copyright Council of Lawyers, 1986-1987; Chairman, Computer Law Committee, 1984-1988) Bar Associations; Patent Law Association of Chicago; American Intellectual Property Law Association. Practice Areas: Patents; Trademarks; Copyrights; Computer Law; Trade Secrets.Email: Marvin N. Benn
Louis D. Bernstein (Principal) born Boone, Iowa, January 2, 1958; admitted to bar, 1984, New York and U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; 1986, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Indiana University (B.A., 1980); Hofstra University (J.D., 1983). Louis D. Bernstein represents prominent entrepreneurs and corporations throughout the United States. Lou represents clients in dozens of states before judges, juries, arbitration panels, administrative agencies and mediators. He also appears frequently before the U.S. Court of Appeals and the Illinois and New York appellate courts. To more effectively counsel his clients and represent their interests, Lou has complemented his litigation skills with a growing expertise in the business, financial and real estate areas. Lou's practice is based on relationships and results. His attention to clients' needs, successes on their behalf and practical business advice have led many of Chicago's fastest-growing companies, as well the city's most influential and affluent individuals, to seek his services. The Mankind Project The Executives' Club of Chicago. Certified Mediator, Illinois, 2001. Member: Chicago, Nassau County, New York State, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Transactions: Defense of international banking institution in class action lawsuit alleging breach of the payment of fees on checking accounts. Every count of the complaint was dismissed with prejudice through the filing of motions and the dismissal was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court. Representation of numerous high-profile, Chicago-based real estate developers, which includes recent dismissal of a nationally known tenant's lawsuit on behalf of the owners of the Block 37 project; Defense of a Fortune 100 energy producer against allegations (by a competing Fortune 100 energy producer) of trade secret violations and hiring of key personnel. The matter was favorably settled on behalf of the defendant, with the employees and their customer list remaining in place; Successful defense of a coal company in a series of arbitrations over several years, where a utility requested termination of a long-term contract valued at $300 million and damages of $50 million. The termination request was unanimously denied and minimal damages were assessed. Numerous arbitrations and mediations, on behalf of a prominent family, in California, Arizona and Florida in connection with partnership, contract and employment issues, including the defeat of a $3 million commission claim after a lengthy arbitration hearing; Representation of the owner of a Caribbean island over claims and ownership of the island in proceedings pending in Illinois state and federal courts, in Wisconsin state court, in Florida state court and before the American Arbitration Association; Representation of a receiver (and the bank group that retained the receiver) in defending claims and selling assets at three landfill gas facilities in hotly contested litigation proceedings before the Illinois State Court, the Illinois Appellate Court, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the Illinois Commerce Commission. Practice Areas: Real Estate Litigation; Corporate Partnership Disputes; Creditor's Rights; Employment and Business; Financial Counseling.Email: Louis D. Bernstein
Steven P. Blonder (Principal) born Illinois, 1967; admitted to bar, 1993, Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1990); University of Chicago (J.D., 1993). Steven P. Blonder is a valued legal and business counselor in a wide range of matters. As a skilled advocate whose practice focuses on complex business litigation, Steve has argued successfully before the federal appellate courts, and possesses a record of consistent success in motion and trial practice (both jury and non-jury) in state and federal courts and in arbitration. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses in a variety of fields. As a counselor, Steve helps clients of various sizes identify and overcome challenges or obstacles to their success, and strategize plans to accomplish their business objectives. Steve's litigation practice is primarily centered in the areas of financial services, corporate governance and control, securities, real estate, trade secrets and business issues. He has significant experience in handling temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. He also has experience representing parties with respect to e-commerce and technology issues. In addition, Steve chairs Much Shelist's Pro Bono and Community Involvement committee. Executive Committee of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago; Young Leadership Division; The Hillels of Illinois; Ezra Habonim; Midwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League; United Jewish Communities National Young Leadership Cabinet; Jewish Commission of Public Affairs and Hillel, and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations; Seventh Circuit Bar Association. Practice Areas: Litigation.Email: Steven P. Blonder
Steven H. Blumenthal (Principal) born Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 10, 1953; admitted to bar, 1978, Illinois. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A., 1975); Washington University (J.D., 1978). Steven H. Blumenthal is an accomplished lawyer with over 20 years of experience in the full range of commercial real estate and corporate financing matters, including real estate and corporate asset acquisitions and dispositions, condominiums and other types of development, and financing and debt restructuring. Steve negotiates and structures real estate and business acquisitions and dispositions, financing transactions, commercial leases, and real estate and commercial loan documents from both borrower and lender perspectives. He also has substantial experience representing both lenders and borrowers in structuring and negotiating loan modification and workout agreements for real estate loans, loan portfolios and operating businesses. Steve has assisted clients in commercial and bankruptcy litigation matters, and has structured and negotiated settlement agreements and related documentation. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Mortgage Bankers Association; Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association. Practice Areas: Real Estate; Corporate and Finance.Email: Steven H. Blumenthal
David T. Brown (Principal) born Peoria, Illinois, July 17, 1960; admitted to bar, 1986, Illinois and U.S. Tax Court. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., with high honors, 1982); Loyola University of Chicago (J.D., 1986). David T. Brown, Chair of the Management Committee and a member of the Financial Crisis Response Team, is actively involved in strategic planning and leadership development for the firm. David is an experienced transactional lawyer who serves the firm's clients as a legal and business counselor in a wide range of matters. He acts as advisor to closely held businesses in connection with their everyday legal and business issues, including the sale and acquisition of assets, private placement of debt and equity, tax and entity structure, and commercial loan workouts and company restructuring. Mortgage Bankers' Association of America; Illinois Mortgage Bankers' Association; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society; Chicagoland Chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois, 1982. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Corporate; Real Estate; Taxation; Finance.Email: David T. Brown
Michael D. Burstein (Principal) born Yonkers, New York, November 4, 1972; admitted to bar, 1997, Illinois. Education: Stanford University (A.B., 1994); Northwestern University (J.D., cum laude, 1997). Michael D. Burstein, a member of the firm's Real Estate practice group and the Financial Crisis Response Team, represents clients in a broad range of commercial real estate and real estate finance transactions. Michael's commercial real estate practice includes acquisitions and dispositions; commercial, office and industrial leasing on behalf of landlords and tenants; condominium project development, including registrations under the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act; and financing and refinancing on behalf of property owners. Michael also counsels community, regional and national banks in a variety of real estate financing transactions, including mortgage, construction and syndicated lending; loan workouts; and deed in lieu of foreclosure transactions. Associate Note and Comment Editor, Northwestern University Law Review, 1996-1997. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Real Estate.Email: Michael D. Burstein
Kurt M. Carlson (Chair, Bankruptcy, Workout & Creditor's Rights Practice Group) born Lake Forest, Illinois, 1965; admitted to bar, 1990, Michigan; 1996, Illinois; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Michigan State University (B.A., 1987); Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D., 1990). Kurt M. Carlson, Chair of the firm's Creditors' Rights, Insolvency & Bankruptcy group and a leader of the Financial Crisis Response Team, concentrates his practice on representing creditors, assignees and financially distressed businesses of all sizes in complex business litigation, workouts, insolvency proceedings, bankruptcy reorganization cases and bankruptcy liquidations. Kurt has extensive experience in a broad range of financial distress issues and bankruptcy-related matters, including contract disputes, receiverships, assignments for the benefit of creditors, commercial real estate foreclosures, Uniform Commercial Code sales, lender liability and commercial contract claims, fraudulent conveyance, nondischargeability claims and preference actions. Member: Federal Bar Association; State Bar of Michigan; Illinois State Bar Association; Chicago Bar Association; Illinois Bankers Association; American Bankruptcy Institute. Practice Areas: Bankruptcy; Workouts; Creditors Rights.Email: Kurt M. Carlson
James R. Carroll (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois; admitted to bar, 1978, Illinois; 1979, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; 1982, U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit; 1987, U.S. Supreme Court; 1995, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit; 1997, U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois. Education: North Park College (B.A., 1970); John Marshall Law School (J.D., 1978). James R. Carroll, a Principal in the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois for 15 years under four separate Attorneys Generalincluding serving as First Assistant Attorney General during the administration of Roland W. Burris. A highly experienced litigator, Jim focuses his practice on complex litigation at the trial and appellate levels in both the state and federal court systems, as well as government representation. Jim has litigated numerous contested hearings involving temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American (Member, Government Lawyer Section for First District) Bar Associations. (Also Member, Quinlan & Carroll, Ltd.). Special Agencies: Illinois Board of Admissions; Board of Fire and Police Commissioners in Glenview; Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago; Catholic Lawyers Guild. Practice Areas: Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Complex Litigation; Government Law; Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Environmental Law.Email: James R. Carroll
Leslee Moss Cohen (Principal) born Skokie, Illinois; admitted to bar, 1993, New York; 1999, Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., with high distinction, 1989); New York University School of Law (J.D., 1992). Leslee M. Cohen, who leads the firm's Microcap practice, advises clients in a broad range of federal and state securities law matters, including corporate governance, ethics and executive compensation issues. She has represented publicly and privately held companies in connection with mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, public offerings and private placements. She regularly drafts and files Securities Act Registration Statements (S-1, S-3, S-4, S-8); Exchange Act Reports (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, Form 10, 13D, 13G); proxy statements and constituent documents, including underwriting agreements, employment and change-in-control agreements, stock option agreements, restricted stock agreements, shareholders' rights plans, employee benefit plans, warrants, notes, opinions and press releases; as well as committee charters, codes of ethics and 10b5-1 plans. Member: Young Women's Committee of the Jewish United Fund; Charitable Committee of the Kipling Elementary School PTO. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Securities; Mergers and Acquisitions; General Corporate.Email: Leslee Moss Cohen
James M. Dash (Principal) born Evanston, Illinois, June 20, 1959; admitted to bar, 1985, Texas; 1989, Illinois. Education: Loyola University of Chicago (B.A., 1982); University of Houston (J.D., 1985). James M. Dash, a member of the Construction Law department, concentrates his practice in real estate-related litigation, with an emphasis on construction (including mechanics lien claims), as well as title insurance defense work. Jim's clients include a number of companies whose businesses are in, or related to, the construction industry. Member: Chicago (Chair, Subcommittee on Construction and Mechanic's Liens, 1999-2000), Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys (Member, Construction Law and Mechanics Lien Subcommittee, Real Property Law Committee). Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Mechanics Liens.Email: James M. Dash
