LEGAL LEAD ERS. Cavanagh Law Group TOP RATED LAWYERS. Chicago. securing justice for chicago s accident victims and their families. starting a business

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1 LEGAL LEAD ERS Presenting Chicago LAW 2013 Page 8 starting a business selecting a good lawyer Page 12 yours or mine? dividing property during a divorce settlement Page 14 in a personal injury case a settlement may be the way Page 20 Brings You c h i c a g o S TOP RATED LAWYERS The minton firm, P.C. leadership in family law Page 2 O Connor & Nakos, Ltd. aggressively representing injured workers Page 21 Cavanagh Law Group securing justice for chicago s accident victims and their families A Special advertising supplement distributed with the Chicago tribune the wall street journal a s p e c i a l s u p p l e m e n t t o

2 THE MINTON FIRM, P.C. Tori Soper family Law and matrimonial Law EXCEPTIONAL TRIAL ADVOCACY dedication To FaMiLY MaTTers defines The MiNToN FirM. LiFe is in session. People are in transition. We can t change the fact that people divorce, but we can change the way they divorce, says Firm founder, Michael H. Minton. the Minton Firm exhibits true Professionalism, a passionate belief in what we do, never compromising standards or values, and caring about our clients. We have this vision of client service and representation and are committed to delivering on that pledge. The MiNToN FirM, FoUNded BY a recognized FaMiLY LaW advocate, author, editor, and lecturer, Michael H. Minton, has earned a national reputation for exceptional and tenacious matrimonial advocacy. We are a group of multi-disciplined professionals offering a highly personalized strategy of legal representation and direction guided by experience and expertise, Minton notes. Life isn t about waiting for the storm to pass... it s learning how to dance in the rain! no life story is the same. no fortune is the same, so our approach is never the same it is individualized and successful. MiNToN attended The UNiVersiTY of LoNdoN school of economics while receiving his Juris Doctorate from northwestern university, and he received his Bachelor of Arts from the university of notre Dame. He has litigated cases across the country and argued before the illinois supreme Court and Court of Appeals, establishing meaningful family law precedent. At this Firm, we are welcoming our clients to the cutting edge of family law, Minton notes. there is no learning curve with the Minton team. More ThaN JUsT a LiTigaTor, MiNToN has BeeN influential in revolutionizing the role of the homemaker in divorce by analyzing and placing a dollar value on a homemaker s contributions in his book, What is a Wife Worth? The Leading Expert Places a High Dollar Value on Homemaking. Minton was featured in American Benefactor, Fortune, Money, and People magazines, and was a featured guest on Donahue, Late night with David Letterman, 60 Minutes, the today show, and the Larry King radio show. MiNToN is av rated BY MarTiNdaLe-hUBBeLL and Was The FirsT attorney in illinois to receive Board Certification in Family Law trial Advocacy, with recognition pending in illinois. Minton is recognized for Civil trial Advocacy by membership in the Melvin M. Belli society and selection to the national trial Lawyers top 100 trial Lawyers in 2011 and Minton is the Chair elect of the Family Law section for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). The MiNToN TeaM includes WiLLiaM shapiro and MagdaLeNa UrBaN. shapiro, a highly experienced litigator and former Assistant Attorney general, received his Juris Doctorate and Bachelor Degree from the university of Wisconsin. urban, the elected secretary and editor of AAJ s Family Law section, earned her Juris Doctorate from thomas M. Cooley Law school and received her Bachelor Degree from Loyola university Chicago. We are The LaW FirM For YoUr FaMiLY s LiFe ChaLLeNges. our goal is to restore sanity after a marital disaster and to build a foundation for a new beginning, Minton says. A higher expectation summarizes our views toward client service. We are committed to delivering on that pledge and invite you to meet with us Perimeter Drive suite 400 schaumburg, il ph: fax: West Washington street 15th Floor Chicago, il minton@mintonlawfirm.com TOP RATED LAWYERS From left: Magdalena Urban, William Shapiro, Michael H. Minton michael h. minton

3 CAVANAGH LAW GROUP personal injury, auto accidents, medical malpractice when Tragedies occur, CaVaNagh LaW group has a successful track record of securing justice for accident victims and their families. the firm has obtained some of the largest personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death verdicts and settlements in the nation, including a record-setting verdict in a railroad crossing case. some of the cases the firm has handled have also led to improvements in public safety. We don T shy away FroM ToUgh Cases, We embrace TheM, says founding partner timothy Cavanagh. We only represent people who have been seriously injured, so the results of these cases will impact their lives forever. that is what drives us. CaVaNagh, Who heads The FirM s TeaM of six experienced trial lawyers, has obtained more than $400 million in settlements, judgments, and verdicts during his career, including $14 million in settlements in Law Dragon magazine has also named Cavanagh as one of the top plaintiffs lawyers in the united states. i have spent the past 25 years battling the biggest insurance companies and corporations around, he says. representing people who have been injured is sort of a calling it s either part of your DnA or it s not. WheTher it is getting an emergency ProTeCTiVe order To secure evidence, hiring the top investigators, or traveling around the world to take depositions and interview leading experts, Cavanagh Law group has the resources, experience, and commitment to bring negligence to light. image TK More recently, The FirM WoN a $13.7 MiLLioN VerdiCT in a The FirM s MaNY successes at TriaL include a $55.7 MiLLioN verdict in a railroad crossing case, which was recognized by The National Law Journal as one of the top 100 verdicts in the country in the award is a state record in illinois for a railroad crossing collision case. wrongful death case involving a deadly automobile crash. the jury returned its verdict after a two-week trial and three hours of deliberation. during The PasT TWo decades, We Ve Tried some of The biggest cases in Cook County to verdict, and we place a strong emphasis on getting the case to trial in an expeditious manner, Cavanagh notes. We are focused on getting our clients their day in court. TRACKER LAW & ASSOCIATES estate planning, family Law, general practice stanley CooPer is a FirM ThaT WiLL rest at NoThiNg To WiN, AApelendes utatet quia nus assimo doluptatus re praest lant exces volendi cipsam doluptiisita vid exeror solorem nienimus et arum rae molo magnienis sima volor aspedi blatem. itas quam iunt landisc iaepellantia nost, sita autat volorere voluptiam enimagn ihiliti busant unt veliquam eius excepra dolorro dolut. la quia volupta qui ut aliquid mo consed elit lacia plaborpore consequid ullatem laborum dolo ipsunt officate sit voluptat apiciis aligenis repeliquis re estia que et quate volorrum fugitio ribus, quam ex expliqui temquas eiunt aut ut porem idunt vellace aturio beaque volenia ipsam alis aspeditiis eos quibusc iatectatur as asi sandaectet dolorae rem ut atem. turersp erest, sum atis derferro quibus et pos mo voluptates expliquam, corrorio omnis voluptat ipsus velitaqui temolore pa dolestiis mi, sitaes soloreh enducipsus ania que maximolent fugite cuptatur? ant. iquos eos MagNis doloria NeMPori TiBUsaN TiaNdiasPero es maiosa debissi mollis repro mo totaepe comni cus rem ea quam im doluptas quo explique nis doloritatur sequodi que molor a accus et molorest eossinulpa nonsecturit fugiam culparum am, con et hario blaut explani non eos im inveritatur, comnisit experum ditiistis secab id quatquo etur audi aspidestint que voluptati dolupieniene denduciis aut ommos moloreperum consed elibus sequunt usapelessi tem idebisque venimol uptatur? aci UT dolum rerum VoLeNiM doloresci odignita NUMeNdiT re eos qui occum fuga. Aperchilles sime volorent di blam experios volorep erumquiate nos de pere rerorro te simolorporit iundi asped qui omnimus sin estiam il eaqui offici ad quis aut voluptu restinv elitate commolupti sandis dit, corum alit vel iunt est es et quias exernamus dollibus amusa aut volupta quosto bea dia voluptur, quas exerspe liquodi autem sanderum ratquid itatect otaquiae dit acidel illupta sperspero offici dollitatus nus cone nienist reperecti corum denimagnist et laut mos essit quae doluptatum harcipicius. sonia Barrett esler The FirM s ThoroUgh Case PreParaTioN also PUTs it in a strong position to achieve significant results in settlement negotiations. it is not unusual for the firm to obtain settlements for clients on the eve of trial. settlements include a medical malpractice case where the firm secured a $14 million settlement for the family of a 5-yearold boy who suffered a severe brain injury during birth. We TaKe all of our Cases VerY PersoNaLLY. The MaiN CoMPLaiNT about lawyers is they don t get back to you, Cavanagh says. that doesn t happen at our office we give all of our clients our cell phone numbers so they can easily get a hold of us, and we get back to them within 24 hours. CaVaNagh has BeeN av PreeMiNeNT rated BY MarTiNdaLe- Hubbell TOP, the organization s highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. RATED LAWYERS He is joined at the firm by his wife, attorney stacey Feeley Cavanagh, with whom he has two sets of triplets. CideL et officte rest ipitate LaBor seque NoNeMPo rrorae. UT aut veliqui dellescid ea dunt maxime inctotam, consedit es porum esseque pratatas rerio. sam dolorep ratem. Ximilic ientorepel idipitatur sus doluptatur ra poribusa ditius exceperit ipsaesciam consectae porpos aut voluptatur arum faccus ne restrum landior ruptiorest et arciam nonet unt quatquaepro temquo blamet a quos rerepudiatas volendaerum et quam quam vendit essunti isciam rehendae consed qui blaut mo odiat. Ti idit VoLUPTaTQUaM rat QUis dendipid ent aut omni CUM dolupta tissimin nim eni denim estorpor aut rero maio dolut odio conet de raecestio cus dolupta duciis est dolupta volori sectotatem quunt quam, nusam quati ut doluptatur? Arum explige nihicim oluptatur, con cuptiis entia nobitatem conem di blatem. ut lam et voluptam aut exceatem ni audis aut ea volut iligend ebitas ma nesequibusa comnis ut quas duciis. TOP RATED LAWYERS No VerdiCT or settlement CaN ever MaKe UP For WhaT our clients have lost, Cavanagh says. However, it can allow them to move on with their lives, and From that Left: is very XXXXXXXXXX, gratifying. XXXXXXXXXX, Three Parker Drive Suite 3320 stanley Cooper Atlanta, GA North Clark Street, Suite 2070, Chicago, IL ph: fax: timothy j. Cavanagh ph: toll free: fax: From Left: Matthew M. Rundio, Ryan P. Linsner, David J. O Connor, Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Stacey Rated Feeley Attorneys Cavanagh, in Timothy chicago J. Cavanagh, visit Benjeman L. Nichols To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 5

