Management Team
Mitchell D. Weinstein, President
312 855 4608
mweinstein@chuhak.com
President of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., Mitch is a seasoned business, tax and estate planning attorney and practice group leader of the firm's Corporate Transactions & Business Law group. He has been a hands-on leader in the firm for many years, chairing numerous committees and taking active roles in firm governance, management and operations. His practice encompasses a wide range of estate planning, federal and state taxation, general corporate and real estate transaction matters. Both in his firm leadership role and as valued counsel for his clients, Mitch is unwavering in his commitment to providing sound judgment, clear communication, and prudent guidance for those who have placed their trust in him. Further information about Mitch’s background can be found here.
312 855 6411
mschadler@chuhak.com
As Chuhak & Tecson’s Chief Operating Officer, Michelle oversees all of the
firm’s financial and operational functions, including accounting, finance,
treasury, facilities, human resources, marketing, business development and
technology in addition to serving as a member of both the firm’s Executive and
Technology Committees. Michelle is our chief problem solver and is a true believer that both the core of problem solving and 90 percent of every solution is that all parties are in agreement on what is the actual issue at hand. She brings this skill—plus over 20 years of multi-faceted, interdisciplinary and creative experience—to her role.
Prior to joining Chuhak & Tecson in 2008, Michelle held executive roles in both boutique and AMLAW 100 law firms, a real estate development company and a high-net-worth investment advisory firm. Additional positions she’s held include working for a painting and sign company, a consulting company and a not for profit organization. Her experience within a variety of industries and operational roles informs her can-do approach to finding practical solutions for both our firm and our clients. She has implemented many initiatives at the firm including the Women Helping Women business development and philanthropy program, the “25 Ways to Give Back" initiative for the firm’s 25th Anniversary, quality improvement, risk management and mitigation. Michelle is also a huge proponent of championing diversity in the workplace and in 2014, she co-founded the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and continues to be an active force in promoting its various projects and initiatives.
Michelle’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in economics from Arizona State University where she graduated magna cum laude and a Master of Arts in social sciences with an emphasis in economics from California Institute of Technology. Additionally, Michelle is an Illinois Certified and Registered Public Accountant and a member of the Illinois CPA Society, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Legal Administrators.
Outside of the office, Michelle is actively involved in many charitable activities including serving on the board of WestTown Bikes and as a "friend" of Volunteers of America of IL. She enjoys hiking, traveling and has a passion for cooking and baking, which culminates each year in her annual Mexican Madness gathering.
Gillian Mace, Director of Human Resources
312 855 4334
gmace@chuhak.com
Gillian’s belief is that the employee experience is central to any successful business strategy and as a member of Chuhak & Tecson's management team, she’s excited to infuse the "right there with you" ethos into every aspect of it. She brings more than 20 years of human resources and law firm experience and had her first taste of law firm life as a college student at a respected and well known large law firm in her hometown of Milwaukee, WI.
Gillian is responsible for staying at the forefront of developments in human resources regarding policies, standards and technology. She ensures compliance with regulations and is an advocate for the firm’s culture through talent acquisition, employee onboarding, training, managing benefits and implementing new policies and procedures. She serves as a counselor and coach when necessary, promotes the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and participates in the FunFitnessFilanthropy Committee and Women Helping Women program.
Prior to joining Chuhak & Tecson, Gillian established a dedicated human resources department for the U.S. region of a global intellectual property services company and law firm. Her proudest accomplishment was creating a paid parental leave and “Phased Transition” program that allowed new parents to more easily return to work. Prior to that, she worked at an international law firm in their human resources, secretarial services and office administration departments. During her time there, she coordinated their high school internship program in partnership with Urban Alliance, created a professional development training series and spent many years as a mentor to interns within human resources.
Gillian earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, and earned her human resources professional certification from the Society for Human Resources Management.
When not in the office, Gillian enjoys a wide variety of personal pursuits including baking, taking in as much live music with family and friends at as many venues as possible and putting more than 2,000 miles (and counting!) on her vintage-style scooter exploring Chicago's many neighborhoods and surrounding towns.
Ha Truong, Chief Information Officer
312 855 6107
htruong@chuhak.com
With more than 20 years of experience in the legal industry, Ha is a highly effective leader in developing, implementing and directing complex technical projects for law firms. An adaptive strategist and creative thinker in the fast-paced and constantly evolving field of information technology, he serves on the firm’s Technology Committee, providing expert delivery of infrastructure and software initiatives that enable Chuhak & Tecson to generate maximum return on its investments, in keeping with the needs of and service to its clients.
Prior to joining Chuhak & Tecson, Ha was the Application Support Manager at Michael Best & Friedrich where he developed IT policies, managed and created project plans and improved performance times and service levels while simultaneously reducing costs.
Ha earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a qualified Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and iManage Certified System Engineer (ICSE). Ha is an active member of ILTA, the International Legal Technology Association.
In his post-5 p.m. hours, Ha does what he values most — he shares quality time with his family. Being front-and-center at his children’s volleyball games and cross country events is an ideal way to spend an evening. Always community service-minded, Ha is on the Board of Directors for Friends of Lane, an organization established to raise funds and awareness of Lane Tech High School.
Thomas Warzocha, CPA, Controller
312 855 6102
twarzocha@chuhak.com
Leader of the Accounting Department, Tom provides oversight for the financial, billing, collections, conflicts and records-related functions for Chuhak & Tecson. He is highly skilled at managing projects from idea to implementation and is equally proficient at improving financial processes that, in turn, provide superior client service with a cost savings. Tom brings innovative financial insights and timely operational recommendations to the firm’s leadership, ensuring alignment to strategic goals.
His past professional experiences include acquiring two private consulting firms and a law firm merger, overseeing the post-acquisitions and post-merger of the financial integration for all of the aforementioned entities. He has also restructured finance departments, led the implementation of a customized budgeting software and was responsible for firm-wide budgeting at a $1 billion global law firm with more than 20 offices.
Tom earned a master's in business administration in financial management at DePaul University, a Bachelor of Science in accounting at Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan and is a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois.
In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family at their cottage that has been in their family for four generations. He is also an avid runner who has successfully completed eight marathons. When asked which were his favorite courses, he answered Berlin, Dublin and Chicago. Tom also has three Chicago Triathlons under his belt.
Darius Rogers, Facilities and Office Services Manager
312 849 4130
drogers@chuhak.com
Darius exemplifies Chuhak & Tecson’s right there with you philosophy. He believes that everyone is a representation of the firm, and his commitment to excellence and going above and beyond is well known and highly regarded by his colleagues. His accomplishments are but a building block to his ultimate goal—service to our clients.
Darius keeps the firm’s facilities operating smoothly. He oversees a variety of office and building-related functions, including carrying out security-related responsibilities, facilitating construction projects, coordinating office and workstation moves, maintaining all non-IT related equipment, vendor negotiations and cost control, and shipping and receiving. He also led the firm in its internal building emergency plan.
Darius joined the firm in 2000, was promoted to supervisor and was subsequently named Chuhak & Tecson’s first Office Services Manager prior to his current role. He enjoys working in the firm’s family-oriented atmosphere, which has helped him grow professionally.
Born and raised in Chicago, Darius is an avid sports fan who enjoys cooking for family and friends.