Scott L. David (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, March 25, 1955; admitted to bar, 1979, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Northern Illinois University (B.A., cum laude, 1976); Washington University (J.D., 1979). Scott L. David is Chair of the Real Estate group and a past member of the firm's Management Committee. Scott advises clients in a full range of commercial real estate matters. He assists clients in buying and selling all types of commercial properties, including multi-family apartment buildings and industrial facilities, and in creating entities for the ownership of real property. Scott has structured numerous, sophisticated forward and reverse 1031 tax-deferred exchanges and tenancy in common arrangements. He has reviewed, negotiated and completed the documentation for hundreds of commercial office, shopping center and industrial lease transactions. He represents banks and other financial institutions in real estate loan transactions, including conventional, construction, permanent and participation mortgage lending. Associate Editor, Urban Law Annual, 1978-1979. Member: Chicago (Member, Museum and Education Committee) and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Tax Deferred Exchanges; Commercial Real Estate Law; Secured Transactions and Lending; Real Estate Tax Assessments.Email: Scott L. David
Steven DeGraff (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, April 24, 1966; admitted to bar, 1991, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1988); DePaul University (J.D., 1991). Steven L. DeGraff, a member of the firm's Management Committee and its Financial Crisis Response Team, represents developers, owners, entrepreneurs, closely held businesses and institutional lenders in a full range of commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing and leasing transactions. He also represents real estate developers in all aspects of condominium law. Steve has extensive experience in a broad range of financial distress issues, which include negotiating and facilitating favorable results in workouts of financially troubled loans. As a legal and business counselor, Steve is committed to helping clients initiate, develop and close deals that further their business objectives. With prior experience as a trial attorney, he regularly draws on his dispute resolution experience to help clients identify potential risks, negotiate favorable terms, and document contracts and other transactions with an eye toward minimizing future litigation. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Real Estate; Corporate Law.Email: Steven DeGraff
Harold S. Dembo (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, September 25, 1954; admitted to bar, 1979, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., 1976); Northwestern University (J.D., 1979). An experienced transactional attorney with a primary focus on real estate, Harold S. Dembo serves as Vice Chair of the Real Estate group. His practice emphasizes the representation of lenders, builders, entrepreneurs, investors and other parties engaged in the development and management of a wide range of industrial, commercial, residential and mixed-use projects. Harold represents institutional lenders in virtually all aspects of commercial real estate and corporate loan transactions. On behalf of property managers, owners and tenants, he negotiates a range of leases and provides counsel with respect to the acquisition, development and financing of real estate projects. He is experienced in negotiating workouts in loan transactions for lender and borrower clients, and is a member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team. A certified public accountant, he also advises clients on a range of legal and business issues. Member, Journal of International Business and Law, 1978-1979. Member: Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, Illinois; Special Gifts Theatre, Northbrook. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois, 1977. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Practice Areas: Corporate; Real Estate; Tax.Email: Harold S. Dembo
Howard M. Denenberg (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, June 19, 1934; admitted to bar, 1959, Illinois. Education: Northwestern University (B.S., 1956); University of Illinois (J.D., 1959). Howard M. Denenberg is an experienced tax and business lawyer whose practice includes tax planning and transactional work for corporations and their shareholders. As a tax lawyer, Howard employs sophisticated and innovative estate and tax planning techniques to reduce clients' income taxes and transfer taxes. Howard has counseled a number of prominent law firms and their partners in connection with tax and estate planning, as well as issues surrounding firm structure, partner relationships and firm transactional matters. He also has experience in representing actors and producers in tax planning and negotiating movie and television deals. Member: Children's Oncology Services, Inc.; One Step at a Time. Practice Areas: Corporate Law; Tax Law; Estate Planning Law; Entertainment Law.Email: Howard M. Denenberg
Jonna Daleiden Eimer (Principal) born Evanston, Illinois, January 18, 1973; admitted to bar, 1997, Illinois. Education: Lake Forest College (B.A., summa cum laude, 1994); Northwestern University School of Law (J.D., 1997). Jonna Daleiden Eimer concentrates her transactional practice in mergers and acquisitions, general corporate law and health care law. Jonna represents a wide variety of organizations, from large corporate clients to smaller, entrepreneurial companies. She negotiates and documents complex mergers; stock and asset acquisitions and dispositions; employment and consulting agreements; and stockholder, limited liability company and partnership agreements. Jonna also has extensive experience representing physicians, having negotiated and documented physician employment agreements and buy-in agreements, as well as other related matters. Member: North Shore Medical Research Junior Board; Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS); Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago; Lake Forest College; Westbrook Elementary School, Glenview, Illinois. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Corporate; Mergers and Acquisitions; Securities.Email: Jonna Daleiden Eimer
Scott R. Fradin (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, April 10, 1964; admitted to bar, 1996, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S.A.S., 1986; M. Arch., 1988); Chicago-Kent College of Law - IIT (J.D., with high honors, 1996). Scott R. Fradin draws on his significant experience as both an attorney and a licensed architect to draft and negotiate complex design and construction agreements on behalf of owners, architects, engineers and contractorswith the goal of minimizing the likelihood of litigation. He also represents clients involved in a wide range of construction-related matters, including breach of contract, delay and disruption claims, design- and construction-defect claims, and mechanics lien disputes. Scott has represented owners and contractors in numerous multi-million-dollar delay and disruption disputes across the country. He has represented architects and engineers in design-defect cases involving public works projects, residential developments consisting of hundreds of units, and other commercial and institutional facilities. Scott has also represented engineers, architects, general contractors and other professionals in fee disputes. Member: Chicago Bar Association (Vice-Chair, Construction Law and Mechanics Lien Subcommittee, 2007-2008), Illinois State Bar Association; American Bar Association (Construction Law Forum); Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys; American Institute of Architects. Practice Areas: Construction and Design Law; Construction Litigation; Contracts.Email: Scott R. Fradin
Irving M. Geslewitz (Principal) born New York, N.Y., May 17, 1950; admitted to bar, 1976, Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Trial Bar; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Third, Fourth, Seventh and Eleventh Circuits. Education: Rutgers University (B.A., with highest honors, 1972); University of Chicago (J.D., 1976). Now in his 29th year of practice, Irving M. Geslewitz has extensive experience in representing employers from a broad spectrum of industries in all aspects of modern employment law, as well as traditional (union-related) labor law concerns. He regularly handles matters ranging from reviewing and helping prepare employment contracts, policies and manuals to representing clients in all types of employment-related litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. In litigation, Irv has broad experience in defending employers sued for claimed employment discrimination under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the various state and local fair employment practices laws. He has also defended many retaliatory and wrongful discharge actions. Irv has handled a wide range of employment-related cases, including employment non-competition, breach of fiduciary duty and trade secrets violations lawsuits. He also handles Section 301 lawsuits (emanating from collective bargaining agreement disputes); ERISA lawsuits involving both single and multi-employer pension fund and health and welfare funds; sexual harassment lawsuits; and breach of employment contract suits, including compensation, commission, bonus and severance pay claims. In the administrative arena, Irv has handled labor arbitration hearings, unfair labor practice and representation proceedings before the NLRB, EEOC proceedings, wage/hour matters (e.g., under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage payment laws), OSHA violation claims, and proceedings involving alleged violations of the fair employment practice laws in Illinois and other states. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment Law; Employment Related Litigation.Email: Irving M. Geslewitz
Michael J. Goldstein (Partner) admitted to bar, 2006, Illinois. Education: Williams College (B.A., magna cum laude, 1999); University of Michigan (M.S., 2000; J.D., 2006). Michael J. Goldstein, a member of the firm's Intellectual Property group, concentrates his practice in technology transactions, outsourcing and intellectual property matters. Mike's experience includes advising clients in connection with a range of technology and business process outsourcing, software development, technology licensing, software hosting, consulting and professional services arrangements. He also advises clients on information technology and intellectual property matters in connection with corporate mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Prior to attending law school, Mike worked as a software developer at a major computer networking company and at a software company specializing in artificial intelligence technology.Email: Michael J. Goldstein
Gregory D. Grove (Partner) admitted to bar, 1995, California; 2007, Illinois; registered to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (S.B., Electrical Engineering, 1992); Harvard University (J.D., cum laude, 1995). Gregory D. Grove, a Principal in Much Shelist's Business & Finance group, concentrates his practice on private equity, venture capital and corporate transactions and counseling. He advises funds, boards of directors, management teams, underwriters, and private and public companies at all stages of development, from entrepreneurial to established, operating in a wide range of industries. Greg draws on his training and experience as an electrical engineer when representing clients in communications, semiconductor, software, medical devices, life sciences and other technology-related industries. Further, Greg provides counsel to companies and investors in the health care industry and retail and consumer products and services. Greg counsels clients in all aspects of domestic and international private equity and debt transactions, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, public offerings and intellectual property matters. He has significant experience in structuring complex, multi-tiered transactions and advises clients in purchases and sales involving distressed businesses and assets. He assists investors, issuers, underwriters, buyers and sellers in due diligence matters. Greg provides guidance to growing and established businesses regarding exit strategies, including mergers, equity sales, asset sales, public offerings and, where applicable, the negotiation of settlements with former employees, vendors and others. In addition, Greg advises companies on general corporate and ordinary operations matters, including company and subsidiary organization, contract drafting, equity and bonus compensation, and negotiations with executives and others. [Judge Advocate, U.S.A.F., 1996-2000]. Practice Areas: Corporate Law; Private Equity.Email: Gregory D. Grove
James P. Hanrath (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, September 17, 1954; admitted to bar, 1979, Illinois, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar, 1984 and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; 1982, U.S. Supreme Court; 1986, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; registered to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Education: Illinois State University (B.A., with high honors, 1976); DePaul University (J.D., 1979); John Marshall Law School (LL.M., 1989). Robert G. Bone Scholar. Hearing Officer, U.S. Department of Energy, 1979-1981. Member: Lake County and Illinois State Bar Associations; Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago; American Intellectual Property Law Association. Practice Areas: Patent; Trademark; Copyright; Unfair Competition; E-Commerce; Litigation.Email: James P. Hanrath
Julie M. Hanusa (Principal) born Maquoketa, Iowa, May 15, 1964; admitted to bar, 1989, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Iowa (B.A., with highest distinction, 1985); Northwestern University (J.D., 1989). Julie M. Hanusa is Chair of the Business & Finance group and head of the firm's Commercial Finance practice. She concentrates her practice in commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and health care law. Julie has extensive experience handling a wide variety of complex transactions on behalf of financial institutions, public and private corporations, and individuals. In her health care law practice, Julie counsels clients on state and federal regulatory issues, including questions regarding physician self-referral, fraud and abuse, the corporate practice of medicine and licensing laws. She also advises physicians, physician groups and other health care providers on contract matters and business structuring. Julie serves as Co-Vice Chair of the firm's Women's Initiative. Julie is the co-author of "Enforcing Security Interests and Liens on Personal Property," a chapter in the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education publication Creditors' Rights in Illinois (2004 edition). She is also the author of "Sixth Amendment The Co-Conspirator Exemption to the Hearsay Rule: The Confrontation Clause and Preliminary Factual Determinations Relevant to Federal Rule of Evidence 801(d)(2)(E)," published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations; Association for Corporate Growth. Practice Areas: Finance; Corporate; Mergers and Acquisitions; Health Care.Email: Julie M. Hanusa
