Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is pleased to announce that Nicholas Schuler, Jr. has joined as senior counsel in the firm’s Banking group. In addition, Connor Valentyn and Aaron Weinger Ward have been elevated from law clerks to associates in the firm’s Corporate Transactions & Business Law and Estate Planning & Asset Protection practices respectively.
Schuler’s practice includes a wide variety of matters that affect the banking and commercial sectors including litigation, internal investigations, and compliance and ethics issues. In his most recent role as inspector general for the Chicago Board of Education, Schuler fought hard to ensure that a modern, professional watchdog agency was taking citizen complaints seriously, keeping an eye on the public fisc, and clearing access to government records necessary to complete investigations. Schuler received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the Catholic University of America, and he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
Licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin, Valentyn focuses his practice on assisting businesses of all sizes with a wide variety of matters, including entity formation, contract drafting and negotiations, and the sale and acquisition of businesses. He also has experience in the real estate sector, drafting and advising clients on leases and sale and purchase agreements for both residential and commercial properties. Valentyn received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Weinger Ward focuses his practice on developing comprehensive estate plans and counseling clients with active probate matters. With a full understanding that clients want their assets passed to their loved ones rather than the government, he frequently implements new approaches to structure single or multiple trusts within an estate plan to substantially minimize the estate’s tax obligations. Weinger Ward received his undergraduate degree from Knox College and his Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Chuhak and Tecson, P.C. is pleased to announce that Rebecca M. Cerny has joined as an associate in the firm’s 19-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection group. Licensed in both Illinois and New York, she focuses her practice primarily on estate planning, with a particular emphasis on tax planning, asset protection planning, advising clients regarding retirement assets, charitable giving and business succession strategies.
Cerny consistently works with clients to design, draft and implement tailored estate plans, ensuring their wishes and goals are achieved. She also has considerable experience working with high-net-worth individuals to create complex estate planning structures, providing security for their families for generations to come.
“With recent changes in legislation at the state and federal levels amidst the backdrop of the pandemic, demand for estate planning continues to increase,” said Lindsey Paige Markus, principal and leader of the firm’s Estate Planning & Asset Protection group. “We are thrilled to have someone with Rebecca’s experience, creativity and problem-solving skills join our team.”
Cerny received her undergraduate degree in business administration from The College of Saint Rose and her Juris Doctor from the Albany Law School of Union University.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal and leader of the firm’s Litigation group Stephen Wood will be a speaker at a two-day virtual conference hosted by the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI). Steve’s presentation, titled Wearables: Issues for Life Insurers, takes place on Dec. 9 from 1:30 ─ 2:15 p.m. EST. He will discuss how wearables are being considered by insurers as an opportunity to gain more information about the health of insured people and the legal and compliance issues surrounding them. Attendees will also learn what approaches insurers have implemented regarding this technology, specifically as it relates to underwriting and policy administration. Lastly, attendees will receive information on the future prospects for this technology and its use by insurers.
This virtual conference’s registration fees vary for ACLI members and nonmembers, which can be reviewed by clicking here.
Stephen A. Wood focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including a wide range of commercial disputes, while also specializing in government enforcement proceedings. He has represented clients in courts across the country and has tried cases in state and federal courts from New Jersey to California. He also has participated in a variety of evidentiary hearings in state and federal courts, and before administrative bodies. Steve has argued several appeals and has been involved on the brief in numerous other appellate proceedings. Steve’s experience in complex commercial litigation spans a wide range of substantive areas including breach of contract, Lanham Act, employment torts, restrictive covenants, unfair competition, and antitrust, among others. In respect to government enforcement, Steve is a thought leader on the False Claims Act and has represented various clients in qui tam matters. He has also represented clients involved in FCPA and other types of government investigations.
