Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to welcome two experienced attorneys in the Estate Planning & Trust Administration group who focus on elder law.

Mallory A. Moreno, a principal, devotes her practice to her passion of advocating on behalf of the aging population and individuals with disabilities, many of whom are unable to speak for themselves. Her extensive experience helps clients find a sense of peace during their moments of crisis, such as losing a loved one, being faced with unforeseen health problems, experiencing family strife or planning for expensive long-term care.

“We are living in an unprecedented time,” said Mallory. “For the first time in U.S. history, it is projected that by 2034 the number of individuals age 65 and older will outnumber individuals ages 18 and younger. This means that it is more important than ever to consider all that elder law provides to an ever-aging population. Elder law helps to protect and meet the needs of countless individuals as they navigate through their golden years.”

Both Mallory and principal Christine A. Barone’s practices encompasses contested and uncontested adult guardianships, decedents’ estates, estate planning and asset protection. They handle planning for those with disabilities or special needs and long-term care planning for eligibility and appeals for Medicaid benefits. They prepare and review contracts, wills, trusts and special needs trusts. Christine also represents nursing homes in securing and appealing Medicaid benefits for their residents and claims for payment from the state in the Illinois Court of Claims.

“Many people do not realize that there are options available to protect assets and ease the worry of how to pay for long-term care without completely draining resources,” explained Christine.

Mallory and Christine are Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA). According to the National Elder Law Foundation, there are only 17 CELAs in Illinois currently. Their practice includes a focus on estate and trust administration and litigation, including financial exploitation, will and trust matters, fiduciary disputes, issues of capacity, powers of attorneys, undue influence, financial exploitation and fraud. A portion of their practice is also dedicated to disability law.

Chuhak & Tecson elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting elderly or people with disabilities, including issues related to healthcare, long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security and so many other important matters. Elder law attorneys are trained and have the sensitivities needed to help their clients deal with often devastating life-altering events.

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is thrilled to congratulate Lindsey Paige Markus, shareholder and practice group leader of the firm’s 24-attorney Trusts & Estates Group, who has been recognized by Law Bulletin Media and Chicago Lawyer Magazine in its 3^rd Annual Salute! Top Women in Law awards. Lindsey was chosen as a TOP WOMAN IN LAW for her work mentoring and promoting women in the profession, her success in the legal community and for being a shining example of leadership. The award celebrates these influential women in law and honorees appear in the July issue of Chicago Lawyer.

Lindsey truly exemplifies a woman leader in law. In only 10 years, Lindsey rose from law clerk to the firm’s first woman practice group leader and first woman shareholder in Chuhak & Tecson’s then 30-year history.

Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, Lindsey has a national practice where she works closely with business owners and families in advising on estate planning, business formation, planning their estates, minimizing gift and estate taxation and formulating succession plans to create a lasting legacy for their families and charitable organizations. The success of her practice is a credit to Lindsey’s early career in business, finance and clinically applied neuroscience and years of honing her legal skills to help clients find a sense of peace and security, while providing them with complex, innovative solutions.

Lindsey is as natural mentor and educator, mentoring women and men attorneys throughout Chuhak & Tecson and creating collaborative teams in a positive environment. As a compassionate, empathetic, caring, responsive and accessible educator, she tackles diverse subjects such as complex 1202 planning for founders, assisted reproductive technology and cryptocurrency, through a multitude of publications, speaking engagements, television appearances. Lindsey’s book, A Gift for the Future was released on Amazon in spring 2022 and quickly became a #1 Best Seller in legal self-help and #1 new release in several categories. While the most challenging project Lindsey has undertaken, the process of writing the book was a true labor of love. A Gift for the Future is her way to give back—to those who have mentored her, to clients she has worked with and to those who want to educate themselves prior to making the all-important commitment to work with an estate planning professional.

Russ Sullivan, who served on the Senate Finance Committee for 14 years as chief tax counsel and staff director, wrote a noteworthy forward for the book: “A Gift for the Future is an excellent, in-depth guide for estate planning with the current tax code…Lindsey shows the reader how to get started and explains how to compassionately engage in some of these difficult conversations, all in a readable style. Death and taxes are inevitable for all of us, making this book a wonderful tool for everyone.”