Don S. Hershman (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, August 26, 1957; admitted to bar, 1982, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., in Accounting, with honors, 1979); Loyola University (J.D., 1982). Don S. Hershman is a member of the firm's Management Committee, and has extensive experience in a wide range of securities and corporate finance matters, mergers and acquisitions, and other business and financial transactions. Don's mergers and acquisitions practice encompasses stock and asset acquisitions and divestitures; management and leveraged buyouts; and contests for corporate control, including tender offers and proxy solicitations. A member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Don also assists clients with the sale and acquisition of distressed companies and their assets. In the area of securities law, Don's work includes initial public offerings; private equity and venture capital financings; public and private offerings of debt and equity; representation of real estate limited partnerships and REITs; and counseling clients concerning governance matters, securities law compliance and disclosure, executive compensation, fiduciary duties and strategic planning. Member: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Greater Illinois Chapter; University of Illinois Foundation. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Securities; Corporate; Finance; Mergers and Acquisitions.Email: Don S. Hershman
Stephen P. Kikoler (Principal) born New York, N.Y., April 24, 1945; admitted to bar, 1969, Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1966; J.D., cum laude, 1969). Stephen P. Kikoler concentrates his practice in real estate-related litigation, with an emphasis on construction (including mechanic's lien claims) and title insurance defense work. In addition to his dispute resolution work, Steve assists clients with a range of transactional construction work. His clients include several of the major title insurance companies, as well as companies whose businesses are in, or related to, the construction industry. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. [Capt., U.S. Army, JAGC, 1970-1973]. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Mechanics Liens.Email: Stephen P. Kikoler
James M. Kunick (Principal) born Marshfield, Wisconsin; admitted to bar, 1993, Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; 1996, Illinois; U.S. Court of Federal Claims; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit; registered to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Education: University of Wisconsin (B.S.I.E., 1986); University of Miami (J.D., 1993). James M. Kunick has nearly two decades of experience representing regional and multinational clients in a broad range of intellectual property, information technology and corporate transactions. Jim's experience includes: Technology Transactions, Licensing, Outsourcing and Media Transactions, Franchising and Corporate. Jim has served for almost 15 years as de facto internal counsel for an international manufacturer of compliance packaging technology. Jim practiced law for several years in Germany, serving as Counsel in the business and technology sourcing practice group for the Frankfurt office of a major Chicago law firm. While in Germany, Jim also gained government contract experience drafting and negotiating product development and sales agreements between a German aircraft parts manufacturer client and U.S. defense contractors. Member, Licensing Executives Society (LES). Certified Licensing Professional (CLP). Practice Areas: Intellectual Property Licensing; Corporate and Securities; Information Technology.Email: James M. Kunick
Anne E. Larson (Principal) admitted to bar, 1989, Illinois; 1998, Arizona. Education: University of Illinois (A.B., 1985); University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1988). Anne E. Larson is Chair of the firm's Labor & Employment practice group. Anne concentrates her practice on management-side labor and employment matters and tries discrimination, wage and non-competition/trade secrets disputes in state and federal courts throughout the country. Like the firm, she sports blue-chip credentials and thrives on competition. Anne has practiced more than 18 years and, to date, has not lost a case. Corporations and business owners depend on Anne for FLSA audits of their exempt v. non-exempt employee classifications, handbooks and advice on their hiring practices, terminations, disability accommodations and FMLA issues. Executives rely on her negotiating skills for their compensation and severance agreements. Her trial work ranges from discrimination, retaliation and breach of contract claims to delivering SWAT-team-like blows in trade secrets and non-compete litigation. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Languages: French. Practice Areas: Labor; Employment Law; Litigation.Email: Anne E. Larson
Mark S. Litner (Principal) born Boston, Massachusetts, June 23, 1959; admitted to bar, 1985, Illinois; 1986, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Tufts University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1981); Northwestern University (J.D., 1985); Kellogg Graduate School of Management (M.M., 1985). Member: Chicago and American Bar Assocations. Languages: French.Email: Mark S. Litner
Gregory B. Mann (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, April 15, 1968; admitted to bar, 1993, Illinois. Education: University of Wisconsin, Madison (B.A., 1990); Chicago Kent College of Law (J.D., 1993; LL.M., Taxation, 1996). Gregory B. Mann, who serves as Vice Chair of the firm's Wealth Transfer & Succession Planning group, designs and implements estate and gift tax plans for individuals and family groups. His work also includes implementing succession planning techniques for closely held corporations, administering probate estates, income tax planning, and preparing gift and estate tax returns. Greg also handles a variety of transactional matters for the firm's corporate clients. Member: Chicago Bar Association. Practice Areas: Estate Planning.Email: Gregory B. Mann
Joseph M. Martin (Principal) born Oak Park, Illinois, October 18, 1966; admitted to bar, 1991, Illinois. Education: Eastern Illinois University (B.A., 1988); University of Illinois (J.D., 1991). Joseph M. Martin advises clients in a range of commercial finance matters, including cash-flow financing, asset-based financing, cross-border loan facilities and acquisition financing. He assists agents and individual lenders with the syndication of loan facilities, including drafting and negotiating agreements among lenders. A member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Joe also represents lenders and borrowers with respect to troubled loans, including forbearance agreements, the restructuring of credit facilities and dispositions of collateral. Joe has advised clients regarding leveraged and synthetic leases, and the creation and implementation of securitization programs. He has also counseled clients regarding working capital financing, project financing and acquisition financing in a variety of sectors and industries, including retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, automotive finance and mining. Special Agencies: Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic, Chicago. Practice Areas: Commercial Finance.Email: Joseph M. Martin
Courtney E. Mayster (Partner) born Chicago, Illinois, May 30, 1976; admitted to bar, 2001, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Georgetown University (B.A., Psychology, 1998); Loyola University (J.D., 2001). Courtney E. Mayster is a Principal in Much Shelist's Real Estate practice group, where she focuses on commercial and multifamily residential real estate law, as well as commercial real estate finance. Courtney regularly counsels buyers, sellers, lenders and borrowers in all aspects of real estate development, financing transactions and condominium development and conversion. A licensed real estate broker in the state of Illinois, Courtney analyzes, negotiates and drafts documents relating to real estate development, acquisitions and dispositions, financing and construction lending, including loan papers, purchase and sale agreements, and title and survey documentation. She is well versed in the Interstate Land Sales Act and has significant experience with the registration of multifamily housing developments with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Courtney represents lenders and borrowers, including commercial and residential developers and major financial institutions, in loan restructuring and workout matters. In addition, Courtney advises developers in negotiations with municipalities for redevelopment agreements and TIFs and counsels business owners, including restaurants, on their corporate and licensing needs. Member: Chicago Association of Realtors; National Association of Realtors; Illinois Association of Realtors. Practice Areas: Real Estate.Email: Courtney E. Mayster
Colleen E. McManus (Principal) admitted to bar, 1997, Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Indiana University (B.A., with honors, 1994); DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 1997). Colleen E. McManus is an experienced bankruptcy attorney and litigator. A member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, she regularly represents lenders, creditors, creditors' committees, trustees and debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, as well as in out-of-court insolvencies. Colleen has particular experience advising lenders, franchisors, developers, mechanics lien holders and landlords inside and outside of bankruptcy. More recently, Colleen also has developed substantial appellate experience and has argued in front of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Her commercial litigation experience includes bench trials, summary judgment briefings, contested hearings, depositions and mediation. Named National Senior Associate for her achievements in providing pro bono legal services, 2006. Contributor to a range of bankruptcy-related legal and industry journals. Practice Areas: Bankruptcy Reorganization; Litigation.Email: Colleen E. McManus
Matthew Miller (Principal) admitted to bar, 1996, Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A., 1993); Loyola University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1996). Matthew S. Miller has represented clients in many different industries, including real estate development, the medical profession, technology, private equity, financial services and retail. He has assisted individuals, start-up companies, family businesses and Fortune 100 companies in a wide range of legal and business matters. As a business lawyer, Matt serves as general counsel to businesses and individuals, providing advice on a broad range of legal and business issues. Working with attorneys in multiple practice groups, he has been involved with real estate matters, entertainment matters, entity formation, acquisitions, employment issues and estate planning. With his breadth of experience, Matt is able to guide his clients through the diverse legal issues that affect their business and personal matters. Recipient, Philip H. Corboy Fellowship in Trial Advocacy. National and Regional Champion, American College of Trial Lawyers' National Trial Competition. Member and Editor-at-Large, Loyola Law Journal. Certified Trial Instructor, National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Judicial Extern to the Honorable Ruben Castillo of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Faculty Member, NITA's Midwest Region. Member, Faculty Teaching Trial Advocacy, Loyola University Chicago School of Law and the Chicago Bar Association College of Trial Lawyers Intensive Advocacy Course. Coached, Trial Teams, Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Member, Board of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers. Certified Trial Instructor. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; College of Master Advocates and Barristers. Practice Areas: Business Law; Litigation; Real Estate.Email: Matthew Miller
Melinda J. Morales (Principal) born Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 11, 1967; admitted to bar, 1994, Minnesota and U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota; 1998, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Carleton College (B.A., 1989); University of Minnesota (J.D., 1994). Melinda J. Morales represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a range of complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts. A major focus of her practice is class action litigation, including the defense of consumer fraud, Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA" or "blast fax"), ERISA and wage and hour claims. Melinda has defended class actions on behalf of numerous corporate clients and othersfrom large financial institutions and midsize companies to entrepreneurial businesses. Before focusing her practice on class action defense, she worked on the plaintiffs' side prosecuting class claims for consumer fraud, antitrust and securities violations. Her extensive class action litigation experience, particularly in the areas of consumer fraud and TCPA matters, is complemented by experience in policyholders' insurance coverage issues and general business litigation. Member: Chicago (Member, Class Action Committee, 2005-2006; Alliance for Women) and American (Member, Section of Litigation, Consumer and Personal Rights Committee) Bar Associations. Transactions: Defended a large financial institution in a putative class action alleging breach of contract. Obtained dismissal on all claims on mootness grounds, decision was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court; Defended a battery manufacturer in a putative class action alleging consumer fraud violations; Obtained dismissal on all claims on mootness grounds, decision was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court; Defending a trustee financial institution in putative class action alleging retirement plan-related ERISA violations; Representing multiple clients in defense of class actions alleging TCPA and Consumer Fraud Act violations; Defending a consumer warranty company in a class action alleging breach of contract and violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; Defended a retailer in a FACTA putative class action based on failure to truncate or delete credit card data on paper receipts; Defending policyholders in multiple declaratory judgment actions by insurers seeking to avoid coverage; Defending a developer in a dispute with municipality alleging breach of development agreement; Defending a bottle cap manufacturer-debtor against a multi-million-dollar contract claim in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings; Defending a large commercial bakery in a multi-million-dollar breach of contract dispute with a supplier. Practice Areas: Complex Litigation; Consumer Law; Securities; Antitrust.Email: Melinda J. Morales