The ACLI advocates on behalf of 280 member companies dedicated to providing products and services that promote consumers’ financial and retirement security. Ninety million American families depend on our members for life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, dental and vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI represents member companies in state, federal and international forums for public policy that supports the industry marketplace and the families that rely on life insurers’ products for peace of mind. ACLI members represent 94% of industry assets in the United States.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal Lindsey Paige Markus will speak at the ninth annual Professional Advisor Forum hosted by Advocate Aurora Health and Northern Trust. This two-part virtual program takes place on Friday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 20 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Attendees will receive key insights from thought leaders regarding topics impacting clients post-election 2020. Clients are fearful of their health and wealth, and the best estate planners can be a beacon of light during these dark times, providing wise counsel and devising plans that clients can act upon today, with assurance that they will survive these turbulent times. Markus will present at the second session on Nov. 20 and that discussion will address income and estate tax strategies post-election while in the midst of the pandemic.
To register for one or both of these sessions that qualify for Continuing Education Credits, click here.
Lindsey Paige Markus draws on her early career in business, finance and neuroscience to craft and implement creative solutions for the estate planning, wealth protection, and the corporate needs of individuals and businesses. As leader of the firm’s 19-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection Group, Lindsey is an indispensable resource for clients who entrust her with their finances and futures. Licensed in Illinois, Florida and New York, Lindsey is a published author and a natural educator who has appeared as a thought leader on television segments for WCIU, Fox News and NBC. She is passionate about giving back and has earned countless honors and gratitude for her tireless philanthropic efforts. As a founding member of the firm’s Women Helping Women program, Lindsey serves as a role model and mentor to many women attorneys, and regularly works with them one-on-one to steer them in the right direction with client issues and business development efforts. Actively promoting an inclusive firm culture that allows attorneys to be their best selves at work is one of the Lindsey’s qualities that her colleagues admire most about her.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 8:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal David Shiner will present the Estate and Charitable Planning webinar. This program is hosted by the Illinois CPA Society and will explore the estate planning process and its basic documents. He will also cover key estate and gifting strategies such as an annual exclusion, portability, funding clauses and other advanced strategies. For more information or to register for Estate and Charitable Planning, click here.
As leader of the firm’s Tax and Employee Benefits practice group, Shiner works closely with his clients resolving tax controversies and structuring transactions that minimize exposure to state and federal estate taxes. Shiner is also a certified public accountant with a master of laws in taxation. He is highly experienced with handling cases in the U.S. Tax Court involving gift, estate and income tax matters.
Founded in 1903, the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is one of the largest state CPA societies in the nation with more than 23,200 members. ICPAS is an essential partner for success, providing convenient and customized education, timely and relevant information, influential advocacy, and countless opportunities to make powerful professional connections.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal Lindsey Paige Markus was interviewed for the Sept. 17 edition of WGN Radio 720’s “Legal Face-Off.” She, along with three of her fellow honorees of the Crain’s 2020 Notable Women in Law recognition, Jennifer Kenedy, Locke Lord LLP, and Rachel Cowen and Christina Martini, both with McDermott Will & Emery, discussed issues currently facing women in the legal profession. “Legal Face-Off” is a fast paced program dealing with the hottest legal issues of the day with hosts Richard Lenkov, a capital member of Bryce Downey & Lenkov, and Martini, providing a legal point / counterpoint perspective on breaking legal news. Click here to view WGN’s podcast or here for the audio version.
Lindsey Paige Markus draws on her early career in business, finance and neuroscience to craft and implement creative solutions for the estate planning, wealth protection and corporate needs of individuals and businesses. As leader of the firm’s 19-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice, Lindsey is an indispensable resource for clients who entrust her with their finances and futures. Licensed in Illinois, Florida and New York, Lindsey is a published author and a natural educator who has appeared as a thought leader on television segments for WCIU, Fox News and NBC. She is passionate about giving back and has earned countless honors and gratitude for her tireless philanthropic efforts. As a founding member of the firm’s Women Helping Women program, Lindsey serves as a role model and mentor to many women attorneys, and regularly works with them one-on-one to steer them in the right direction with client issues and business development efforts. Actively promoting an inclusive firm culture that allows attorneys to be their best selves at work is one of the Lindsey’s qualities that her colleagues admire most about her.