Passionate about philanthropy and giving back, Lindsey is a founding member of Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women initiative, sits on the Jewish United Fund’s Executive Board, Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and co-chairs American Technion Society’s Midwest Planned Giving Committee.

Lindsey has been recognized in countless publications, including Leading Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch by Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law and Crain’s Notable Women in Law.

This year, on June 1, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. celebrates 35 years of solid, results-driven legal work, dedicated service to its clients and imprinting its mark on the Chicago legal market.

There is a saying that people are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. The same can be said about the lifespan of a law firm. Our firm has attorneys that have stayed briefly and those clients who needed our attention only for a short while, but who all have added variety and flavor to who we are as a firm. We have had others who have spent years with us, helping us expand and grow our business. And, there are those attorneys and steadfast clients who have been with us since the beginning and have seen a small, familial firm develop into a well-known brand in the Midwest.

“When we first formed the firm in 1987, we had 11 attorneys and a small support staff to match,” recalls Andy Tecson, principal and former leader of the Healthcare and Not for Profit and Mission-based Organizations groups at the firm. “Every morning, Tom Chuhak, along with my dad, Joe Tecson, would come to work and personally greet every person – every attorney, every clerk and every secretary – with a smile and a boisterous ‘good morning.’”

When he looks back at the firm’s accomplishments over the past 35 years, Tecson acknowledges that sense of family and caring about the well-being and growth of both its clients and the people who work there remains a foundational principle of the firm. That sense of interconnectedness and community is reflective of what distinguishes and defines Chuhak & Tecson.

“I was 25 years old when I joined the firm, not realizing that the firm itself had only been around for seven years,” said Mitch Weinstein, president and a seasoned business, tax and estate planning attorney. “An uncle recommended that I meet with some of the attorneys from the firm – and that was it. I liked the people and it just felt like a great fit. I’ve stayed ever since.”

Mitch remarked that he has been through two office moves and three or four build-outs, but relishes the most recent move to the firm’s sophisticated, high-tech and elegant new space. With its huge expanse of windows surrounding the perimeter, clients and employees alike enjoy the openness, light and uplifting environment, making it seemingly easier to transact even the most intense business.

“While we may have had real estate changes, the strong core values of doing excellent legal work, serving clients and empowering our younger attorneys have never changed,” continued Mitch. “I have been so privileged to work with some incredible people and also to advance my career.”

Reflecting on the firm’s growth, accomplishments and ever-emerging new talent who have joined the firm, Mitch added that this anniversary is more about the firm’s future than it is about the past. “The firm takes great pride in developing generations of outstanding attorneys who can build on what our founders and more senior attorneys have achieved,” Mitch observed. “This continuity has endured for more than three decades of change and disruption in both the practice of law and in our clients’ businesses. The firm has been fervently committed to staying in front of these changes by closely navigating the seas of constant change, maintaining balance and adhering to those core values that continue to define this firm.”

Mitch added that technology and the business environment may always be constantly changing, but the keys to building and maintaining relationships do not. Clients will always want accessibility and responsive service; they will always want value; they will always want the best possible outcomes. But, these things require adaptability, experience, wisdom and taking advantage of the technologies that continue to allow the firm to stay ahead of the curve.

For 35 years, Chuhak & Tecson’s unwavering commitment to client service – being right there with you – remains a bedrock principle. For 35 years, Chuhak & Tecson has left an indelible mark on Chicago’s legal market. This stands as a testament to its founders and those who have carried on those core values. Enduring client relationships emanate from that commitment and trust that comes from sound counsel of those who have laid the groundwork for the firm’s next decades. Whatever changes the world may see, Chuhak & Tecson will retain that sense of family that was present every morning Tom Chuhak and Joe Tecson greeted their employees.

Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce that Janet Wagner has joined the firm as a principal. Wagner focuses her practice on banking and commercial financing transactions. She provides trusted counsel, exacting documentation and clear communication to commercial banks, credit unions, institutional lenders, insurance companies and other lenders in a wide range of commercial and real estate financing matters.

A highly skilled attorney with extensive experience in analyzing transactions in the banking, corporate and real estate areas, Wagner enjoys creating documents that reflect the exact intentions of the transaction, especially when the transaction is challenging and more unusual. With her comprehensive knowledge of all phases of a loan or credit transaction, she is able to chart the progress of a matter while explaining the technicalities and route to a successful closing.