Morrie Much (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, July 28, 1938; admitted to bar, 1962, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., Finance, 1959); University of Chicago (J.D., 1962). A co-founder of the firm in 1970, Morrie Much is an experienced real estate and business lawyer who advises clients in virtually all aspects of commercial real estate transactions and represents companies and individuals in a broad range of other business matters. His clients include developers, investors, syndicators, brokers, banks, insurance companies, pension funds and mortgage bankers. As owner's counsel, Morrie has purchased, sold, leased and financed real estate projects, including shopping centers, office buildings, and industrial and multi-family residential properties. On behalf of lenders, Morrie has structured construction loans and permanent mortgage loans for land development and for commercial, industrial and multi-family residential properties. Morrie has authored and periodically updated numerous articles for IICLE handbooks. He wrote "Enforcing Security Agreements" for Creditors' Rights and "Raising the Equity" for The ABC's of Real Estate Rehabilitation. He is the author of "Advising Banks on Consumer Regulation and Legislation" and the co-author of "Customers in Financial Difficulty," both published in the IICLE handbook Advising Illinois Financial Institutions. Member: Chicago (Member: Executive Council, Real Property Committee; Continuing Legal Education Subcommittee, Contracts Subcommittee, and Land Development and Construction Subcommittee), Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Real Estate Development and Lending; Secured Transactions; Business Law; Trade Associations.Email: Morrie Much
Norman B. Newman (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, February 18, 1951; admitted to bar, 1975, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1972); John Marshall Law School (J.D., 1975). A bankruptcy attorney for 30 of his 34 years in practice, Norman B. Newman has been a firm Principal since 1988, and previously served as Chair of the Creditors' Rights, Insolvency & Bankruptcy practice group. Norm has represented debtors, creditors, creditors' committees and bankruptcy trustees in all phases of proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code. Head of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Norm has extensive experience handling reorganizations, in-court and out-of-court loan workouts, creditor compositions, liquidations, assignments for the benefit of creditors and various other matters involving financial distress. He has served as bankruptcy trustee in a number of significant cases and is a member of the Private Panel of Trustees for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Member: Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Turnaround Management Association (Member, Chicago/Midwest Chapter); American Bankruptcy Institute; Commercial Law League of America; National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees. Practice Areas: Bankruptcy, Reorganization and Creditors' Rights.Email: Norman B. Newman
Martin J. O'Hara (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois; admitted to bar, 1995, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Illinois State University (B.A., 1990); John Marshall Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1995). Martin J. O'Hara, a Principal in the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, concentrates his practice on commercial litigation and the defense of professionals in malpractice actions. A frequently published author, Martin currently writes the "Professional Liability" column for the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel's IDC Quarterly. He has also published articles in the John Marshall Law Review and the ABA's Judges' Journal. Phi Delta Phi. Member, John Marshall Law Review. Law Clerk, Honorable Michael Brennan Getty, Cook County Chancery Division, 1996-1997. Member, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Member: Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations; Defense Research Institute; Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel; Society of Trial Lawyers. Practice Areas: Professional Liability; Business Litigation; Commercial Litigation.Email: Martin J. O'Hara
David M. Pilotto (Principal) born Hammond, Indiana, January 2, 1970; admitted to bar, 2000, Illinois. Education: Western Illinois University (B.B., 1992); Loyola University Chicago (J.D., cum laude, 2000). David M. Pilotto concentrates his practice in corporate and tax law. In the corporate area, Dave represents a diverse group of organizations, from large corporate clients to small entrepreneurial limited liability companies, in connection with a broad range of transactions, including organizations, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. He also handles a variety of general corporate matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts, loan agreements and other documents. A CPA with a strong background in business accounting, Dave earned Loyola University Chicago's Certificate in Taxation while in law school. In his tax practice, he provides guidance in federal tax planning for business organizations and individuals. David is the co-author of "Enforcing Security Interests and Liens on Personal Property," a chapter in the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Publication Creditors' Rights in Illinois (2004 edition). Certified Public Accountant, Illinois. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions; Banking; Lender Law.Email: David M. Pilotto
Joel S. Polisky (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, October 24, 1952; admitted to bar, 1979, Illinois and U.S. Tax Court. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., 1974); DePaul University (M.B.A., 1976); John Marshall Law School (J.D., 1979). Joel S. Polisky is a seasoned transactional lawyer with a varied practice. He represents closely held businesses, often as general counsel, in connection with planning and implementing business strategies and a wide range of transactions, among them the disposition and acquisition of assets and entity structuring. His clients are engaged in a broad array of businesses, including manufacturing, retail, health care, and business and personal services. Joel provides estate planning services and handles estate administration for families, business owners, corporate executives and professionals. He also counsels clients regarding issues associated with the preservation and transfer of wealth. He represents owners of all types of commercial, industrial and office real estate in a range of real estate matters, including property acquisitions and dispositions, leasing and financing. Member: Jewish United Fund's Professional Advisory Committee; Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association's Board of Directors. Member: Chicago (Member, Tax Committee) and Illinois State Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Real Estate Transactions; Acquisitions and Mergers; Estate Tax; Corporate.Email: Joel S. Polisky
Neil B. Posner (Principal) admitted to bar, 1996, Wisconsin, Illinois, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin and Northern District of Illinois and U.S. Tax Court. Education: New York University (B.A., 1971); University of California, Los Angeles (Accounting Program, 1991); Marquette University Law School (J.D., 1996). Neil B. Posner, Chair of the firm's Policyholders' Insurance Coverage group, focuses his legal practice in the area of insurance coverage, with specific emphasis on insurance recovery and dispute resolution, risk management, loss prevention and cost containment. Neil's clients include a range of public and private companies, organizations, boards of directors, individual officers and other policyholders. Neil assists clients in analyzing, negotiating and enhancing a wide range of insurance policies and plans, including directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions, employment practices liability and fiduciary liability. He also has significant experience in insurance coverage issues related to e-commerce, intellectual property and construction matters. Member: American Bar Association (Member: eCommerce Committee; Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee; Business Law Section). Practice Areas: Insurance Coverage; Commercial Litigation; Tax Controversies.Email: Neil B. Posner
William R. Quinlan (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois; admitted to bar, 1964, Illinois, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Court of Military Appeals, U.S. Court of Federal Claims and U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Loyola University (B.S.C., Accounting, 1961); Loyola University (J.D., cum laude, 1964); University of Virginia School of Law (LL.M., 1988). William R. Quinlan, a Principal in the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, is a former Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court and a former Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Bill's legal practice involves litigation and appeals of complex matters in state and federal courts, governmental representation and counseling, and service as an arbitrator and mediator. A highly experienced litigator, he provides effective representation in a broad range of disputes in the areas of banking and finance, commercial law, construction and real estate, environmental issues and intellectual property. In January 2003, Bill was recognized as a Laureate of the Illinois State Bar Association Academy of Illinois Lawyers. In October 2005, he received the Illinois Bar Foundation's Distinguished Award for Excellence. Bill is a member of the Society of Trial Lawyers, the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the American Bar Association Council of the Section of Litigation. He is also a Fellow of the American and Illinois Bar Foundations. Inducted as a Lifetime Member of the Global Directory of Who's Who, Bill has been recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network as a top Illinois lawyer in the areas of civil appellate law, commercial litigation, ADR law, construction law and governmental, municipal, lobbying and administrative law (2004-2008). He has also been designated an Illinois Super Lawyer (2005-2009), an honor given to the top 5% of attorneys in the state, and was included on "The Top 100" list for 2009. Additionally, he is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the City Club and the Executives' Club of Chicago. Chairman of the Cook County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Member: Committee on Professional Responsibility of the Illinois Supreme Court; Committee on Character and Fitness and its Committee on Rules; Illinois Supreme Court's Special Committee on Protracted/Complex Litigation; Review Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Member: Chicago, Illinois State (Judicial Liaison, 1995) and American Bar Associations; Federal Bar Association; Society of Trial Lawyers; American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. Practice Areas: Alternative Dispute Resolution; Appellate Practice; Commercial Law; Complex Litigation; Construction Law; Corporate Law; General Litigation; Products Liability Law; Real Estate; Environmental Law; Banking Law; Intellectual Property; Class Actions; Local Government Law.Email: William R. Quinlan
Joel E. Resnick (Principal) admitted to bar, 1979, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Franklin & Marshall College (B.A., 1976); Washington University School of Law (J.D., 1979). Joel E. Resnick brings more than 25 years of real estate experience to clients engaged in all phases of commercial real estate transactions, locally and nationally. Drawing on his well-honed skills as a strategic negotiator and business counselor, Joel helps clients negotiate and close purchase, sale and financing agreements for retail, office, mixed-use, industrial and residential properties, including apartment and condominium buildings, brownfields and unimproved properties. Joel served for a number of years as General Counsel for a Chicago-based real estate developer, for which he negotiated and closed contracts for the acquisition of land for new developments, negotiated space and ground leases with major national retail tenants, and developed and documented a range of site-development and reciprocal-easement agreements. He has provided counsel on joint venture and partnership structuring and other business relationships, helped secure construction and permanent financing for shopping centers and retail office buildings, and negotiated asset sales. A member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Joel has also represented a number of lenders in loan workout and deed in lieu of foreclosure transactions. Joel has published a number of articles in legal and industry journals, covering a variety of topics, including commercial real estate transactions and Title VIII litigation. While in law school, he served as a staff member and Associate Editor of the Urban Law Annual. Member: Chicago (Member, Real Property Law Committee, 1985) and American (Member, Sections on: Real Property, Probate and Trust Law) Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Real Estate.Email: Joel E. Resnick