Hosted by Illinois RE Journal, the panel will discuss the deconversion movement in Chicago that has been turning the oversupplied condo market left over from the Great Recession into in-demand apartments. Discussions will reveal how owners receive more value for their condominium units than if they were to sell them on their own and the purchaser also receives a property with a stable revenue stream. Additionally, panelists will share where deconversions are happening and how long the trend will continue.
Bloomberg is the leader of the firm’s Condominium & Common Interest Community Association group. He has represented both boards and developers in connection with the deconversion of condominium buildings and has written extensively about Section 15 of the Illinois Condominium Act.
To register or access additional information, visit Illinois RE Journal.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to announce that Jeralyn Baran, Loretto Kennedy and Lindsey Paige Markus have received the Crain’s Chicago Business honor of being named Notable Women in Law.
Crain’s is recognizing Chicago’s senior-level women attorneys who have a proven record of effecting change in their roles and/or in their areas of practice at their respective firms. They also serve as role models or mentors to other women attorneys, and they promote inclusive practices in the work place. In addition, these women attorneys assume leadership positions outside of their law firms in either professional organizations or with civic/community service initiatives.
“Lindsey, Jeri and Loretto are well-respected leaders in our firm and throughout Chicagoland,” said Terrell Isselhard, principal and co-chair of Chuhak & Tecson’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. “I believe the success of each of these attorneys is directly correlated to their innovative legal solutions and their strong commitment for keeping their clients’ best interests at the forefront of every action. I am so pleased that they are being recognized in this way.”
Jeralyn Baran practices in the areas of employment and commercial litigation, and she currently leads the firm’s Employment law practice group. Her practice takes her into federal and state courts and before many administrative agencies. She is a frequent presenter and thought leader on employment issues and has been named one of the top 50 women attorneys in Illinois. In her work, Jeri represents management and employee clients and this unique, dual‐faced representation gives her the opportunity to offer well‐grounded advice to both sides of employee/employer matters. Jeri mentors women attorneys in the Employment and Litigation practices and promotes their legal growth, and she is one of the founding members of the firm’s Women Helping Women program where she has served as the head of the welcoming committee for every single event, personally greeting every guest who attends. Since 2005 she has represented Chuhak & Tecson as an active member of the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) and works with the organization to develop grant and scholarship opportunities for women. Jeri also leads the TMA steering committee for their HR Peer Group where she develops programming for the membership.
Loretto Kennedy has extensive complex litigation experience most recently involving aviation, product liability and construction matters at both the trial and appellate levels. She also provides legal advice and counsel to small and midsized businesses relating to entity formation, risk management, employment issues and real estate matters. As leader of the firm’s Aviation Litigation & Transactions group, Loretto has represented major aviation entities in multidistrict, multiforum litigation arising out of various domestic and foreign airline accidents, including international litigation concerning TANS Peru Flight 204 near Pucalla, Peru, and two incidents near Medan, Indonesia, involving Mandala Airlines Flight 091 and Garuda Flight 152. Loretto is co-general counsel for Chuhak & Tecson and is one of the founding members of the firm’s Women Helping Women program, bringing in several organizations over the years to participate in this initiative. She is an active supporter of Girl Scouts where she has helped the organization at all levels—from troop leader to board development and committee member. Another one of Loretto’s passions is mentoring younger business entrepreneurs. She loves giving them the confidence and tools to take an idea or a dream and make it their reality.
Lindsey Paige Markus draws on her early career in business, finance and neuroscience to craft and implement creative solutions for the estate planning, wealth protection, and the corporate needs of individuals and businesses. As leader of the firm’s 19-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection Group, Lindsey is an indispensable resource for clients who entrust her with their finances and futures. Licensed in Illinois, Florida and New York, Lindsey is a published author and a natural educator who has appeared as a thought leader on television segments for WCIU, Fox News and NBC. She is passionate about giving back and has earned countless honors and gratitude for her tireless philanthropic efforts. As a founding member of the firm’s Women Helping Women program, Lindsey serves as a role model and mentor to many women attorneys, and regularly works with them one-on-one to steer them in the right direction with client issues and business development efforts. Actively promoting an inclusive firm culture that allows attorneys to be their best selves at work is one of the Lindsey’s qualities that her colleagues admire most about her.