4 Welcome to Chicago s Legal Leaders, a new publication featuring legal talent to be found across the state. The attorneys featured in this publication and our companion online edition have all achieved the peer reviewed rating of AV Preeminent by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, the company that has long set the standard for lawyer ratings. The AV Preeminent rating is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the fact that a lawyer s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. In addition to presenting profiles of many of these Top Rated attorneys, this publication features articles on current trends in the law as well as helpful tips on finding and working successfully with lawyers and law firms. We hope you will keep it handy as a valuable resource in finding top legal talent and to assist you in making more informed legal decisions. Also, please be sure to visit our online edition of Chicago s Top Rated Lawyers at to find a directory of all of Chicago s AV Preeminent rated attorneys listed by their practice areas. Sincerely, Brings You C h i c a g o S LEGAL LEAD ERS Presenting TOP RATED LAWYERS F E A T U R I N G Lester Goodman Director of Custom Projects, ALM Media, LLC Highlights in this issue: 8 Chicago law 2013 A look at some of the most notable legal issues and stories in the Windy City 21 A Tenacious Personal Injury Firm aggressively Fights for Injured At O Connor & Nakos, Attorneys Step Into the Ring on Behalf of Their Clients Cover Photo by Sonia Barrett Esler Also featured: 12 starting a business: selecting a good lawyer 13 whistleblower rewards to fight government fraud 14 Yours or mine? dividing property during a divorce settlement 30 notepad do i have a medical malpractice case? criminal charges what do they mean? 16 hiring a great lawyer as your legal counsel 18 reorganizing when filing under chapter 11 bankruptcy 20 in a personal injury case, a settlement may be the way 24 CHICAGO S TOP 35 VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS IN 2012 Publishers do not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate. ALM Media, LLC (or either party s affiliates, employees, officers, directors or agents) does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This magazine includes paid attorney advertising. Consumers should contact the state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing the legal services of any attorney. ALM, Top Rated Lawyers, and Top Ranked Law Firms are trademarks of ALM Media Properties, LLC.

5 Matrimonial and Family Law Attorneys Since its founding in 1987, Berger Schatz has become one of the largest divorce firms in the country, with 36 lawyers who are all dedicated to the practice of matrimonial and family law. Given our size, we re able to take a team approach to our cases that maximizes the benefit to our clients, says managing partner Leon Finkel. We also have an open-door policy, so there are always people available to brainstorm issues and come up with ideas and strategies. The lawyers at Berger Schatz have a wide range of expertise in some of the most complicated family and matrimonial issues. All of the firm s attorneys are experienced in cases involving high-net-worth individuals and complex personal assets. They are also known for their compassion in resolving difficult child custody, visitation, and paternity issues, and their skill at negotiating and drafting strong premarital and postnuptial agreements. We give our clients advice that is designed to accomplish their objectives and avoid conflict where possible, says partner Jason Adess. But if we are not able to resolve issues through agreement or negotiation, then we use our litigation skills to secure the results our clients deserve. To provide clients with the full array of legal services, Berger Schatz has also established a family building practice, which guides clients through the processes of adoption and assisted reproduction. I m very excited about the firm s direction moving forward, as our family building practice is just one example of how we continue to remain on the forefront of family law, Finkel notes. Many of the firm s partners are fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers a membership that is the standard of excellence in the family law arena and several have held leadership positions in the organization. A number of the firm s attorneys are also AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and regularly named in Illinois Super Lawyers or Leading Lawyers. Principals, left to right: Jason G. Adess, Michael J. Berger, Andrew D. Eichner, Leon I. Finkel, Marcelle R. Kott, David H. Levy, Michael S. Sabath, and Barry A. Schatz. bergerschatz.com Chicago: 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2800 Phone Lake Forest: 300 E. Illinois Road, Suite 200 Phone

6 chicago law 2013 As the city experiences a surge in crime, legislators look to revising Chicago s gun laws. Changes in divorce and family law, as well as regulating an environmental issue, round out some of the city s top legal stories. With its crime rate rising including a dramatic increase in homicides the city of Chicago has an added reason to reexamine its existing gun laws, more than many municipalities that are simply being swept up in the national trend. There were a reported 506 murders in 2012, up from 433 murders in But a proposed legislation that some Chicago leaders see as a much-needed tool to help bring down the city s well-publicized homicide rate could have a number of adverse effects, according to critics of the proposed law. In February, Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) introduced HB 2265, a proposal that would institute a mandatory prison sentence of three years for those convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon and also require that at least 85 percent of that sentence actually be served. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry Mc- Carthy, who has been chastised for the city s homicide rate, is one of the bill s most vocal proponents, telling Fox News that the proposed law would not only protect our children, our families and our communities but would also prevent the impulsive retaliatory killings that plague our neighborhoods. McCarthy and the measure s supporters including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel firmly believe that increasing the penalties for illegal firearm possession would help keep convicts off the streets. However, a strong opposition force points to the strain such a law would put on an already cash-strapped state s finances. According to one published analysis, the law could cost the state of Illinois nearly $1 billion over the upcoming decade and further crowd the state s already packed prisons. Per the report, the state would have been responsible for an additional $760 million in incarceration costs between 2000 and 2011 if the proposed law were in place during those years. The extra $263 million in new costs would come from the need to build additional prison space to accommodate the likely spike in inmates. In response to that criticism, Zalewski told a Chicago reporter, I m not going to be disingenuous and suggest that the bill is not expensive. But if we say we can t afford to protect public safety, we re not doing our job. On a somewhat positive note, the city of Chicago recorded only 14 homicides in February, half the number from February 2012 and the lowest monthly total in more than 50 years since January 1957, when the city recorded 12 murders. So far this year that trend has continued, with the number of homicides between Feb. 1 and March 19 totaling 23 compared to 57 for the same period last year. Proponents of HB 2265 expect even better numbers if their bill, which was already approved in a House committee vote, gets the support of a full House vote. Meanwhile, in late March, gun-control activists staged a protest over Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan s decision to wait until the legislature follows a court order and passes a new concealed carry law, rather than appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. A federal appeals court struck down the ban last year, 8 Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