Wendy M. Reutebuch (Principal) born Granite City, Illinois, June 26, 1974; admitted to bar, 1999, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1996); DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 1999). Wendy M. Reutebuch, a member of the firm's Real Estate practice group and the Financial Crisis Response Team, represents clients in a wide variety of commercial real estate and real estate finance transactions. She acts as general counsel to banks and advises them on loan workouts, restructuring, forbearance and pre-foreclosure matters. Wendy serves as Co-Vice Chair of the firm's Women's Initiative. Member, Board of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. Member: Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Real Estate; Corporate.Email: Wendy M. Reutebuch
Carrie M. Risatti (Principal) admitted to bar, 1999, Virginia; 2003, Illinois. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A., with honors, 1995); Washington & Lee University (J.D., 1999). Carrie M. Risatti is a member of the firm's Real Estate practice group, where she represents clients in all aspects of real estate development and finance. Carrie focuses her practice on the representation of developers, investors and lenders in multifamily, retail and industrial development projects, including property acquisition, construction of buildings and infrastructure, sales and leasing, and construction and permanent financing. Additionally, Carrie has significant experience representing real estate investment trusts (REITs), as well as representing clients in tax-deferred exchanges, acquisitions and dispositions. Member: Junior League of Chicago; Professional Women's Club of Chicago; Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Member: Chicago Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; Virginia State Bar; American Bar Association (Member, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section). Languages: Italian, French. Practice Areas: Real Estate Law.Email: Carrie M. Risatti
Mitchell S. Roth (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, May 28, 1967; admitted to bar, 1992, Illinois, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois at Champaign (B.S., with high honors, 1989; J.D., with honors, 1992). Mitchell S. Roth is an accomplished attorney with a unique blend of business, financial and legal acumen. He advises a wide range of clients, including entrepreneurs, closely held businesses and public companies involved in manufacturing, distribution, investment banking, private equity, financial services, real estate development, technology and other industries. Mitchell also serves as outside general counsel to many of the firm's largest clients. Drawing on his in-depth understanding of the many factors that contribute to business success, Mitchell provides far-reaching, coordinated and highly effective counsel to his clients. He helps negotiate and structure joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, syndications, commercial lending transactions, management buyouts, financings, venture capital transactions and private placements, among other areas of service. In addition, he offers guidance on complex tax matters related to deal structuring, as well as corporate and succession planning. He is also a member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team. Complementing his legal practice, Mitchell has significant experience as an entrepreneur and serves as an officer, director and owner of a successful national home warranty company. This unique background has allowed Mitchell to share like experiences with his clientele. A certified public accountant, he also worked in the tax department of KPMG Peat Marwick and in the audit department of Arthur Andersen's London office prior to beginning his legal practice. Mitchell currently serves on the firm's Management Committee, chairs the Lateral Task Force and has been an important contributor to the expansion of the client base and service offerings at Much Shelist. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois. Member: Chicago (Member, Young Lawyers Division), Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Entrepreneurs Organization; Chicago Business Forum; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society. Practice Areas: Mergers and Acquisitions; Corporate Law; Technology; Federal Taxation; Wealth Transfer; Succession Planning.Email: Mitchell S. Roth
Jeffrey C. Rubenstein (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, January 27, 1942; admitted to bar, 1966, Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (A.B., 1963; J.D., 1966); Lawyers Institute, The John Marshall Law School (LL.M., 1983). Jeffrey C. Rubenstein, an accomplished business lawyer with over 30 years of experience in tax, corporate and real estate matters, represents a variety of firms in the venture and middle markets. They comprise a broad array of businesses, among them public and private manufacturing, investment banking and financial services, health care, real estate and technology. Jeffrey helps clients develop, form and create new businesses and ventures, including tax and financial structures. He has supported the growth of these entities by assisting in capital formation through private placements and public offerings, as well as advising clients in mergers and acquisitions. He has planned and developed successful programs for business and technology venture and real estate investments. Jeffrey's relationship with investment bankers, venture capital funds and private investment capital has facilitated many successful business enterprises. Member, Taxation Committee, Commercial Division of the Chicago Board of Realtors. Member: American Bar Association (Member, Committee on Federal Taxation, Subcommittee on Legislation); National Real Estate Investment Association (Member, Committee on Taxation). Practice Areas: Corporation Law; Mergers and Acquisitions; Taxation; Real Estate.Email: Jeffrey C. Rubenstein
Kevin J. Ryan (Principal) born Fort Wayne, Indiana; admitted to bar, 1987, Illinois. Education: University of Notre Dame (B.S., 1979); University of Chicago (M.B.A., 1981); Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., 1987). Kevin J. Ryan, a Principal in the Business & Finance group and a member of the firm's Health Care Law practice, concentrates his practice on legal and regulatory issues facing the health care industry. Kevin's clients include hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers and physician groups, as well as other provider organizations and businesses. Kevin advises for-profit and not-for-profit businesses on a variety of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and maintenance of tax-exempt status. He also counsels clients on day-to-day, operational issues such as the negotiation and drafting of managed care agreements, physician employment agreements, licensing agreements and management services agreements. Kevin provides guidance on a host of state and federal regulatory, legislative and other administrative policy issues, including licensing laws, Certificate of Need matters and compliance with HIPAA privacy requirements. He helps providers navigate complex Medicare and Medicaid laws and regulations relating to state and federal anti-kickback and fraud and abuse laws; the physician self-referral laws, also known as the Stark Law; and reimbursement issues. Kevin is at the forefront of attorneys advising clients on the emerging globalization of the U.S. health care industry. For example, he regularly advises foreign and domestic entities and networks on the development of and participation in the growing medical tourism industry. Member: American Bar Association; Illinois Chamber of Commerce (Executive Healthcare Council). Practice Areas: Health Care.
Adam K. Sacharoff (Principal) born Toronto, Canada, March 17, 1972; admitted to bar, 1998, Illinois; registered to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Education: Purdue University (B.S.A.E., 1995); Franklin Pierce Law Center (J.D., 1998). Adam K. Sacharoff concentrates on counseling, licensing and obtaining protection for a variety of patent, trademark and copyright matters. Adam has developed a practice involving patent drafting and prosecution of patents, as well as issuance before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and throughout the world. He provides novelty, invalidity and non-infringement opinions and works in due diligence matters such as product clearances and patent portfolio analyses for potential mergers and acquisitions. His experience has allowed him to work on patent prosecution in the fields of mechanical arts, aerospace, medical devices, computer-related inventions and business methods. Adam has worked on the licensing of technology and in developing strategies and portfolios for intellectual property assets. He has also been involved in patent litigation concerning technologies ranging from medical devices to electronic toys. Adam works extensively with trademarks, including clearance of potential marks, branding and registration of marks in the United States and around the world. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations; American Intellectual Property Law Association. Practice Areas: Patents; Trademarks; Litigation; Trade Secrets.Email: Adam K. Sacharoff
Michael B. Sadoff (Principal) born Sioux City, Iowa, August 19, 1949; admitted to bar, 1975, Illinois. Education: University of Iowa (B.B.A., with honors, 1971); DePaul University (J.D., magna cum laude, 1975). Michael B. Sadoff is a past Chair of the firm's Real Estate practice group and a former member of the Management Committee. He advises owners, developers, builders, borrowers, lenders, landlords and tenants in a full spectrum of complex commercial real estate transactions. Michael is an experienced transactional lawyer who also serves as a legal and business counselor in a wide range of corporate, partnership and general commercial matters. Member, Dean's Council of DePaul University College of Law. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Real Estate (Property) Law; Leases and Leasing; Secured Transactions Law; Business Law.Email: Michael B. Sadoff
Lorne T. Saeks (Principal) born Skokie, Illinois, August 11, 1966; admitted to bar, 1991, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1988); Indiana University (J.D., 1991). Lorne T. Saeks represents a broad range of businesses, organizations and individuals in all aspects of labor and employment law. He has represented clients in diverse litigation matters, ranging from civil rights claims to disputes under state and federal labor laws, collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts. He helps clients negotiate employment contracts and has experience in handling union-related matters before state and federal agencies. Lorne often works with clients in preparing and reviewing employment agreements and employee manuals. He provides assistance on a range of matters relating to personnel and human resource management. Lorne also represents clients in real estate-related litigation, with an emphasis on title insurance defense work, and construction and foreclosure-related litigation. Member: Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Employment Law; Labor Law; Commercial Litigation.Email: Lorne T. Saeks
Joanne A. Sarasin (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, October 27, 1960; admitted to bar, 1985, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1982; J.D., summa cum laude, 1985). Joanne A. Sarasin concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation with specific emphasis on insurance coverage issues. Joanne assists policyholders in resolving all types of insurance coverage disputes, through negotiation, litigation and other forms of dispute resolution. She has successfully obtained not only insurance coverage, but also additional damages against insurers who have acted in bad faith towards their policyholders. Joanne serves as an advisor on appellate issues involving insurance litigation to attorneys at other firms and has recently assisted in obtaining victories in the Illinois Supreme Court for several clients. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Litigation.Email: Joanne A. Sarasin
Steven Schwartz (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, August 12, 1952; admitted to bar, 1977, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., 1974); Northwestern University (J.D., highest honors, 1977). A certified public accountant and transactional attorney with nearly 30 years of experience, Steven Schwartz is former Chair of the firm's Business & Finance practice group and is a member of the Management Committee. Steve's corporate practice encompasses mergers and acquisitions; corporate finance, including public and private offerings of debt and equity; secured lending; and other business and financial transactions for a wide range of clients such as public companies, privately held businesses, entrepreneurs and emerging companies. His mergers and acquisitions practice encompasses stock and asset acquisitions and divestitures, management and leveraged buyouts, and strategic joint ventures. As a tax lawyer, Steve counsels clients with respect to tax considerations that arise in connection with mergers and acquisitions, compensation and benefit planning, structuring and forming partnerships and limited liability companies, and entity selections. Steve also assists clients in the formation of various tax-exempt organizations. Member: School Board for Deerfield, Illinois District 109; One Step At A Time, Deerfield Education Foundation; American Liver Foundation. Certified Public Accountant, Illinois. Member: Chicago (Member, Federal Taxation and Corporate Law Sections), Illinois State and American (Member, Federal Taxation Section) Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Mergers and Acquisitions; Corporate Finance; Federal Income Tax Law; Corporate Law.Email: Steven Schwartz