“We are so excited to have Janet join our team,” said Ed Burke, principal and practice group leader, Banking group. “She brings not only a wealth of experience on the documentation side, but practical experience to help our clients from A to B in the most efficient manner possible.”

In addition to real estate and commercial lending, Wagner has advised lenders on documenting loans secured by unique collateral, including boats, aircraft, rail cars and film rights. Working with her colleagues at the firm, she also handles commercial transactions and corporate matters, counsels clients on the day-to-day operations of businesses, reviews and negotiates contracts and other business documents, and advises clients on corporate governance matters and choice of entity.

Wagner received her LL.M. degree in Child & Family Law and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and earned her B.A. degree, cum laude, in Philosophy, from Mundelein College (now Loyola University Chicago). 

Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce that Christine A. Barone has joined the firm as a principal in the Estate Planning & Asset Protection and Estate & Trust Administration & Litigation practice groups.

Barone focuses her practice on elder law. This encompasses contested and uncontested adult guardianships, decedents’ estates, trust administration and litigation, estate planning and asset protection. Notably, she handles planning for those with disabilities or special needs and long-term care planning for eligibility and appeals for Medicaid benefits. She has also represented nursing homes in securing and appealing Medicaid benefits for their residents and claims for payment from the State of Illinois in the Illinois Court of Claims. She prepares and reviews contracts, wills, trusts, special needs trusts and powers of attorney.

Barone is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), which is an exclusive honor bestowed on a select group of attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. Currently, there are only 17 CELAs in Illinois providing resourceful and inspired solutions for clients faced with elder law issues. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She is also a former president and current board member of the Veterans’ Legal Aid Society.

“With the addition of Christine, we are thrilled that our firm now has two Certified Elder Law Attorneys,” said Lindsey Paige Markus, principal and practice group leader of the firm’s 23-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice group. “Mallory Moreno, who recently joined Chuhak & Tecson, is also a CELA, and with Christine, they will bring their experience and passion to advocate on behalf of our elderly population and individuals with disabilities.”

Barone finds the most rewarding aspect of assisting and representing her clients is alleviating some of the burden that they feel in extremely stressful and overwhelming situations. She has the knowledge and skills to assist clients step-by-step to try to confront concerns and worries that are often life altering. She understands that communication is critical to an attorney-client relationship and will sit down and discuss the various outcomes and scenarios so that her clients can not only make informed decisions, but also feel a sense of relief.

Barone received her B.S. degree in political science, English minor, from the University of Iowa and earned her J.D. degree, with a certificate in tax law, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

May is National Elder Law Month—an excellent opportunity for elder law attorneys to educate and advocate for older and disabled persons and their families. Elder Law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting elderly or disabled people, including issues related to healthcare, long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security and so many other important matters.

Elder law attorneys address issues facing our aging population and individuals with disabilities, many of whom are unable to speak for themselves. Elder law attorneys are trained and have the sensitivities needed to help their clients find a sense of peace during life-altering moments of crisis, such as losing a loved one, being faced with unforeseen health problems, experiencing family strife or planning for expensive long-term care.

Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to acknowledge two experienced Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA), Mallory Moreno and Christine Barone, who focus their practices in adult guardianships, both contested and non-contested, estate and trust administration and litigation, including financial exploitation, will and trust matters, fiduciary disputes, issues of capacity, powers of attorneys, undue influence, financial exploitation and fraud. A large portion of their practices is also dedicated to long-term care planning, Medicaid, Medicaid appeals, estate planning, special needs planning and disability law. According to the National Elder Law Foundation, there are only 17 CELAs in Illinois currently.

“We are living in an unprecedented time,” said Mallory Moreno, principal at Chuhak & Tecson and a Certified Elder Law Attorney. “For the first time in U.S. history, it is projected that by 2034 the number of individuals age 65 and older will outnumber individuals ages 18 and younger. This means that it is more important than ever to consider all that elder law provides to an ever-aging population, from estate planning, disability planning, long-term care needs, Medicare, retirement and Social Security, to crisis and postmortem planning. Elder law helps to protect and meet the needs of countless individuals as they navigate through their golden years.”