7 and gave lawmakers until June 9 to come up with a new concealed carry law. Family Law Matters The Illinois Legislature may soon pass a law providing a clearer path for divorcing couples looking to avoid long, drawn-out and bitter litigation. The bills (Senate Bill 31 and House Bill 1029) are known as the Illinois Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA) and set out rules around the practice of dispute resolution known as Collaborative Practice, which involves a team approach that moves away from position-based to interest-based bargaining, encouraging creative problem-solving and win-win solutions. The UCLA defines the model, the obligations and expectations of those professionals and parties who voluntarily choose to engage in this form of dispute resolution. Consumers are often stressed and confused when they shop for dispute resolution services, said Sandra Crawford, a Chicago attorney and member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois. Having a detailed description of what to expect from the Collaborative Law process, as provided by the UCLA will serve to help consumers better understand this newer conflict resolution option. Crawford told the Chicago Tribune that, in a time when the court system is often criticized both for its inability to provide sustainable solutions that divorcing families need and for its backlog and inability to process cases efficiently, adding the collaborative process to the choices that consumers have to work out their family problems is timely and prudent. The Illinois General Assembly, composed of the Illinois State Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives, is expected to vote on these bills this spring. In other family-law developments, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in March that the state s child welfare agency exceeded its authority when it adopted a broad rule to label thousands of parents guilty of child neglect. In Julie Q. v. DCFS, the Court rejected the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services defense of the environment-injurious rule, which was not part of Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act in 2009 when DCFS used it to indicate Ms. Q. for neglect. In that case, DCFS had received a hotline call from Julie Q. s ex-husband as they were embroiled in a bitter custody battle. She subsequently lost custody of her 9-year-old daughter to the father without any evidence of harm to the child. On appeal, however, it was noted that the environment-injurious definition had been removed from state statute by the General Assembly in 1980 on the grounds it was unclear. In its decision, the Court said DCFS exceeded its legal authority in labeling Ms. Q a child neglecter when the legislature had expressly removed the environment-injurious language from Illinois law. An estimated 13,000 families a year have been affected by the environment-injurious rule, according to DCFS estimates. The legislature re-inserted the term environment-injurious into the statute in 2012, but with much clearer, new limitations. There are a lot of things that need to be considered when you re trying to protect children. DCFS will have to be much more thoughtful about what injurious environment means, said Vickie Smith, CEO and executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV). Environmental Law Oil and gas companies and environmental groups have hashed out legislation they say would make Illinois a national leader in protecting public health and the environment from fracking. The proposal covering the process more formally known as horizontal hydraulic fracturing would empower the state Department of Natural Resources to handle drilling permits, monitor waterways, and require companies to disclose chemicals used along with massive amounts of water to extract oil and gas trapped in shale rock beneath farms and forests. Opponents say that unincorporated areas where fracking most likely would occur Continued on page K U R A S C H & K L E I N, L T D. personal injury, medical malpractice, workers Compensation w ith 66 years of combined experience, the trial lawyers at Kurasch & Klein have successfully represented clients in plaintiffs personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers compensation cases. our success as trial lawyers begins with the attention we pay to each of our clients, says founding partner Don Kurasch. referrals from past clients continue to be our largest source of new cases, which is a testament to the way we take care of our clients and their cases. the Kurasch & Klein firm has represented victims in every kind of injury situation, including nursing home negligence, truck accidents, and construction site accidents. in the process, Don Kurasch and Dan Klein have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for their clients: Don recently secured recoveries of $7.5 million and $4.8 million, in addition to a trial verdict of $4.3 million following a three-week trial. Dan recently achieved a verdict of $10 million in a construction accident case and a trial verdict of $4.8 million, in addition to a recovery of $2.4 million in a medical malpractice case. in order to provide clients with the most effective representation, the firm uses a team approach on every case. the Firm stresses client communication, offering both Polish-speaking and spanish-speaking services, and answering all telephone calls promptly. When clients call us, they can always talk to a lawyer, Klein notes. the key to our successful outcomes is not only the will to win, it is also the will to prepare to win. Both Don Kurasch and Dan Klein are AV Preeminent rated by Martindale- Hubbell and both have been voted to the national trial Lawyers and the American society of Legal Advocates list of the top 100 trial lawyers in illinois. they are also members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have been named as Illinois Super Lawyers annually since Illinois Super Lawyers also selected Dan as one of the top 100 lawyers in illinois in 2012 and Seated, from left: Daniel A. Klein, Donald A. Kurasch Standing, from left: Agata Wozny, Adam Shapiro, Miriam Castellanos 100 north Lasalle street, suite 2005 Chicago, il ph: TOP RATED LAWYERS TOP RATED LAWYERS trl Lawyer names donald a. KurasCh daniel a. KLein sonia Barrett esler To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 9

8 chicago S TOP RATED LAWYERS Chicago s Legal Leaders helps take the mystery out of locating a high-quality advocate to protect you, your family, your business and all other assets. Legal Leaders are considered first-rate in their field. Keep this comprehensive list for those times when you need assistance from one of our Legal Leaders. The lawyers listed here are always happy to help. Adelman & Gettleman, Ltd. Bankruptcy, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Page 18 Albert Brooks Friedman Ltd. Family Law, Medical Malpractice, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Page 27 Ashman Law Offices, LLC Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property, Corporate Transactions Page 17 Bennett Law Firm, LLC Margaret Bennett Family Law Page 25 Berger Schatz Child Custody, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family Law Page 7 Best, Vanderlaan & Harrington James F. Best Civil Law, Personal Injury, Construction Law Page 25 Blue Cross Blue Shield Peter M. Kelly Employee Benefits, ERISA Page 27 Bolon Law Offices Laurence J. Bolon Criminal Law, Litigation, Appellate Page 25 Cassiday Schade LLP Medical Liability, Construction, Environmental/Toxic Tort Page 15 Cavanagh Law Group Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Medical Malpractice Page 4 Doherty & Progar, LLC Kevin W. Doherty Employment Litigation Defense, Civil Litigation Defense, Personal Injury Defense Page 25 Dolgin Law Group, LLC Jay L. Dolgin Estate and Tax Planning Page 25 Gerald B. Mullin Business & Commercial, Commercial Litigation Page 29 Gozdecki, Del Guidice, Americus & Farkas LLP David S. Americus Business & Commercial, Employment Litigation and Counseling Page 25 Richard A. Del Giudice Business Litigation & Counseling Page 25 Gunty & McCarthy Civil Litigation, Products Liability, Toxic Torts Page 23 Hogan Marren, Ltd. Health Care, Litigation, Labor and Employment Page 31 Jamie M. Trapp & Associates Jamie M. Trapp Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability Page 22 Johnson & Bell, Ltd. Complex/Catastrophic, Business Litigation, Health Care Page 23 Kalcheim Haber, LLP Family Law, Business & Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law Page 14 Kamerlink, Stark, McCormack & Powers, LLC Family Law, Child Custody, Divorce Page 11 Katz, Goldstein & Warren Family Law Page 15 Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd. Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability Page 22 Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death Page 17 Kurasch & Klein, Ltd. Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Workers Compensation Page 9 Ladden & Allen Gemma Allen Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution Page 23 Lake Toback Alan J. Toback Family Law Page 31 Law Office of Lawrence R. Kream, LLC Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury Page 27 Law Offices of Marc J. Leaf, P.C. Estate Planning and Probate, Business and Corporate, Residential Real Estate/Leases Page 29 Leff & Cohen, Ltd. Sherwin H. Leff Business & Commercial, Taxation, Trusts & Estates Page 29 Levin & Brend, P.C. Jeffrey W. Brend Family Law, Business & Commercial, Taxation Page 25 Litchfield Cavo LLP Mitchell H. Frazen Litigation, Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation Page 27 Marijane Placek Criminal Law, Teaching Page 29 McQuillan Law Office LLC Kevin K. McQuillan Civil Litigation, Business & Commercial, Construction Law Page 31 Miner, Barnhill & Galland, PC Civil Litigation, Whistleblowing, Consumer Protection, Labor and Employment Page 13 Motherway & Napleton, LLP Robert J. Napleton Catastrophic Bodily Injury, Medical Negligence, Wrongful Death Page 22 Neal Wolf & Associates Business Bankruptcy, Commercial Litigation, Debtor and Creditor Page 16 Nixon Peabody LLP R. Mark Halligan Intellectual Property Page 27 Nora & Tanzillo, LLP Robert L. Nora Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability Page 29 O Connor & Nakos Personal Injury, Workers Compensation Page 21, Back Cover Passen Law Group Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death Page 20 Podlewski & Hanson, P.C. Joseph R. Podlewski, Jr. Environmental Law, Land Use Page 29 Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd. Steve Jakubowski Bankruptcy Law, Litigation Page 27 Ruberry, Stalmack & Garvey, LLC Ed Ruberry Litigation, Business & Commercial, Insurance Law Page 29 John M. Stalmack Litigation, Business & Commercial, Medical Malpractice Page 31 Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney Products Liability, Toxic Torts, Commercial Litigation Page 19 Smith, Johnson & Antholt, LLC Criminal Defense, Civil Rights Page 23 Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish Bruce Goodman Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice Page 27 Steven H. Jesser, Attorney At Law, P.C. Health Care, Business & Commercial, Litigation-Appeals Page 27 Steven J. Seidman Law Offices Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Workers Compensation Page 31 F E A T U R I N G Stone & Associates, Ltd. Jed Stone Criminal Defense, Appellate Law Page 31 The Hunt Law Group Brian J. Hunt Business Litigation, Civil Defense Page 27 The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis, P.C. Brian P. Liston, Esq. Eminent Domain, Property Tax Litigation, Zoning, Planning and Land Use Page 29 The Law Offices of Sandra M. Rosenbloom Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law Page 29 The Minton Firm, P.C. Michael H. Minton Family Law Trial Advocacy, Divorce & Dissolution Proceedings Page 2 Tobin & Muñoz, LLC Craig Tobin Personal Injury, Criminal, Business & Commercial Page 12 Wexler Wallace LLP Edward A. Wallace Class Actions, Products Liability, Litigation Kenneth A. Wexler Class Actions, Business & Commercial, Securities Page 31 Wiedner & McAuliffe Richard J. Leamy, Jr. Complex Civil Litigation Defense, Class Action/Mass Torts, Construction Law Page 22 William L. Barr, Ltd. Personal Injury, Civil Litigation Page Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