Edward D. Shapiro (Principal) born Brooklyn, New York, June 4, 1962; admitted to bar, 1991, Massachusetts; 1992, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts; 1994, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: State University of New York at Binghamton (B.A., with honors, 1984); Boston University (J.D., 1991). Edward D. Shapiro is Chair of the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group. His practice focuses on the efficient prevention, management and resolution of disputes for commercial entities, organizations and individuals. Ed views his primary objective as helping clients identify their goals, as well as business and personal options that they may not have thought were possible during the dispute resolution process. He advises businesses and individuals on proactive measures to avoid litigation. He also represents clients in state and federal court, before administrative agencies, and in mediation and arbitration. Ed has provided counseling and litigation representation involving claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act, breach of fiduciary duty, employment disputes and contracts, discrimination claims, breach of contract, fraud and consumer fraud, restrictive covenants, unfair competition, trade secrets, professional licensing, business dissolution, trusts and estates, real estate, and product liability defense. He also represents physicians and physician practice groups before various administrative agencies, including the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, and in contract, non-compete and hospital privilege matters. As one of the leaders of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Ed is also involved in representing lenders and borrowers in real estate disputes, including commercial foreclosures and business workouts. Trained as a litigator, Ed applies an ethical and responsible approach to conflict resolution. He frequently represents clients in mediation and is a certified mediator helping parties resolve their disputes. Fellow at the Illinois Institute of Collaborative Law Northwestern University School of Law (Program on Negotiation and Mediation). Vice President, Board of Directors for the Center for Conflict Resolution (Peer Review Committee). Member, Association for Conflict Resolution. Former Co-Chair of Programming and Professional Development Committee, Association for Conflict Resolution. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Fellow: Federal Trial Bar. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Mediation; Arbitration; Holistic Law; Collaborative Law.Email: Edward D. Shapiro
Michael B. Shaw (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, 1973; admitted to bar, 1998, Illinois. Education: Northwestern University (B.A., cum laude, 1995, Phi Beta Kappa; J.D., cum laude, 1998); University of Chicago (M.B.A., 2002). Michael B. Shaw concentrates his practice in corporate law and is the head of the firm's Private Equity practice. Michael represents clients in connection with a broad range of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital financings, business succession planning, strategic alliances and joint ventures. His clients range from large proprietorships and public companies to start-up and other small or mid-sized privately held companies. He also represents many private equity groups with respect to mergers and acquisitions and portfolio company matters. Michael has extensive experience advising officers, directors and shareholders regarding general corporate and business law issues. He also handles other corporate matters, including contract drafting and review, and corporate structuring and governance. Member: Jewish United Fund's Young Leadership Division; Board of Directors of the Jewish Counsel for Youth Services. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Association for Corporate Growth. Practice Areas: Corporate Law; Corporate Finance; Securities; Taxation; Business Planning.Email: Michael B. Shaw
Norman A. Shubert (Principal) born Peoria, Illinois, February 21, 1935; admitted to bar, 1960, Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (A.B., cum laude, 1957); Northwestern University (J.D., 1960). Norman A. Shubert handles a wide range of commercial transactions for family and closely owned businesses, including tax and corporate planning and the sale and acquisition of businesses. Norm also provides estate plans for large and medium-sized estates, making creative use of tax-saving techniques to minimize estate and inheritance taxes. He establishes trusts and administers estates using simplified administration. In real estate matters, Norm provides a full range of services to general and trade contractors, developers, office building owners, banks and institutional lenders. He assists insurance companies and policyholders in resolving coverage issues and defending professional liability claims. Member: Chicago (Member, Trust Law Subcommittee), Illinois State and American (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections) Bar Associations; American Arbitration Association. Practice Areas: Banking Law; Corporate Law; Real Estate Law; Estate Planning.Email: Norman A. Shubert
Gregg M. Simon (Chair, Wealth Transfer and Succession Planning Practice) born Chicago, Illinois, June 16, 1962; admitted to bar, 1987, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., with honors, 1984); Loyola University (J.D., 1987). Gregg M. Simon is Chair of the firm's Wealth Transfer & Succession Planning group. He concentrates his practice in estate planning, federal estate and gift taxation, probate and trust administration, and business planning. He authored "Handling Closely Held Business Interests and Other Special Assets" for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education publication Estate Planning for Illinois Attorneys: The Basics and Beyond and is a frequent speaker on estate planning and estate administration topics. Member: Chicago Estate Planning Council; Greater North Shore Estate and Financial Planning Council; Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago; Professional Advisory Committee Board of the International Music Foundation. Registered Certified Public Accountant and Licensed Real Estate Broker. Member: Chicago Bar Association (Probate Practice and Asset Protection Committees); Illinois State Bar Association. Fellow: American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Practice Areas: Estate Planning; Probate Administration; Trust Administration; Tax Planning; Business Planning.Email: Gregg M. Simon
Steven A. Stender (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, September 21, 1955; admitted to bar, 1980, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1977); Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., with honors, 1980). Steven A. Stender has practiced law in Illinois for more than 28 years and has represented many corporate and real estate clients in a broad range of issues and transactions. Steve's clients range from large banks and other financial institutions to real estate, restaurant and manufacturing companies. He advises his clients in matters involving their financial structures, operating policies and long-range strategic planning. Steve was the Chair of the firm's Real Estate practice group from 2004 to 2007. He also is a member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team and regularly consults with clients who are experiencing financial distress or working out troubled loans. Member: Water Committee of the Jewish National Fund; Executive Board of the American Youth Soccer Organization. Former Commissioner and Past President of the Glencoe Park District. Member: Chicago Bar Association. Practice Areas: Real Estate Law; Zoning Law.Email: Steven A. Stender
Daniel J. Struck (Principal) born February 8, 1965; admitted to bar, 1994, New York; 1997, Illinois. Education: University of Dallas (B.A., 1988); New York University School of Law (J.D., 1993). Daniel J. Struck is a highly experienced litigator who represents corporate and individual policyholders throughout the United States in insurance coverage litigation and provides counsel regarding complex insurance advisory matters. Dan advises clients with respect to the structure, negotiation and placement of their insurance programs, including directors and officers, fiduciary liability, employment practices liability, media liability, crime, representations and warranties, Internet activity, bankers liability, general liability, environmental liability, product recall, builders risk and first party property insurance. He counsels clients on the structure and negotiation of wrap, difference-in-conditions and captive insurance products, and provides guidance on insurance-related due diligence and the insurance implications of corporate spin-offs and changes in corporate control. Dan also advises clients concerning the availability of coverage under current and legacy insurance programs for potential and actual claims. Dan has represented clients from a broad range of industries, including financial services, media and publishing, mortgage banking, electric and other utilities, retail, food and consumer goods, biotechnology and manufacturing. He regularly conducts insurance coverage audits, helping businesses identify potential risks and gaps in coverage, and implementing enhancement initiatives. Member: American Bar Association (Member, Section on Insurance Law). Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Insurance Recovery.Email: Daniel J. Struck
Anthony C. Valiulis (Principal) born Rockford, Illinois, May 12, 1947; admitted to bar, 1974, Illinois; U.S. Supreme Court; 1990, U.S. Tax Court; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar; U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits. Education: Marquette University (B.A., 1970); Loyola University (J.D., cum laude, 1974). Anthony C. Valiulis is an accomplished litigator with almost 35 years of experience in a broad range of state and federal civil trial and appellate matters. A principal of the firm since 1979, Tony served as Chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group for more than 20 years. As counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants, he has first-chaired numerous jury and bench trials in federal and state courts and argued a wide variety of appeals throughout the country, including in the Illinois Supreme Court. Tony's practice encompasses all types of complex business and financial litigation, concentrating in four major areas: (1) business disputes, (2) non-compete agreements, (3) insurance coverage and (4) class action defense. He also represents individuals, privately held companies and publicly traded corporations in the areas of business fraud, unfair competition, labor-related litigation, employment discrimination (including age and other types of discrimination), trademarks, trade dress matters, business torts, toxic torts, technology litigation, securities litigation (including stock purchase agreements, notes and contracts) and RICO fraud. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Fellow: American Bar Foundation. Reported Cases: Guillen v. Potomac, 203 Ill.2d 141 (2003); Brouwer v. Raffensperger, Hughes & Co., 199 F.3d 961 (7th Cir. 2000); Perry v. Economy Fire & Cas. Co., 724 N.E.2d 151 (1st Dist. 1999); Insurance Co. of Illinois v. Stringfield, 685 N.E.2d 980 (1st Dist. 1997). Practice Areas: Appellate Practice; Civil Practice; Complex and Multi-District Litigation; Commercial Law; Contracts; Fraud and Deceit; Insurance; Litigation; Unfair Competition.Email: Anthony C. Valiulis
Michael B. Viner (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, July 1, 1963; admitted to bar, 1988, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., with high honors, 1985; J.D., 1988). An experienced transactional lawyer with a background in accounting, Michael B. Viner serves as Vice Chair of the firm's Real Estate group. Michael handles a variety of real estate transactions, including commercial acquisitions and dispositions; tax-deferred exchanges; commercial, office and industrial leasing on behalf of landlords and tenants; condominium developments; and financing and refinancing (conventional, conduit, bond and government-insured) on behalf of property owners. Michael represents institutional lenders in connection with financings, loan modifications and workouts. He also represents closely held entities in connection with formation, organizational issues and related matters. Member: Jewish Community Centers of Chicago Northern Region; Lawson House; YMCA; Deerfield Youth Baseball Association; American Youth Soccer Organization. Member: Chicago (Member, Real Property Committee), Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Commercial Real Estate; Finance.Email: Michael B. Viner
John H. Ward (Principal) born Wilmington, North Carolina, September 23, 1942; admitted to bar, 1978, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar; 1984, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; 1988, U.S. Supreme Court; 1992, U.S. Tax Court; 1999, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Education: United States Military Academy (B.S., with distinction, 1964); Armed Forces Language Institute (French, 1969); Institut Universitaire de Hautes Etudes Internationales, University of Geneva, Switzerland, Licence ès Sciences Politiques (études Internationales, 1971); DePaul University (J.D., with honors, 1978). John H. Ward is an accomplished trial lawyer with more than 20 years of trial and appellate-level experience in large-scale commercial, contingent and bankruptcy litigation. His varied practice includes insurance defense, antitrust, patent, securities and shareholder derivative litigation in state and federal courts and before arbitration panels throughout the country. John has represented creditors, debtors, creditors' committees and trustees in commercial suits and bankruptcy proceedings, and in the administration of complex cases. He also has participated in international and domestic arbitrations and mediations of multi-million-dollar cases. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. [U.S. Army Officer, 1964-1977; Airborne, Ranger, Special Weapons qualifications; Combat in Vietnam 1967-1968; Combat Infantry Badge, bronze star, etc.]. Special Agencies: Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program; Glen Oak Acres Community Association. Languages: French, Russian and German. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Class Action; Bankruptcy Litigation.Email: John H. Ward
Arnold Weinberg (Principal) born Chicago, Illinois, June 15, 1942; admitted to bar, 1967, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., 1964); Northwestern University (J.D., 1967). Arnold Weinberg is a member of the firm's Real Estate practice group. Drawing on his nearly 40 years of experience as an attorney, he advises owners, developers, builders, landlords and tenants in virtually all aspects of commercial, office and industrial real estate acquisitions, development, leasing and other transactions. Arnold represents clients from coast to coast. Representative matters have included assisting a large grocery store chain in the negotiation of leases throughout the Chicago area as part of a major expansion; representing a national tenant in securing retail space throughout the United States; providing legal services for the owner of a large portfolio of office buildings; and representing developers in the development of retail, office and industrial projects. Member: Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations. Special Agencies: International Conference of Shopping Centers; Urban Land Institute. Practice Areas: Real Estate; Mortgages.Email: Arnold Weinberg
