Management Team
Leaders committed to clients
and colleagues
From a place of working right there with others, teammates and clients alike, we get an insider’s view of our business. Our leaders take their responsibilities very seriously, while recognizing that many things need to be viewed from a big-picture perspective that sometimes requires a softer, less serious touch. This vantage point enables us to lead with keen insight, compassion and touches of well-timed humor to bring out the most in our team and get the best results for our clients.
Mitchell D. Weinstein he/him
Principal / President
As president, Mitch understands that sound, steady leadership is not about himself, but is a product of listening to and supporting those whom you lead, providing thoughtful and clear decision making that incorporates multiple perspectives and having a healthy dose of humility.
Mitch’s corporate practice provides him with valuable insights regarding the pressures and priorities business owners face every day. This experience informs his leadership style and aids in his navigation of the firm through both day-to-day and long-term challenges. This was never more evident than it was during the uncertainty and upheaval of the pandemic, especially during its early days.
In collaboration with attorneys and staff at all levels, Mitch worked tirelessly to ensure both business continuity and the health, well-being and continued employment of every member of the Chuhak & Tecson family. His commitment, creativity and constant communication manifested itself throughout the pandemic. Just one example was his “Mitch On The Move” initiative, in which he traveled throughout Chicagoland to meet with groups of attorneys in parks, safely while outdoors, just to check in and see how they were doing.
Since 2018, Mitch has set the firm on a course that positions it for sustained success while staying true to the core values of exceptional representation and client service, mutual respect and common purpose that have been the firm’s lodestar since its founding.
Michelle Schadler She/Her
Chief Operating Officer
The walking embodiment of Chuhak & Tecson’s #OneFirm philosophy, Michelle serves as the firm’s chief consensus-builder, direction-setter, problem-solver and all-around champion. She has played a pivotal role in the firm’s trajectory, helping turn challenges into opportunities with fierce determination, infectious enthusiasm and a natural leader’s gift for harnessing individual talents to achieve collective success.
Leveraging an accounting and C-suite background, including executive roles in boutique and AMLAW 100 law firms, a real estate development company and a high-net-worth investment advisory firm, Michelle understands how to take a firehose of information and input and distill it into a steady stream of actionable ideas. She values all voices and considers all perspectives, listening to what people are not saying as much as what they do say. Before charting a clear course or launching a new initiative, Michelle strives to ensure that every stakeholder feels heard, included and respected.
While she would much rather lift up the accomplishments of others than pat herself on the back, Michelle has been instrumental in some of the firm’s most innovative and successful endeavors, including the award-winning Women Helping Women program, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024.
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 Illinois. She enjoys hiking and traveling and has a passion for cooking and baking, which culminates each year in her annual Mexican Madness gathering.
Karen Jocha
Collections Practice Manager
Karen is the Collections Practice Manager for the firm’s Condominium & Common Interest Community Association practice. With years of experience in real estate, association matters and collections, Karen provides insightful guidance and coaching to association property managers and board members as it relates to effective collections practices. She works collaboratively with them on establishing and coordinating communications, policies and processes to ensure timely collection of unpaid assessments. She also educates unit owners on their responsibilities related to clearing their accounts. Her belief is that these situations arise through a myriad of circumstances and helping others understand and resolve issues through patience, grace and consideration is beneficial to all involved. Away from the office, Karen loves all sports. Above all though, she is passionate about golf and is a friendly and fierce competitor out on the links, both with friends and with herself alike!
Gillian Mace
Director of Human Resources
Gillian’s belief is that the employee experience is central to any successful business strategy. She has 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 law firm in her hometown of Milwaukee. 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. In her free time, 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.
Darius Rogers
Facilities and Office Services Manager
Darius 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. Born and raised in Chicago, Darius is an avid sports fan who enjoys cooking for family and friends.
Ha Truong
Chief Information Officer
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. Ha is an active member of ILTA, the International Legal Technology Association. In his post-5 p.m. hours, Ha is front-and-center at his children’s volleyball games and cross country events. 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
Controller
Tom oversees the financial, billing, collections, conflicts and records-related functions for Chuhak & Tecson. His past professional experiences include participating in the acquisition of two private consulting firms and a law firm merger, and overseeing the consolidation and financial integration for all of these entities. In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family at the cottage which has been in his family for four generations. He is also an avid runner and has successfully completed eight marathons, his favorite courses being Berlin, Dublin and Chicago. Tom also has three Chicago Triathlons under his belt.