9 Continued from page 9... don t have zoning laws that could be used to restrict what drillers do on or under the land. Moreover, oil and gas companies have bought mineral rights that also grant them easements to land. That means some people don t realize their property could be intruded upon by drillers. Local governments would have little, if any, control over how many drillers come or where they might set up operations. At stake is an estimated 4 billion barrels of oil, an amount equal to what Illinois has historically produced through traditional drilling, according to the Illinois Oil and Gas Association. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said the New Albany shale play, which encompasses parts of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, also holds 11 trillion cubic feet of shale gas. That s enough to meet the needs of 5 million households for 30 years, according to the American Gas Association. Careful, That Coffee s Still Hot More than 20 years after the infamous lawsuit filed against McDonald s by a plaintiff who claimed she was burned by hot coffee, the fast-food chain is experiencing a case of déjà vu as not one, but two lawsuits were filed in Chicago in March against the company for injuries caused by the chain s hot brew, Chicago Business reports. Lynn Abdelal, a 4-year-old, was eating at a McDonald s in Harwood Heights when her More than 20 years after the infamous lawsuit filed against McDonald s by a plaintiff who claimed she was burned by hot coffee, the fast-food chain is experiencing a case of déjà vu as not one, but two lawsuits were filed in Chicago in March against the company. grandmother asked her to throw an empty coffee cup in the trash. Instead of tossing the cup, however, Abdelal went to get a refill. According to the lawsuit, a McDonald s employee handed the child a cup of freshly brewed coffee without securing the lid or placing it in a cardboard sleeve. Abdelal spilled hot coffee on her chest, causing severe second-degree burns and permanent scarring. Abdelal is seeking $2.5 million in punitive damages, $1 million for pain and suffering, and $250,000 in compensatory damages. In another suit, Melissa Pettigrew claimed that she received horrific burns after spilling coffee on her thighs at a McDonald s in Rockford. Like Abdelal, Pettigrew argues that the spill was caused in part by an unsecured lid. The original 1992 lawsuit, which became a national news story and fodder for legal experts amd talk show chatter was settled out of court by the Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald s. The company may decide to settle these suits as well, in order to avoid costly litigation. Depending on the outcomes, restaurants may have more hot coffee suits on their hands. at Kamerlink, stark, mccormack & Powers, llc our clients interests are most important to us and our loyalty to them is unparalleled. We are sensitive to the toll divorce takes on a family and our client s concerns are always heard. As a result, we take great care to achieve the client s overall goals whether it is through litigation, collaboration or mediation. Because of our stellar reputation among family law attorneys and judges, our clients include professional athletes, celebrities and leaders in the business community. We use utmost discretion in all cases and guide our clients in keeping their situation out of the public view while quietly resolving their cases. We use a team approach to efficiently manage our cases, which allows us to achieve the best result for our clients. each team consists of several attorneys, a paralegal and a law clerk. each member of the team has a working knowledge of all aspects of each case. this approach is the most cost-effective for our clients, allowing them to preserve their resources. We often work closely with financial planners to help our clients better understand the long-term implications of their settlement. our attorneys also understand the importance of utilizing other outside resources to better serve our clients including business valuators, forensic accountants, psychologists, social workers and divorce coaches. our experience and approach allows us to offer the best representation in all areas of family law, including: Adoption Appeals Business Valuation Child Custody and Visitation removal Child support Collaborative Law College expenses Dissipation Domestic Violence and orders of Protection grandparent Visitation Legal separation Maintenance/Alimony Mediation Paternity Post-Divorce enforcement Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements Property Valuation and Distribution Lydia gross Kamerlink Vincent J. stark Beth F. McCormack 221 North LaSalle, Suite 1800 Chicago, Illinois Ph: Fax: Mary Beth Powers To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 11

10 chicago s legal leaders STARTING A BUSINESS: SELECTING A GOOD LAWYER starting A BUSINeSS WITHOUT the advice of legal counsel can be a big mistake. If you don t already have a lawyer representing your interests, this checklist will help you find a prime candidate. Do some initial screening to narrow down your list to three or four prospective candidates: Does the lawyer appear to have expertise in forming business organizations (for example, corporations, partnerships, limited PAGE PROOF -- FOR APPROVAL ONLY Tobin & muñoz, llc 3 First national Plaza, suite 1950, Chicago, il ph: fax: information@barristers.com liability companies, sole proprietorships)? Does he or she profess to have expertise with start-up ventures? Look for a list of representative clients. Does the lawyer represent other businesses similar to yours? Search on the Internet under the name of the lawyer and their law firm. Can you find any articles, FAQs or other informational pieces that the lawyer has done that give you a level of comfort? Contact your state bar association to find out craig ToBin is recognized as one of The BesT Trial lawyers in the united states and is among a select group of lawyers who, for more than two decades, has received the highest rating available for both legal ability and ethics. His peers have also voted him repeatedly into the Best Lawyers in America, Leading Lawyers and Super Lawyers in civil rights, personal injury, business litigation and criminal defense. on behalf of its clients, the nationally-recognized boutique trial law firm, tobin & Muñoz, LLC ( representing both plaintiffs and defendants has recovered or protected hundreds of millions of dollars in funds and assets. the firm is listed in the Bar register of Preeminent Lawyers. Formed in the early 1980s when Mr. tobin left the elite Homicide task Force at the Cook County Public Defender s office, tobin & Muñoz, LLC represents clients from its Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices and has been home to judges (Hon. robert J. Collins) whom The Chicago Tribune called, the standard by which all other judges should be measured, and high-profile individuals such as current partner george Muñoz, former Chief Financial officer and First Assistant secretary of the united states treasury in the Clinton Administration. recently, Mr. tobin, with members of his firm, successfully defended a prominent political figure, obtained a civil rights judgment of $1.6 million on behalf of a person falsely arrested, a $4 million verdict on behalf of a plaintiff who was bumped by an AtV driven by a Chicago police officer, and obtained a substantial judgment in a trade secret case. the firm concentrates its practice in complex civil litigation, catastrophic injury, national/international business, regulatory matters and criminal representation. if the lawyers on your list are in good standing. Consider any special needs you may have. For an example, could you benefit from an attorney who speaks in another language other than english? There are two types of business lawyers: those that handle lawsuits and those who primarily handle corporate and contract matters (called transactional lawyers). Some lawyers do both, but most of them tend to specialize in one area or the other. If you are forming a new business, a lawyer who handles business transactions may be best. Look at a full service firm that does both transactions and litigation to keep on retainer to anticipate your needs as your business grows. It may also be to your benefit to have access to lawyers with expertise in other areas affecting your business (for example labor or employment law, tax law, real estate law, banking and finance or intellectual property). Look to see if a lawyer is affiliated with associations that cater to legal issues affecting businesses. Having a lawyer who is involved in a chamber of commerce or other local organizations may also be a good sign, depending on your legal needs. Unless there are special circumstances, you ll want to hire a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your state and has an office located near your principal place of business. Before you hire a lawyer: Ask for references you want to talk to people who can comment on the lawyer s skills and trustworthiness, such as other lawyers and banks. A business lawyer should also be able to give you the names of several CPAs as references. Find out if he or she has previously worked with venture capitalists or other financing sources. A great reference source for a good lawyer is word of mouth from satisfied clients. After getting appropriate consents, lawyers will sometimes develop a list of representative clients that they ll use for marketing and promotional purposes, and you might ask if it would be okay to contact some of them. You shouldn t be surprised, however, if the lawyer declines attorney/client privilege binds lawyers to strict rules. It may even cause you to question whether the lawyer would keep your legal matters confidential if he or she volunteers too much information about other clients. Ask about conflicts of interest. Does the lawyer represent any opposing parties or potential competitors? Ask to be provided with a copy of the lawyer s retainer agreement and have it explained to you before decide on retaining the lawyer or the lawyer s law firm. 12 Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

