Three Chuhak & Tecson attorneys honored as Crain's Chicago Business' Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. congratulates Francisco (Cisco) Connell, Kevin Coyne and Lindsey Paige Markus who have received the Crain’s Chicago Business honor of being named Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law for 2021. This recognition is given to a select group of accomplished attorneys who hold senior leadership positions within the firm and in the community and serve as role models and mentors.

Gen X leaders, born between 1965 and 1981, were the first generation to grow up with personal computers and become tech-savvy. They are usually described as resourceful, independent and focused on maintaining a successful work-life balance. Our Gen Xers are role models and leaders who exemplify the firm’s values and are ready to help solve problems and lead. They are engaged in work and involved in their communities.

Cisco Connell is a principal in the firm’s Banking and Corporate Transactions Groups and is practice group leader for Chuhak & Tecson’s 22-attorney Banking group. He steers an experienced and highly responsive team of transactional and litigation attorneys and staff dedicated to the specialized needs of the firm’s financial institution clients. Clients choose him for his steady hand and guidance through complicated legal issues. Connell and Chuhak & Tecson’s banking group are distinguished for their knowledge of the law, familiarity with procedure, and experience in both bank lending and workout scenarios.

In addition to financial institution clients, Connell represents businesses of all sizes both inside and outside of the courtroom, providing counsel on entity formation, real estate acquisitions and leases, intellectual property, contracts and more. With clients ranging from construction companies and dental practices to individuals and private equity, he sees relationships much like partnerships which are entered into to ensure the business’s best interests going forward.

Connell credits a decade of experience as a Chicago police officer for cultivating his people skills and ability to manage difficult situations. He has served on the firm’s Management, Marketing, Litigation, and Compensation Committees. He also was the firm’s inaugural Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council. He now serves as one of four practice group leaders that work closely with the firm’s Executive Committee in planning and executing the firm’s current and future goals.

Connell was named among Crain Chicago Business’ Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting & Law in 2020 and 2019.

Kevin Coyne is a principal and leads the firm’s 14-attorney Real Estate Practice Group. He excels in his roles as both legal counsel and business advisor, navigating the legal issues involved in commercial property transactions while also providing sound analysis of investment potential and financial risks. He has represented national franchises, food service, hospitality and professional practices and has substantial experience negotiating office, retail and industrial leases on the national and local levels for both property owners and tenants. His commitment to continually expanding the scope of his knowledge to better serve his clients was demonstrated by his decision to return to law school in 2009 to earn an advanced law degree (LL.M) in Real Estate law. In addition to serving as leader of the Real Estate practice group, he currently serves as a member of the firm’s Recruitment Committee.

Having previously served on Naperville (IL) City Council as well as the DuPage County (IL) Stormwater Commission, Coyne possesses a unique perspective and constructive insight that he utilizes for the benefit of clients facing zoning, permitting and land use issues throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. He is currently a member of the Naperville Chamber of Commerce.

Coyne was named among Crain Chicago Business’ Notable Gen X Leaders in Law in 2019.

Lindsey Paige Markus exemplifies a most notable leader. Markus is a principal and heads Chuhak & Tecson’s 25-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection Practice Group. Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, she has a national practice where she assists business owners and families in planning their estates, protecting assets, transferring wealth and minimizing taxation. She works closely with clients to formulate succession plans, advise on business formation, maximize wealth preservation and minimize gift and estate taxation. Her early career in business, finance and clinically applied neuroscience provides her with strong communication skills and gives her a unique perspective for creative contract designs. In addition to her law degree, Markus earned her master of arts degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University.

Markus is a founding member of Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women program, which fosters enriching professional relationships and developing business prospects. In addition to her leadership within the firm, Markus is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the community. She is a member of Jewish National Fund’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, sits on the Jewish United Fund’s (JUF) Executive Board, the Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and co-chair’s American Technion Society’s Midwest Planned Giving Committee. Markus was a recipient of JUF’s Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award, honoring young volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and significant contributions to Chicago’s Jewish community. She is dedicated to educating the community about estate planning and planned giving, regularly appears on local media outlets, and her book, A Gift for the Future, is expected to be published before year’s end. Markus has been recognized in countless publications and was also selected as one of the 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch by Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Markus was named among Crain Chicago Business’ Notable Gen X Leaders in Law in 2019 and received the Notable Women in Law distinctions in 2020 and 2018.