Michael R. Wolfe (Principal) admitted to bar, 1971, Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.S., 1968); DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 1971). Michael R. Wolfe has enjoyed a highly successful legal practice for nearly 35 years, serving clients in all areas of real estate transactions and finance, including developments, purchases, sales, exchanges and leases. He concentrates his practice on the representation of commercial, residential and shopping center developers, and the representation of financial institutions in real estate-related loan transactions. Member, Executive Committee of Four Stars of Chicago. Member: State Bar of Wisconsin; Illinois State Bar Association; Chicago Bar Association (Former Chair, Mechanics Lien Subcommittee).Email: Michael R. Wolfe
——————————Pamela Belyn (Associate) admitted to bar, 1999, Illinois. Education: Howard University (B.B.A., Finance, 1990); Case Western Reserve University (J.D., 1999). Pamela Mitchell Belyn is an associate in the firm's Business & Finance practice group, where she counsels corporations and individuals on a wide range of legal, policy and business issues. She also assists clients in the development of contracts, operating policies, procedural improvements and other sophisticated strategies to guard against myriad legal risks. With a primary focus on the middle market, Pamela counsels companies in the structuring, tax planning and other aspects of corporate mergers and acquisitions. She regularly performs buy-side and sell-side due diligence on large, complex transactions, often utilizing less costly electronic data delivery methods. Pamela also represents clients on issues such as shareholder buyouts; financial and tax planning strategies; forming new corporations, partnerships and joint ventures; and negotiating purchase and sale contracts. Pamela frequently counsels entrepreneurs and privately held companies, as well as women- and minority-owned businesses. She has particular experience in helping clients obtain certification as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). Member, Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law Firms. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Business Law.Email: Pamela Belyn
Myles A. Cochran (Associate) born 1977; admitted to bar, 2003, Florida; 2005, Illinois. Education: University of Northern Iowa (B.A., cum laude, 2000); University of Miami (J.D., cum laude, 2003). Myles A. Cochran focuses his practice on commercial real estate matters. He represents buyers, sellers and developers in a range of land and property transactions, including sales, acquisitions, conversions and financing. He also helps clients address land-use, zoning, contractual and tax issues, and assists landlords and tenants in negotiating a variety of commercial, retail and office leases. In his corporate practice, Myles advises clients in the formation of business entities, including the drafting of articles, operating agreements, partnership agreements, by-laws, and other organizational and transactional documents. He also represents buyers and sellers in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and advises parties to corporate and limited liability company reorganizations. Member, Iron Arrow Honor Society. Member: American Bar Association (Committee on Negotiated Acquisitions); Young Professionals of Chicago. Practice Areas: Real Estate.Email: Myles A. Cochran
Cassandra Crane (Associate) admitted to bar, 2006, Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of North Alabama (B.A., 2002); John Marshall Law School (J.D., 2006). Cassandra M. Crane represents clients in a broad range of commercial litigation matters. Casey has represented individuals and corporations in state and federal courts in cases involving fiduciary duty, breach of contract and employment disputes. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Litigation.Email: Cassandra Crane
Andrea Forsyth (Associate) admitted to bar, 2005, Illinois. Education: DePaul University (B.S., 1998); Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., with high honors, 2005) Order of the Coif. Andrea E. Forsyth concentrates her practice on general commercial litigation, including breach of contract, construction litigation, employment and intellectual property matters, as well as white collar criminal investigations. As a member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Andrea handles commercial foreclosure matters, often involving mechanics' liens. She also represents clients in arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Andrea has significant experience before the Illinois Appellate Court, the First District and the Illinois Supreme Court. As an Assistant State's Attorney in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office (Criminal Appeals Division), she oversaw more than 40 appeals on a number of constitutional and criminal issues. Many of these cases involved complex Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment issues and Crawford challenges to various Illinois hearsay exceptions. Practice Areas: Litigation.Email: Andrea Forsyth
Tzivia A. Masliansky (Associate) born Park Ridge, Illinois, 1976; admitted to bar, 2001, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1998); Chicago-Kent School of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., 2001). Tzivia A. Masliansky, an Associate in the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, represents clients in a broad range of business and commercial disputes, including matters involving trade secrets, unfair competition, breach of contract, fiduciary duty, real estate and corporate issues. Tzivia is an experienced litigator in both state and federal courts, as well as in mediation and arbitration proceedings. While in law school, Tzivia served on the Chicago-Kent College of Law Intellectual Property Journal and appeared regularly on the Dean's List. Tzivia is a volunteer at PAWS Chicago, where she also serves on the Professional Board. Practice Areas: Securities Litigation.Email: Tzivia A. Masliansky
Konica Mitra (Associate) born 1983; (Admission pending). Education: Northwestern University (B.S., 2004); University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 2007). Konica Mitra concentrates her practice in commercial and real estate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. She advises clients in various commercial finance matters, including a wide variety of loan facilities. A member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, she represents lenders in loan workouts, such as restructuring credit facilities and forbearance agreements. Konica also advises clients with respect to SEC compliance, financial reporting and real estate-related documentation, including property management contracts and commercial leasing agreements. Special Agencies: Chicago Board Options Exchange.Email: Konica Mitra
Jeanna Palmer (Associate) admitted to bar, 2007, Illinois. Education: University of Notre Dame (B.A., cum laude, 2003); Loyola University School of Law (J.D., 2007). Jeanna M. Palmer counsels clients on a range of business and commercial issues, with an emphasis on transactional and regulatory matters for health care providers and general corporate services. Jeanna provides guidance regarding anti-kickback and self-referral laws and regulations, as well as general health care compliance and administrative issues. In addition, she has experience in the areas of physician privileging, gainsharing programs and the review of medical staff bylaws. Jeanna also handles a variety of general corporate matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts and other transaction documents. Finalist, American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition. Editor-in-Chief, Annals of Health Law. Law Clerk, Consumer Protection Division, Healthcare Bureau, Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Judicial Extern for the Honorable Ronald A. Guzman, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Served as a Victim Advocate for TESSA. Practice Areas: Business Law.Email: Jeanna Palmer
Jonathan M. Ruby (Associate) born August 5, 1971; admitted to bar, 2003, New York. (Not admitted in Illinois). Education: University of Michigan (B.S., 1993); Wayne State University (M.D., 1999); Northwestern University (J.D., 2002). Jonathan M. Ruby, an Associate in the firm's Real Estate practice group, counsels individuals and businesses on a wide range of issues involving the acquisition, disposition, leasing and financing of real property. He has advised clients with both domestic and international real estate holdings, representing them with regard to various property types, including industrial, shopping center, residential, office and vacant land. Jonathan has served as an advisor in numerous real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions of individual properties and portfolio purchases and sales throughout the United States; the negotiation and drafting of leasing and property management agreements for residential complexes and local and regional shopping centers; and the drafting of leases and subleases for industrial, office and retail properties. Jonathan has also assisted clients in preparing and negotiating agreements with general contractors, subcontractors, architects and service providers (e.g. television and Internet services), and in negotiating joint ventures. Practice Areas: Real Estate.Email: Jonathan M. Ruby
Autumn L. Sharp (Associate) born Greenbrae, California; admitted to bar, 2003, Ohio; 2006, Illinois. Education: Ohio University (B.S., 1998); University of Virginia (J.D., 2003). Autumn L. Sharp represents clients in a range of business and commercial disputes in both state and federal courts in a variety of areas, including commercial contract disputes, commercial landlord/tenant disputes, trade secrets cases, insurance coverage issues, director and officer liability and shareholder disputes, professional liability issues, employment law, and breach of warranty cases. Prior to joining Much Shelist, Autumn focused her practice on administrative appeals and other regulatory matters in motor vehicle dealer board actions across the nation, as well as federal and state securities law. Autumn has represented clients in a federal jury trial and several administrative hearings; has briefed, argued and won a variety of motions; participates in all levels of the discovery process; and has obtained favorable results for clients in settlement negotiations. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Litigation.Email: Autumn L. Sharp
Shawn Michael Staples (Associate) born Moline, Illinois; admitted to bar, 2007, Illinois. Education: St. Ambrose College and Marycrest College (B.A., summa cum laude, 2004); Creighton University School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2007). Shawn M. Staples, an Associate in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution group, focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, appellate litigation, and government law and litigation. A member of the firm's Financial Crisis Response Team, Shawn also has assisted clients in the collection of defaulted debt, including litigating commercial real estate foreclosures and Uniform Commercial Code disputes and sales. He has composed a myriad of briefs and motions to the Illinois Supreme Court; the Illinois Appellate Court, First District; the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois; and the Circuit Court of Cook County. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Appellate Litigation.Email: Shawn Michael Staples
Julia Steinway (Associate) admitted to bar, 2004, Illinois. Education: University of Wisconsin (B.A., Journalism, 2001); Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University (J.D., 2004). Julia A. Steinway is a member of the firm's Wealth Transfer & Succession Planning group, where she counsels clients on all aspects of estate planning, trust administration and probate matters. Julia concentrates her practice on designing and implementing estate plans and leveraged wealth transfer techniques for individuals and families. Her work also includes representing fiduciaries in the administration of estates and trusts, the preparation of federal gift and estate tax returns and the formation and operation of private foundations. Member: Chicago Bar Association (Corporate Practice, Estate Planning and Tax Law Committees); Illinois State Bar Association; American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Estate Planning.Email: Julia Steinway
Martin J. Wasserman (Associate) admitted to bar, 2007, Illinois. Education: Miami University (B.S., 2001); Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., with high honors, 2007). Martin J. Wasserman, an Associate in the firm's Creditors' Rights, Insolvency & Bankruptcy group and a member of the Financial Crisis Response Team, concentrates his practice on commercial bankruptcy and litigation matters. Martin advises clients on an array of commercial litigation matters, including loan workouts, debtor-in-possession issues, receiverships and other areas related to business reorganizations. He regularly prepares and argues motions, and has successfully conducted and defended deposition sessions involving litigation under the Uniform Commercial Code and other commercial matters. Member: Chicago Bar Association. Transactions: Successfully defended a defamation suit involving claims totaling $10 million. Practice Areas: Bankruptcy Reorganization; Creditor Bankruptcy; Litigation and Dispute Resolution.Email: Martin J. Wasserman