11 WHISTLEBLOWER REWARDS TO FIGHT GOVERNMENT FRAUD after NeARLY 15 YeARS IN court, two former Johnson & Johnson drug salesmen, Dean McClellan and, posthumously, Mark Duxbury, could make millions if they succeed in proving their allegations of fraud against Ortho Biotech. By blowing the whistle on one of the biggest Medicare fraud schemes involving more than $3 billion in fraudulent claims, these whistleblowers could receive 15% to 30% of the amount recovered for the government under the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act is one of the most important protections American citizens have to recover the billions of dollars stolen through fraud from U.S. government programs every year. Under the Act, anyone who submits or causes another to submit false claims for government funds will have to pay high penalties. The penalties are up to three times the government s damages plus $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim. Kickbacks for Doctors In 2009, a federal court reinstated a False Claims Act lawsuit filed by former pharmaceutical salesmen Mark Duxbury and Dean McClellan against Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ortho Biotech. The men claim that Ortho Biotech cheated Medicare by giving doctors kickbacks to prescribe the anti-anemia drug Procrit. Doctors were allegedly given discounts, rebates and other perks to prescribe and administer the drug while Medicare was charged full price to reimburse prescriptions. The case is still pending in U.S. District Court. Rewarding Whistleblowers The False Claims Act dates back to the Civil War when suppliers overcharged the Union Army for lame mules. President Lincoln s administration knew that insider knowledge was needed to expose these schemes and in 1863, Congress passed the False Claims Act with qui tam provisions that rewarded private citizens suing for fraud on behalf of the government. Almost 150 years later, the False Claims Act still serves as an effective tool to combat government fraud. In fiscal year 2008, the federal government recovered $1.34 billion in settle-ments and judgments under the Act, and relators were awarded $198 million. The largest recoveries came from pharmaceutical companies for Medicare fraud. Strict time limits and legal procedures apply to these types of lawsuits, so it is important to contact a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible if you suspect that someone is defrauding the federal government. CIVIL LITIGATION CONSUMER FRAUD CIVIL RIGHTS Miner, Barnhill, & Galland Tori Soper Miner, Barnhill & Galland, PC (MBG) has earned a national reputation in complex civil litigation, particularly in whistleblower, consumer protection, and employment litigation. The firm represents clients in all phases of litigation, from initial intake through appeal, and is well known for providing excellent written and oral advocacy. The firm s clients include individuals, for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, and governmental entities. EXPERIENCE Since its founding in 1971, MBG has represented individuals and groups of individuals in dozens of high-profile employment discrimination, wage and hour, and civil rights cases. The firm also represents individual whistleblowers harmed by illegal retaliation in lawsuits to recover lost pay and other damages. MBG provides counsel and representation to professionals and executives in severance and separation negotiations; represents individual and corporate clients in commercial litigation; and represents not-for-profit institutions in transactional and litigation work. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Since 2000, MBG has represented whistleblowers whose lawsuits on behalf of the government under the False Claims Act have resulted in the recovery of tens of millions of dollars to compensate the government for the damages it sustained due to defendants fraudulent practices in health care, defense contracting, and government-funded construction contracts. MBG has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of eight state attorneys general who sued pharmaceutical manufacturers for damaging state Medicaid programs by publishing false and inflated average wholesale prices for their drugs. Seated (Left to Right): Judson H. Miner, Jeffrey I. Cummings and Jon Rosenblatt. Standing (Left to Right): Scott A. Entin, Laura E. Tilly, Nancy L. Maldonado, William A. Miceli chicago office 14 West Erie Street Chicago, IL ph: fax: madison office 44 East Mifflin, Suite 803 Madison, WI ph: fax: To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 13

12 chicago s legal leaders YOURS OR MINE? DIVIDING PROPERTY DURING A DIVORCE SETTLEMENT WHeTHeR YOU AND YOUR spouse agree on a property settlement, or have the court decide the issues, a lot of work and planning goes into this part of your divorce. The basic step of completing a property inventory and planning for tax impacts are important. property inventory. It s vital to list all property you and your spouse own. Don t try to hide assets as it will only complicate dividing your property. Many lawyers have property checklists to help clients complete their inventories. You may be surprised to rediscover certain assets. Taking a Property Inventory Before you can nail down a property settlement, you need a big picture of what your assets are. One of your first tasks, even if you re thinking about a divorce, is to make a PAGE PROOF -- FOR APPROVAL ONLY Kalcheim Haber, LLP is a full-service boutique law firm serving Chicago and the surrounding counties and specializing in matrimonial, commercial, and probate litigation, as well as transactional and real estate work. Partners michael w. Kalcheim and michael a. haber have a combined 80 years of experience, and have been nominated by their peers as Leading Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Additionally, two of the firm s associate attorneys were also named Super Lawyers, while three more associates were named Rising Stars. KH attorneys knowledge and experience in corporate, transactional, probate, and real estate matters allow for a multi-disciplinary style that prominently places them at the leading edge of matrimonial litigation. With the firm s diverse background, KH provides a unique perspective on complicated financial and business issues often confronted in matrimonial proceedings, including valuation and distribution of stock options, restricted stock awards, executive compensation, and valuation of closely held businesses. Client satisfaction is of the highest priority at KH. the firm s attorneys understand that navigating family law issues can be a challenging, emotionally charged process. Clients of KH value the firm s integrity, attention to detail, experience, and consistent quality results. the personal attention paid to each client fosters trust, and allows clients to feel confident in the representation provided by KH. 134 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL ph: fax: info@kalcheimhaber.com Tax Considerations Generally, the property division in your divorce doesn t create tax consequences to worry about on your next tax return. The reason is that usually there s no federal tax gain or loss when a property transfer of is incident to the divorce. This likely means that the transfer happens within a year of the date the marriage ends, or is related to the end of your marriage. Further, for a transfer to be related to the end of a marriage, your divorce or separation decree must also provide for it, and it has to be done within six years of the marriage s dissolution. Review possible tax impacts of your property division with your lawyer or accountant as you work towards the final terms. Property Transfer After the Divorce As soon as the property settlement is approved or the court finalizes the divorce, you ll want to take care of the details of the property transfer. This includes preparing and signing the documents needed to transfer ownership. While it may be the last thing you want to do, taking care of these details will save future trouble and make it easier to gain closure on this chapter of your life. Questions for Your Attorney When meeting your attorney, be prepared with questions such as: My spouse and I have moved a lot. Does that affect whether community property or equitable division methods are used to divide our assets? Does my separate property lose its character if I use it to benefit my family? What if it s a major asset, such as the family home? My spouse and I agreed to put much of the income we save into my spouse s 401(k) account. How will that factor into our property settlement agreement? I paid for the majority of our more expensive assets, like the televisions and kitchen appliances. How can I claim those as mine? 14 Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