Can an elder law attorney provide you with guidance and support on any of the above concerns? Please contact one of our skilled and knowledgeable elder law attorneys, Mallory Moreno or Christine Barone.

This Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. communication is intended only to provide information regarding developments in the law and information of general interest. It is not intended to constitute advice regarding legal problems and should not be relied upon as such.

As clichés go, spring always seems to be linked to a fresh start. So, I apologize for taking such an over-used path. But, when it comes to the Banking group, we are in the midst of several new beginnings and so I could not help myself.

Among the new beginnings, as we celebrate our group’s 20-year anniversary, I am pleased to say that I have assumed the role of practice group leader from my long-time colleague, Cisco Connell. As some of you are aware, Cisco is leaving the firm at the end of May to start a new position as chief legal counsel at one of the group’s private equity clients.

Cisco has been an outstanding leader for the group and within the firm. While we are sad to see him leave, we certainly look forward to continuing to work with him from the other side of the table. As an 18-year member of the Banking group and its first associate, I am excited to take over the role of practice group leader and to continue working with so many long-standing clients. Many of our clients have actually grown up with our group and me; it actually seems that we all started in the banking industry together.

Also, something new and exciting for our firm, Lindsey Paige Markus, principal and leader of our estate planning group, has written a book, “A Gift for the Future.” Lindsey has done an outstanding job of taking an often overwhelming and confusing topic that nobody wants to discuss and distilling it into an easy to follow format with roadmaps for people at all different stages of their lives.

As we continue to emerge from Covid and move towards summer, our plans are to make sure that we re-connect with our clients in-person, whether it be through a presentation or, better yet, over lunch, drinks, at a game or on a golf course. We also want to make sure that our clients will meet some of our group’s newest members, who have just arrived or will be coming on board shortly. We are thrilled to be adding such strong attorneys to the team, especially as 2022 continues to be quite active in both the workout and front-end areas of our group.

Along those lines and as always, we appreciate the opportunity to work with our clients and continue to be a resource as we move from April showers to May flowers (sorry!).

This said, we wish Cisco continued success in his new endeavor and are grateful for all the years he gave us, as he has surely left his mark. My sincere congratulations to our entire Banking Team—attorneys, paralegals, staff—for 20 great years! And Chuhak & Tecson—thank you. As the entire firm also celebrates its own milestone in 2022—35 years!—the Banking Team appreciates your continued stewardship. It allows me to say to our clients, with confidence, that we are Right there with you.

Client Alert authored by Edmond M. Burke (312 855 4352), Principal.

This Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. communication is intended only to provide information regarding developments in the law and information of general interest. It is not intended to constitute advice regarding legal problems and should not be relied upon as such.

Mallory Moreno, principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., will present a program titled “The 5Ws of Special Needs Planning: Who? What? When? Where? Why? (and How?)” on Thursday, April 14, 2022, to the employees of Astellas Pharma US, Inc., an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma, Inc. The program will be held via Zoom.

The presentation is hosted by the Astellas US Disabilities and Special Needs Employee Resource Group. Attendees will learn about some of the basics of special needs planning. Moreno will discuss the importance of powers of attorney and how these tools can be used for multiple planning purposes. She will also discuss guardianships, special needs trusts, means-tested benefits, such as Medicaid and SSI, and explore ABLE Accounts. The presentation will offer some of the planning tools and resources available for individuals with disabilities, including what family members or loved ones may want to consider and what individuals with disabilities themselves might be able to explore.

Moreno focuses her practice on adult guardianships, both contested and non-contested, estate and trust administration and litigation, including financial exploitation, will and trust contests, fiduciary disputes, issues of capacity, powers of attorneys, undue influence, financial exploitation, citations and fraud. A significant portion of her practice is dedicated to long-term care planning, Medicaid, Medicaid appeals, estate planning, special needs planning and disability law.

Moreno is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), an exclusive honor bestowed on a select group of attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. As of 2021, there are only 17 CELAs in Illinois providing creative solutions to elder law issues. Moreno also serves as president-elect for IL NAELA and chairs several of its committees. She is a frequent faculty speaker for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) as well as other organizations.

This program is not open to the public. For more information on this topic or to inquire about Ms. Moreno’s availability to speak at your organization, please contact her at mmoreno@chuhak.com.