OF COUNSELJack Shore (Of Counsel) born Toledo, Ohio, July 9, 1926; admitted to bar, 1952, District of Columbia; 1959, Wisconsin; 1961, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar; registered to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Education: Illinois Institute of Technology (B.S., M.E., 1946); George Washington University (LL.B., 1951). Jack Shore has more than 30 years of intellectual property law experience. His worldwide practice has included U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, infringement and litigation, including infringement actions in England, France and Germany, as well as nullity actions in Germany. He has also been involved in worldwide licensing activities and has worked closely with top management. Jack has lectured widely on intellectual property matters before numerous groups and maintains a comprehensive and current knowledge of domestic and international licensing law. IN THE PROFESSION Jack taught "Licensing of Intellectual Property" for 10 years as an adjunct professor at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Member: American Bar Association; Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago; Licensing Executive Society. Special Agencies: Trial Bar of the District Court of the Northern District of Illinois. Practice Areas: Patent; Trademark; Copyright; Licensing Law.Email: Jack Shore
SPECIAL COUNSELGary L. Auerbach (Special Counsel) born Chicago, Illinois, June 30, 1942; admitted to bar, 1968, Illinois. Education: Indiana University (B.S., with distinction, 1964); University of Michigan (J.D., 1967). Gary L. Auerbach is a member of the firm's Business & Finance practice group. With more than 30 years of experience in private practice, he delivers knowledgeable, practical legal guidance in a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. Gary has particular experience helping businesses identify, negotiate, conduct due diligence for, and close a range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, spinoffs, restructurings and reorganizations. He regularly assists clients with the formation of new companies, the negotiation of payouts and the development of employment agreements. Member: American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Corporate; Tax.Email: Gary L. Auerbach
Richard J. Firfer (Special Counsel) admitted to bar, 1971, Illinois. Education: Northwestern University (B.A., 1964; J.D., cum laude, 1971). Richard J. Firfer represents clients in a broad range of corporate, securities, transactional and tax-planning matters, with an emphasis on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures in the financial services industry. Rick advises large financial institutions with respect to general regulatory matters, and counsels entrepreneurs and start-up companies with respect to attracting and obtaining investment capital. He also has a particular interest in the sports and entertainment industries, having provided legal advice to well-known individuals in both fields. Recognized as a Top Illinois Lawyer in the areas of Banking and Financial Institutions Law and Corporate Finance by Leading Lawyers Network, 2004-2008. Law Clerk to the late Judge Thomas R. McMillen, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. Principal Co-Author: "Professional Corporations" chapter of the popular tax guide series J.K. Lasser's Income Tax Techniques. Practice Areas: Business and Finance; Corporate Transactions; Banking; Federal and State Taxes; Securities.Email: Richard J. Firfer
Jeffrey L. Gansberg (Special Counsel) born Livingston, New Jersey, June 25, 1971; admitted to bar, 1997, Illinois; 1999, New Jersey; U.S. District Court, Northern and Central Districts of Illinois; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana. Education: University of Delaware (B.S., Accounting, 1993); Washington University (J.D., 1997). Jeffrey L. Gansberg is an experienced bankruptcy and trial attorney with an extensive background in both the transactional and litigation aspects of insolvency, reorganization and creditors' rights representations. Jeff represents debtors, trustees, creditors and creditors' committees from a wide range of industries, including health care, travel, transportation, manufacturing, retail, insurance, entertainment and communications. He has represented clients in matters involving publicly traded Fortune 500 corporations, as well as middle-market, privately held and family-owned businesses. Jeff counsels clients on all aspects of complex Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy matters, including asset purchases, preference and fraudulent transfer litigation, privacy issues and debtor-in-possession financing. He regularly represents clients in various state and federal district courts, including appellate courts. Jeff also has extensive mediation experience. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations; American Bankruptcy Institute. Practice Areas: Litigation.
Sonja R. Johnson (Special Counsel) born Hollywood, California, July 25, 1956; admitted to bar, 1981, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Education: Trinity College (B.A., 1978); DePaul University (J.D., 1981). Sonja R. Johnson is a member of the firm's Real Estate practice group, where she concentrates on tax assessment matters. Actively engaged in the practice of real estate tax law since 1982, she provides experienced, insightful guidance in assessment valuation, tax parcel divisions and consolidations, exemptions, reclassifications, and tax incentives and abatements. Sonja has extensive experience in reducing real estate taxes for office buildings in Chicago's Central Business District, as well as residential condominiums and cooperatives, shopping centers, industrial complexes, multi-tenant apartment buildings, nursing homes and life-care facilities. She also provides ongoing assessment monitoring services, develops real estate tax estimates for budgetary purposes and assists in the preparation of TIF applications. Sonja regularly represents clients before the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, as well as local assessors' offices, review boards and circuit courts throughout Chicago and northeastern Illinois. Member, The Acapellants Hamlin Park Neighborhood Association. Member: Chicago (Member, Real Estate Taxation, Finance and Entertainment Committees) and Illinois State Bar Associations; Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). Special Agencies: Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) CBA's Real Estate Taxation, Finance and Entertainment Committees The Acapellants Hamlin Park Neighborhood Association. Practice Areas: Real Estate Taxation; Property Tax Assessments; Property Tax Appeals.Email: Sonja R. Johnson
Brad A. Levin (Special Counsel) born Chicago, Illinois, April 26, 1958; admitted to bar, 1983, Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; 1988, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. Education: Northwestern University (B.A., 1980); DePaul University (J.D., 1983). Brad A. Levin represents a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses in both day-to-day and strategic transactions, often acting as outside general counsel. His transactional practice includes counseling clients in stock and asset acquisitions, as well as in merger and joint venture transactions. Brad has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting a wide array of business documentation, including shareholders agreements, operating agreements, and licensing and distribution agreements. As part of his corporate practice, Brad also advises companies and private equity funds in connection with raising capital through private placement securities offerings. Brad also provides clients with effective, practical legal guidance in a broad range of employment matters, including hiring practices, terminations, disciplinary procedures, privacy concerns, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, employment contracts, and the development, documentation and enforcement of sexual harassment, non-discrimination and other personnel-related policies. Brad's clients come from all sectors of the Midwest economy, including the manufacturing, automotive, restaurant and entertainment industries. Member: Chicago Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Business Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities Offerings Law; Employment Law.Email: Brad A. Levin
Frances Meehan (Special Counsel) admitted to bar, 1978, Illinois. Education: Northern Illinois University (B.A., 1971); Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., 1977). Frances D. Meehan focuses her practice on the health care industry, including legal and regulatory issues affecting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, supportive living facilities, hospices, home health agencies and other providers. Fran has represented over 90 nursing facilities (with a combined total of more than 15,000 beds) in a broad range of licensing, certification, operational and patient care matters. She regularly counsels and represents clients in complex and highly sensitive areas such as advanced directives, life-sustaining treatment decisions, involuntary transfers and discharges, allegations and investigations of abuse, and the survey process and plans of correction. Member, Illinois Department of Public Health. Member: American Health Lawyers Association; Illinois Council on Long-Term Care; Illinois Healthcare Association; Life Services Network Illinois; Nursing Home Administrators Association. Practice Areas: Health Care.
Jonathan D. Sherman (Special Counsel) born Chicago, Illinois, July 23, 1958; admitted to bar, 1983, Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar; U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., with highest honors, 1980); Northwestern University (J.D., 1983). Jonathan D. Sherman is a member of the firm's Creditors' Rights, Insolvency & Bankruptcy, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Real Estate practice groups, as well as the Financial Crisis Response Team. Drawing on more than two decades of business litigation experience, Jon expanded his focus in recent years to include commercial real estate transactions for developers, owners, landlords, brokers and lenders. This diverse background allows him to assist clients in a broad range of matters, including financial distress issues, if necessary. Jon's clients benefit from his strong background as a trial attorney, which enables him to analyze contracts, leases and other agreements with an eye toward minimizing risk and avoiding potential disputes. Conversely, he is able to approach disputes with a clear understanding of his clients' business goals and a sharp focus on cost-effective resolution. Jon has appeared in state and federal courts throughout the United States at the trial and appellate court levels, and in numerous arbitrations, mediations and administrative hearings. He has successfully represented clients in a broad range of matters involving contract and fraud claims, partnership disputes, trade secrets, professional liability, fair housing and employment law. He achieved significant victories in such diverse matters as a wrongful termination claim brought on behalf of a senior executive of a Fortune 100 company, and the defense of sexual harassment claims filed against several high-profile employers. Member: Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Special Agencies: American Israel Public Affairs Committee; Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Committee. Practice Areas: Real Estate; Business Litigation.Email: Jonathan D. Sherman
Scott J. Smith (Special Counsel) admitted to bar, 1996, Illinois. Education: University of Michigan (B.S., 1990); Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., 1996). Scott J. Smith, a highly accomplished attorney and litigator with significant engineering experience, focuses his practice on construction law, with particular emphasis on design and construction-defect disputes and mechanics liens. Scott regularly represents individuals, publicly traded corporations and privately held businesses in real estate and construction-related litigation involving breach of contract, personal injury and wrongful death, condominium disputes, lien and foreclosure proceedings, delay claims, indemnification, construction errors, actions for specific performance, public and private mechanics liens, surety performance, and a broad range of commercial, premises and products liability. He also represents clients in commercial disputes such as business tort, intellectual property infringement, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and consumer and deceptive practices. In addition to his trial experience, Scott represents clients in arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Member: Chicago and American Bar Associations; NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation Builders Association (Member, Steering Committee of Division 3, Forum on the Construction Industry Associate Board); American Mensa, Ltd. Transactions: Recent successes include obtaining a favorable jury verdict against a general contractor for improper performance of contract obligations and damage caused to surrounding property; Securing dismissal of all claims against a developer for defective design and construction of a large residential development; Obtaining the out-of-court resolution of numerous engineering defect issues that had delayed the construction of an 8,000-seat worship center; Resolution of numerous disputes involving public works, condominium and commercial real estate projects. Practice Areas: Litigation; Construction Law; Construction and Design Law.Email: Scott J. Smith
Abraham J. Stern (Special Counsel) admitted to bar, 1979, Illinois. Education: Roosevelt University (B.S.B.A., 1976); Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., with high honors, 1979); New York University (LL.M., Taxation, 1980). Abraham J. Stern, Special Counsel in the Business & Finance group and a member of the firm's Health Care Law practice, is a business attorney with nearly three decades of experience advising clients on legal and business matters in a broad range of commercial and regulatory matters, with an emphasis on health care issues. Abe's clients include physicians, assisted-living facilities, home health care providers, hospices and long-term care facilities, as well as entrepreneurs, wholesalers, retailers, commercial lenders, developers, hotels, manufacturers, distributors and clearing firms. Abe has represented corporate and health care clients in a wide array of transactions, including acquisitions, sales, financings, reorganizations, and the creation and dissolution of partnerships and limited liability companies. He counsels health care clients on a full range of regulatory issues and processes involving licensing and certification, including Medicare and Medicaid certification. Member: Chicago and American (Member, Health Care Lawyers Division) Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Health Care.Email: Abraham J. Stern
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