13 KATZ, GOLDSTEIN & WARREN family Law Clients in the Chicagoland area of Cook and Lake Counties look to the law firm of Katz, goldstein & Warren for excellence, integrity, and quality results in the area of family law. Prior to establishing the firm in 1998, the three founding principals had practiced together in the field of matrimonial law for many years. through years of experience representing families, the attorneys at Katz, goldstein & Warren have developed a sensitivity to the strife and emotional stress that often accompany divorce and other domestic issues. in establishing the firm, ilene B. goldstein, stephen H. Katz, and todd r. Warren sought to create a collaborative practice that would move quickly to make a difference for its clients. today, the firm provides a variety of quality legal services, both in and out of court. the best part of working in family law is that we can solve problems and make people s lives better from the moment we meet them, goldstein says. We can immediately bring order to disorder. From left: Karen V. Paige, Marlene R. Halpern, Ilene B. Goldstein, Stephen H. Katz, Todd R. Warren, Rosemary R. Alexander, Marc R. Fisher the firm s attorneys have focused on family law throughout their careers, and are recognized leaders in the field: goldstein and Katz have been AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and all three principals have been selected by their peers as Leading Lawyers and Illinois Super Lawyers. in addition, goldstein has been named as one of the top 50 female attorneys in illinois by Super Lawyers; Katz and Warren have been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America; and Katz has been elected as one of the top 20 divorce lawyers in Chicagoland by North Shore Magazine. TOP RATED LAWYERS stephen h. KatZ ilene b. goldstein Bannockburn Lake office Plaza 2345 Waukegan road, suite 150 Bannockburn, illinois ph: fax: To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 15

14 chicago s legal leaders HIRING A GREAT LAWYER AS YOUR LEGAL COUNSEL RecenTlY, a lawyer FrienD of mine (a top-notch attorney whom i consider a lawyer s lawyer, and who, like me, has practiced law for more than three decades) commented to me: neal, in the old days, i used to have clients. these days, i only have matters. the comment came up in connection with a discussion of the state of current law practice. Many clients these days shop for attorneys in the same manner that they shop for cars going from dealership to dealership to determine who will give them the best price, treating attorneys PAGE PROOF -- FOR APPROVAL ONLY BUsiNess BaNKrUPTCY and CoMMerCiaL LiTigaTioN NeaL L. WoLF FoUNded his LaW FirM WiTh a MissioN To redefine the practice of business law by providing creative solutions for corporate clients facing complex business litigation, insolvency or Chapter 11 restructuring issues. neal focuses his practice in the areas of bankruptcy, business reorganization, workouts and commercial litigation. His diverse insolvency and bankruptcy practice has involved the representation of debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, creditors committees, trustees, lessors and purchasers of stock or assets of insolvent entities. During his career, he has appeared in the federal courts of more than 40 states and the territory of Puerto rico. NeaL s CoMMerCiaL LiTigaTioN experience has included The successful trial and arbitration of cases involving the uniform Commercial Code, lender liability issues, fraudulent conveyance avoidance, preference avoidance, partnership disputes, securities issues, business torts and contract issues. these trials have resulted in a number of reported highly favorable decisions from the united states District Court and united states Court of Appeals. in recent years, neal has also represented a large, national insurance company in multiple highly disputed rate regulation cases. Working closely with expert actuaries and economists, he has tried two of these cases in the states of Alabama and California. neal has vast, successful jury trial experience. san Francisco 101 California st., suite 2710 san Francisco, CA Phone: NeaL L. WoLF nwolf@nealwolflaw.com san Francisco east Bay area Dublin Blvd., suite 200 Dublin, CA Phone: chicago 155 n. Wacker Dr., suite 1910 Chicago, il Phone: As orginally seen in neal l. wolf as if they are fungible commodities. they have dozens, if not hundreds, of attorneys. in my years at the Bar, i have had the privilege of practicing as a partner in some of the most respected law firms in the world and of studying at the feet of and working with some of the greatest attorneys in the united states. they all had a few qualities in common. none of these qualities would necessarily come to the fore in a 20-minute interview, resume, or fee proposal. none of these qualities could be taught. And none of these qualities should be undervalued. the qualities: (1) judgment, (2) personal commitment, (3) energy, (4) creativity, and (5) fairness and integrity in billing. JUDGMENT. In my view, this quality (not intelligence, not knowledge of the law, not law school performance, not willingness to spend thousands of hours at one s desk) is the single most important quality a lawyer can have. Moreover, this quality cannot be taught, learned or tested for. PERSONAL COMMITMENT. One of the great lawyers to whom I have alluded used to say something like, When clients come in the door, they are shouldering a large sack of problems. When they leave, they expect you to be shouldering that sack as well. The great lawyers I have known always hoist the sack to their shoulders and never relinquish it until the case is truly over. Moreover, to those lawyers, a case is not over until well after their lesser counterparts would have given up and gone home. ENERGY. Energy involves more than a willingness to work long hours. It involves, at least as I define it, the capacity to take the initiative in every case and every matter, to know more about the facts and the law than one s adversary, to know about the facts and the law earlier than one s adversary knows about them, to be prepared for every hearing, meeting or telephonic conference, and to be prepared to do the next right thing on short notice and at any time on any day. Energy often wins cases. CREATIVITY. Like energy, creativity too wins cases and negotiations. It can be manifested in an argument or a settlement or even a creative motion or pleading. The great lawyers are always thinking outside the box. FAIRNESS AND INTEGRITY IN BILLING. No great attorney measures his or her worth in terms of hours spent. No great attorney will charge a client for activities (I cannot compel myself to use the word services here) that do not create value for the client. No great attorney will permit an unreasonable bill to be presented to the client. The qualities I have discussed judgment, personal commitment, energy, creativity, and fairness and integrity in billing often do not reveal themselves in a short interview or written fee proposal. Moreover, they are priceless qualities that you, as a client, should seek in selecting an attorney. The standard hourly rate of a great lawyer may be high, but the rewards associated with having such a lawyer at your side are far higher. 16 Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

15 KRaLoVEc, JaMBoiS & SchWaRTZ Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death a TRaDiTioN of SUccESS the Chicago law firm of Kralovec, Jambois & schwartz was founded in the attorneys at KJs maintain the same tradition of hard work and tenacity that the firm was built on. John Kralovec, steve Jambois, and Allen schwartz have devoted their lives work to the protection of injury victims. As leaders in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice, KJs attorneys have helped to shape illinois law while securing hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for their clients. today, after more than 20 years of record-breaking success, Kralovec, Jambois & schwartz consists of nearly twenty trial attorneys who advocate on behalf of injury victims throughout the state of illinois. Known for taking on difficult cases and exhibiting a tough, no-nonsense approach with insurance companies, KJs has earned the reputation as a leading firm in the greater Chicago area and throughout the state of illinois. a MiSSioN of EXcELLENcE the attorneys at Kralovec, Jambois & schwartz pride themselves on the significant level of attention they give each and every client. With a long history of successful jury trials, and an appreciation for each set of unique facts, KJs lawyers continue to achieve life-changing results for their clients. An experienced KJs attorney is never more than a phone call away, and an initial consultation with a KJs lawyer is always cost-free. Clients of KJs can feel confident in their selection of legal counsel, knowing that they have chosen a firm of attorneys with experience and integrity who will fight to get the best results possible on their case. A large firm with abundant resources and access to cutting-edge technology, having a case with KJs sends a serious message to defense counsel and insurance companies. With no case too big or too small, the attorneys at Kralovec, Jambois & schwartz take difficult cases and return truly astonishing results. PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY KRaLoVEc, JaMBoiS & SchWaRTZ 60 west randolph street, 4th Floor chicago, il ph: Sonia Barrett Esler ASHMAN LAW OFFICES, LLC business Litigation, intellectual property, Corporate transactions TOP RATED LAWYERS Kenneth j. ashman chicago 55 West Monroe street suite 2650 Chicago, il lincolnshire 250 Parkway Drive suite 150 Lincolnshire, il new York 499 seventh Avenue 23rd Floor new York, ny toll free: ASHMAN ph: fax: spinoff from two of the world s largest and most prestigious law firms, Ashman Law offices, LLC (ALo) is a business law and litigation boutique that can trace its roots to humble beginnings almost 60 years ago when united states Magistrate Judge Martin C. Ashman first opened his law practice. today, ALo has offices in Chicago, Lincolnshire, and new York, and still embodies the fierce entrepreneurial spirit of its founding a spirit its clientele shares. rare among law firms, ALo offers clients flat-fee representation, even in business litigation. By eliminating the risk that spiked legal fees will affect litigation strategy, ALo is free to litigate the case as it should be to win. Clients, meanwhile, are able to control costs, cap litigation expenses, and budget for the future. Working with clients on a flat-fee basis for business litigation has changed the attorney-client dynamic, notes Kenneth J. Ashman, the firm s managing attorney. rather than clients devoting time each month to scrutinizing invoices, they are now free to work collaboratively with us without the pall of worrying about every passing billable minute. ALo concentrates its practice in business litigation, intellectual property (patents, trademarks, and copyrights), and corporate transactions. A frequent speaker and author, with a regular column in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Mr. Ashman is a recognized leader in the legal community. His clients include federal judges, entrepreneurs, and established businesses in dozens of industries. in addition, he is Chair of both the Litigation Committee of a division of the American Bar Association and the Business & securities Law section Council of the illinois state Bar Association, and serves as president of a not-forprofit focused on bringing jobs and education to the difficult-to-employ. From the most complex multi-jurisdictional federal securities class actions or shareholder derivative suits to simple breach of contract matters, Ashman Law offices, LLC stands poised to achieve the results that its clients deserve and demand. To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 17

16 chicago s legal leaders REORGANIZING WHEN FILING UNDER CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY businesses in dire financial trouble don t necessarily have to close up shop and go out of business. You may be able to save your business, keep operating and get financial relief at the same time. That s what a Chapter 11 bankruptcy is all about. The basic idea is simple: It is better for everyone to let you keep operating and reorganize your business affairs than to simply liquidate a business. Learn some of the basics of Chapter 11 bankruptcies to see if you can use it to save your business. Benefits of Reorganizations If you can come up with a realistic plan showing how reorganizing your business affairs will get your business out of the red and into the black, Chapter 11 may be the answer. everyone benefits. For instance: PAGE PROOF -- FOR APPROVAL ONLY From left: Alex Brougham, Mark Carter, Adam Silverman, Steven Chaiken, Howard Adelman*, Chad Gettleman*, Erich Buck, Nathan Rugg, Brad Berish*, Henry Merens* *AV Rated Founded 30 years ago, Adelman & Gettleman, Ltd. enjoys a sterling reputation for getting difficult jobs done. Adelman & Gettleman is a boutique firm with 10 professionals dedicated solely to the practice of insolvency and bankruptcy law. A G & ADELMAN & GETTLEMAN LTD established West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1050, Chicago, IL ph: fax: You continue operating the business, which means workers stay employed and the public coffers keep a stream of income through taxes Your business keeps its assets You have a lot of control over how the business will run during and after the reorganization Reorganizing Your Business When your business files for bankruptcy (the business is called the debtor in bankruptcy law jargon), the business s property becomes property of the bankruptcy estate. Any collection activities pending against the business are automatically stayed. The automatic stay gives you and your creditors some time and breathing room. You can use, sell or lease the business s property. You can even look for financing to continue its operations. Of course, you have an obligation to protect your creditors rights in the business and its property. You can t give the property away or sell it for ridiculously low prices, for instance. The Plan You have the right to propose a reorganization plan for the first 120 days after the case is filed. The plan does many things, but it mainly sets out the details for repaying your creditors. The bankruptcy trustee appointed to your case usually forms a committee of your creditors who vote on your plan. It may be confirmed or approved even if some creditors vote against it and even if some creditors are treated better than other creditors if bankruptcy wasn t filed. The basic idea during the plan negotiation process is for you and most of your creditors to come up with a plan that has a realistic chance of success. In other words, one where most if not all of your creditors are repaid, at least some portion of your debts, and the business continues operations. If the plan is confirmed it takes court approval you come out of the bankruptcy usually with much lower debts and a new reorganized business. Protection for Creditors Protecting creditors and making sure they re treated fairly is one of the goals in any bankruptcy. When it comes to Chapter 11: Your creditors may ask the court to dismiss or throw out your case if they think it was filed in bad faith or think there s no chance of a successful reorganization plan A trustee may be appointed if there s any indication you re mismanaging the business or wasting business assets A secured creditor may be able to get relief from the automatic stay and continue collection efforts against loan collateral if it can prove to the court that the property value is at risk somehow After your 120-day period expires, your creditors may propose their own reorganization plans, which may be much different than yours Chapter 11 may be the answer if it looks as though your business may go under. It s a complicated process, though, so be sure to talk to an attorney about whether or not it is the right choice for you and your business. 18 Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

17 Top RaTed litigators AV Preeminent TM Rating Joseph Cagnoli, Jr. Eric P. Conn Howard A. Fried John A. LaBoon William F. Mahoney* Edward J. McCambridge* Lawrence D. Mason* Robert E. O Malley* Donald Segal* Jeffrey Singer* Alan J. Taylor John A. Turlik Paul E. Wojcicki* * Named a Chicago Top Rated Lawyer Congratulations to the Segal McCambridge attorneys recognized for their excellence in litigation with AV Preeminent TM Ratings by Martindale-Hubbell. We make the complex simple Austin Baltimore Chicago Detroit Jersey City New York Philadelphia

18 IN A PERSONAL INJURY CASE, A SETTLEMENT MAY BE BEST if YOU ARe INJUReD IN A CAR accident or other incident, someone is often legally responsible for your injury. Filing a personal injury claim could help you obtain compensation from the responsible party to pay your medical bills, as well as other losses, which are known as damages. When you settle with the other party, you accept payment for your injury and agree not to sue that party. Although your lawyer will give you advice about settlement, it is your decision to settle or not. After an accident, you may have physical, PAGE PROOF -- FOR APPROVAL ONLY Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death P assen Law group is a Chicago-based law firm representing individuals and families in complex personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases in illinois and nationwide. We are a boutique personal injury law firm; our clients have suffered significant damages, such as brain and spinal cord injury, severe burns, birth injuries and those stemming from wrongful death. our lawyers are committed to providing unparalleled attention and passion to each case and every client. We have successfully recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients. in stephen Passen s most recent high-profile jury trial, he obtained a $19.1 million verdict for the family of a minor who suffered a brain injury at a private school in Chicago. still, we pride ourselves not only on our record of success in the courtroom, but also in our ability to earn the trust of our clients and confidence in our ability to deliver legal representation of the highest quality. To speak with one of Passen law group s lawyers, call us at One East Wacker Drive, Suite 1750, Chicago, IL ph: fax: mental or emotional injuries. even if insurance covers your medical bills, you may (depending on the circumstances) still file a claim for damages. Damages include lost wages, damage to your property, any permanent disability, rehabilitation, and present and future pain and suffering. While some personal injury cases are decided by a judge or jury in a courtroom, many are settled out of court. If your case goes to court, the process can take several years from beginning to end. If you settle the case instead, the defendant pays an agreed-upon sum of money soon after everything is signed and ready. This agreement should include a statement that you release the other party from responsibility. If you ve already filed a lawsuit in court, you will have to agree to drop the case against the other party promptly. Settlements can be reached at any point. Often, the insurance company will make a settlement offer after review of your records and medical expenses. However, somecases settle after both sides have presented evidence to the judge. In many courts, the parties are required to attend settlement conferences before starting a trial. Coming to Financial Terms You must provide the party responsible for your accident with information about your injuries, expenses, and your need for future treatment. evidence might include medical records, hospital bills, pay stubs, and witness statements. The defending side may ask for a medical examination by a doctor of its choosing. It may hire expert witnesses to disprove your version of the case. Your lawyer can help you estimate how much money you might receive after a trial instead of accepting a settlement. Settlements may be paid in a lump sum or in periodic payments. A structured settlement involves buying financial products called annuities that pay a certain amount every month or year until the total is paid in full. This arrangement can reduce taxes but won t allow you to buy a house or other expensive item because you re getting smaller payments over time. Questions for Your Attorney Before meeting with your attorney prepare yourself with questions such as: I have been at the wrong place at the wrong time more than once recently and was legitimately injured and filed claims. How will this be perceived by a judge or jury? In addition to my existing medical bills, can I be compensated for any future expenses that can be related to my injury? 1 XXXXXXXXXX s ToP rated LaWYers To see a Directory of all av Preeminent rated attorneys in indiana visit 20 Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit

19 cover SPOTLIGHT A Tenacious Personal Injury Firm Aggressively Fights for Victims At O Connor & Nakos, Attorneys Step Into the Ring on Behalf of Their Clients a commitment to aggressive and exceptional quality representation sets the tone at O Connor & Nakos. The law firm concentrates its practice in construction negligence, wrongful death, medical malpractice, trucking/auto negligence, product liability and workers compensation cases. Their Chicago based office includes 11 attorneys with a combined 175 years of legal experience. For the past two years, the firm has been recognized in Forbes magazine as Chicago s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm. Several O Connor & Nakos attorneys have also been AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and earned recognition as Illinois Super Lawyers, Illinois Leading Lawyers and have been selected by the publisher of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer magazine as one of the 40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch, a designation accorded to less than 1% of the State s participating attorneys. Both Daniel O Connor and Telly Nakos have been named to Top Trial Lawyers in America by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Known as a rolled-up sleeves attorney, co-founder Daniel O Connor routinely expresses the firm s pride in representing working men and women and their families. We have 35 children between the attorneys in the office, so we recognize how important it is to help families, O Connor says. An injury doesn t just affect one person; it affects the whole family. That s why we re willing to go the extra mile for our clients and their families. O Connor s long record for securing large verdicts and settlements began early on in his career. Just in his second year out of law school, he won a $2 million jury verdict on behalf of an injured ironworker. He also has secured one of the top verdicts in the country. After turning down settlement offers from insurance companies in the amount of $10 million, O Connor secured a jury award of $21 million for an ironworker when a crane negligently struck the worker with a piece of steel. Most recently, O Connor obtained a $6.7 million settlement in an automobile case wherein the plaintiff injured his back after being rear-ended on the roadway. Simply put, Daniel O Connor has won more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. Co-founder, Telly C. Nakos academic accomplishments have served as the cornerstone of his legal achievements. After being named an eli Lilly Scholar at Wabash College, Nakos also studied at Oxford as part of his undergraduate work. He went on to attend Case Western Reserve University Law School. There, he twice received the American College of Trial Lawyers Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Award for excellence in Trial Advocacy. He also received the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Achievement Award in the Art and Science of Advocacy. Nakos pioneered a landmark $11.7 million settlement for a client who lost the use of both legs and one arm after falling down a flight of stairs at McCormick Place in Chicago. In that case, Nakos argued due to the plaintiff s prior polio condition, various handicapped/ accessibility standards not only applied to the case, but were violated by the architects designing the stairway and handrail system at McCormick Place. Nakos also secured a $9.25 million result for an ironworker who suffered a neck injury from a fall while setting structural steel. Most recently, Nakos battled successfully for a $7.3 million settlement for a man who suffered amputation injuries in a trim press machine. In addition to the $7.3 million, Nakos also obtained $1.7 million of funding to cover all future medical treatment for his client. Both O Connor and Nakos are proud of the fact that their partners and associates make up the finest group of attorneys in the State of Illinois. The attorneys at O Connor & Nakos also share their expertise to benefit their community. They were proud hosts for the kickoff reception of Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly s charitable group, The Kelly Cares Foundation. Also, for years the firm has volunteered with the Constitutional Rights Foundation s Lawyers in the Classroom program aimed at teaching middle school students at Chicago s evergreen Academy about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The firm recently instituted a scholarship program in partnership with Lawyers in the Classroom. Ultimately, the firm is most proud of the strong relationship its attorneys have built with the clients they have helped. We continue to maintain great relationships with our clients long after our legal work is done, O Connor says. R. Monroe From Left: telly C. nakos, Daniel V. o Connor an injury doesn t just affect one person; it affects the Whole family. that s Why We re Willing to go the extra mile for our clients and their families. daniel v. o connor TOP RATED LAWYERS daniel v. o Connor telly C. nakos d. jeffrey Comeau martin j. LuCas mark C. murnane john a. salzeider tori soper To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit Chicago s Legal Leaders 21

20 BASED ON DATA FROM chicago s legal leaders richard j. Leamy, jr. complex civil litigation defense, class action/mass torts, construction rick Leamy is a Partner and Chairman of the Civil Litigation Practice at Chicago s Wiedner & McAuliffe. rick s civil defense practice emphasizes complex tort litigation, class actions, and catastrophic claims and he has played a key role in defending industry-wide litigation. He has defended the welding rod industry from claims that welding fumes cause neurological disorders. He has also handled complex transportation suits and has served as litigation counsel for united Airlines, inc., in Chicago and throughout the country. rick recently defeated a multimillion-dollar class action suit in federal court entitled Walsh v. Stratacare, Inc., Case no. 09-cv-1061-MJr, 2011 u.s. Dist. Lexis He has been recognized as an illinois super Lawyer and is currently rated as an AV Preeminent Peer review-rated Lawyer, Martindale- Hubbell s highest rating for legal competence and ethical integrity, as judged by his peers in the legal community. WIEDNER & MCAULIFFE ONE NORTH FRANKLIN, 19TH FLOOR CHICAGO, IL PH: FAX: RJLEAMY@WMLAW.COM PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY Kent m. LuCaCCioni personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability Kent M. Lucaccioni founded the firm of Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd. and has built his reputation representing seriously injured clients in all areas of personal injury law including medical malpractice, automobile and trucking negligence, nursing home negligence, construction negligence, premise liability, professional negligence as well as representing the families of wrongful death victims. Mr. Lucaccioni additionally represents several product manufacturers in product liability defense in the states of illinois and indiana. As one of the leading personal injury attorneys in illinois, Mr. Lucaccioni has obtained numerous multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts. At the age of 30, Mr. Lucaccioni was one of the nation s youngest injury attorneys to win a million dollar verdict on behalf of his injured client. in over 20 years of practice, Mr. Lucaccioni has established himself as one of the leading trial attorneys in the state. Mr. Lucaccioni is a 1984 graduate from Miami university, ohio, and 1987 graduate from DePaul school of Law. KENT M. LUCACCIONI, LTD. 20 SOUTH CLARK STREET, SUITE 1700 CHICAGO, IL PH: FAX: PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY jamie m. trapp personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability Jamie M. trapp is the founder and principal attorney of Jamie M. trapp & Associates, a Chicago-based personal injury firm. As a personal injury lawyer, he has represented plaintiffs statewide in cases involving auto accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe products, construction accidents and other injuries caused by the negligence of others. Due to his perseverance and superb trial skills, he has won several million and multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on his clients behalf. Mr. trapp is a preeminent AV rated attorney and has been selected by his peers as an illinois Super Lawyers each year since An active member of the illinois trial Lawyers Association, he has served as the seminar planning chairman and received the President s Award in 2002 for his dedication and service to the organization. A lifelong Chicago native, Mr. trapp graduated from DePaul university College of Law in He is currently licensed to practice in the state and federal courts of illinois, as well as the u.s. District Court of illinois, northern District. JAMIE M. TRAPP & ASSOCIATES 205 WEST WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 600 CHICAGO, IL PH: FAX: MOTHERWAY NAPLETON, LLP CHICAGO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS Mr. napleton is a name partner of Motherway & napleton. He was born in evergreen Park, illinois, attended Brother rice High school and Loyola university of Chicago Law school (J.D. 1988). on June 1, 1987, Bob started his career at Motherway & glenn. in november 1988, he began 2012 working at the firm as an associate attorney specializing in handling catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. Robert J. Napleton two of the top Verdicts listed in this publication (#2 Hoffman v. Crane and #31 Ramirez v. FCL Builders Inc.) were cases tried before a jury by Mr. napleton in in 2000, he was named by his peers as one of the 40 illinois Attorneys under Forty to Watch, and is a fellow of the American College of trial Lawyers, whose membership is by invitation only and is limited to no more than 1% of the bar. Bob has obtained numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, including a record $14 million jury verdict in Livingston County, illinois, a record $15 million medical malpractice settlement against Cook County Hospital, and a record $27 million jury verdict in Cook County in a lawsuit arising out of a truck crash on interstate Chicago s Legal Leaders To See A Directory of All AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys in chicago visit