Loretto Kennedy, principal and co-general counsel, and Mallory Moreno, principal, at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., will participate in a panel as part of the Women Lead WITH Illinois Law 2022 Summit, a conference and workshop sponsored by the University of Illinois College of Law on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This program will be held via Zoom.
This is the 4th annual summit which will feature inspiring stories from women of all ages and backgrounds, discussions on how they have navigated their careers paths, advice on building a sense of empowerment and provide networking opportunities through virtual conversations.
Kennedy will participate in a panel discussion titled “We’re worth it! Leadership and Collaboration in the Workplace.” Moreno will be a panelist in a discussion titled “Deal with it! Your future, your finances and your estate.”
Kennedy represents a diverse group of clients, including product manufacturers, retailers, contractors, start-ups, non-profits and local public entities. She provides counsel on a broad range of matters, including contract, aviation, products liability and coverage disputes at both the trial and appellate levels.
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.
For more information, please contact Heather Ball, Director of Events & Alumni Programming for the University of Illinois College of Law at hball@illinois.edu. To register to attend, click here.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is excited to announce that the firm has moved to a new location effective April 1, 2022. The new office space at 120 S. Riverside Plaza, suite 1700, Chicago, near Union Station between Adams and Monroe, now brings everyone together on one floor and provides more efficient and productive access to collaborate with each other and with our clients.
In keeping with the firm’s focus of One Space … One Culture … One Firm, the new office fosters a better fit for the firm’s culture of dynamic and ever improving and mutual mentoring, coaching, training and teamwork among attorneys, paralegals and staff as well as continuing to further enrich client service. The new space is designed with employees and clients in mind. It offers contemporary visual appeal, but more importantly, better workspace designs, improved physical workflows and inviting meeting spaces.
“We are so excited that our two and one half year process is finally coming to fruition, as we move into new space that we were able to design and build from scratch,” said Mitchell D. Weinstein, president and a member of the firm’s Space Lead Team. “We are anxious to bring everyone together on one floor for the first time in a very long time.”
Weinstein continued, “From the time we decided to move, we sought to design and build space that would provide amenities and benefits for our staff and clients. The new space provides more natural light to interior spaces and adds state-of-the-art technology to our conference rooms — something we have lacked in our current space. We even designed a family room for clients who bring young ones to their will signings, which is unique. We are returning to the office more regularly these days, as the pandemic restrictions have lessened, and as we adapt to a hybrid work environment, this new space encourages togetherness and collaboration. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this space, and, when appropriate, invite clients and colleagues to see it as well.”
One of the most important aspects of the firm is the value it stresses on inclusiveness, as it strives to be a place where everyone, regardless of their role or their contributions, can feel equally involved and supported in all areas. A smaller footprint allows for enhanced access and interaction — and thus more touchpoints — so that everyone can feel a more heightened sense of belonging that encourages them to do their best work and reach their potential.
The firm is concentrating on its environmental impact, especially the furthering of a paper-light direction, limiting filing space and changing related storage processes. It is also using this project to support minority- and women-owned businesses in the community. To date, the firm has directed more than 33% of its construction dollars to such businesses and has requested and worked with diverse teams from other vendors while actively encouraging non-minority or non-women-owned businesses to hire diverse work crews.
For additional information on Chuhak & Tecson’s new offices, contact Michelle Schadler, chief operating officer, at mschadler@chuhak.com.
The plaintiff, a pressman with a 28-year work history, contracted acute myelogenous leukemia that he alleged was caused by exposure to benzene in Sun Chemical’s products. In the original complaint, the plaintiff named 22 defendants in addition to Sun Chemical. However, by the time of trial, all the other defendants had been dismissed; several pursuant to settlement with the plaintiff.
In the closing argument, the plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury for a total of $16.3 million in compensatory damages. The jury took approximately two hours to return a unanimous verdict in Sun Chemical’s favor indicating that the liability determination was not a close call. In discussions after the verdict, several jurors indicated that cross-examination of the plaintiff’s experts’ exposure and causation opinions, exposing the subjective bases and flawed assumptions, was central to their decision.
“In closing argument, we highlighted the flaws in the plaintiff’s exposure expert’s methods to reinforce the point that many of his conclusions were not reasonably supported by the data he relied upon,” Mr. Wood explained.
If you have questions regarding this case or have a litigation matter you would like to discuss, please contact Mr. Wood at swood@chuhak.com.
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 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 and serves as co-chair of the Young Lawyers’ section of the Chicago Bar Association’s Serving our Seniors Committee.
The Chicago Bar Association is one of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States. The association’s voluntary membership of 17,000 consists largely of lawyers and judges from Cook County and the State of Illinois. The purposes and objectives of the association are to establish and maintain the honor and dignity of the profession of the law and to promote the general welfare by sponsoring and supporting continuing legal education programs (CLE) covering new developments in all fields of law. The CBA also cultivates social relationships among its members and increases the usefulness of the legal profession in promoting the due administration of justice and the public good.
This program is approved for of Continuing Legal Education credits. To register, please click here.
Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce the firm’s attorneys who have been named Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers for 2022. The following attorneys have been selected as Illinois Leading Lawyers.
John P. Adams
Mark J. Altschul
Adam K. Beattie
David J. Bloomberg
Steven P. Bloomberg
Mark E. Broaddus
Edmond M. Burke
Kevin M. Coyne
Michael W. Debre
William F. DeYoung
Phyllis K. Fasel
Barry A. Feinberg
David J. Feinberg
Mitchell S. Feinberg
Brandon R. Freud
Daniel J. Fumagalli
James B. Gottlieb
Ryan A. Haas
Terrell J. Isselhard
Edwin I. Josephson
Arnold E. Karolewski
Loretto M. Kennedy
Lindsey Paige Markus
Adam Moreland
Donald J. Russ, Jr.
David B. Shiner
Andrew P. Tecson
David J. Tecson
Molly A. Ward
Mitchell D. Weinstein
Anne M. Wolniakowski
Stephen A. Wood
Illinois Emerging Lawyers for 2022 are:
Kimberly T. Boike
Julie F. Gardner
Andrew Luczak Glubisz
Christina M. Mermigas
Leading Lawyers are recommended by their peers in their areas of practice. Less than 5% of all lawyers licensed in Illinois have received the distinction of Leading Lawyer. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto the List of Leading Lawyers. The list of Leading Lawyers is the result of surveys mailed to all lawyers in the state of Illinois. The survey asks which of their peers they believe comprise the top lawyers within their respective region and/or area(s) of law. Only those lawyers who are most often recommended, and later approved by our advisory board, are selected as Leading Lawyers.
Emerging Lawyers are those recognized by their peers who are 40 years old or younger and have practices for no more than 10 years or less. Only 2% of all licensed lawyers in Illinois received the recognition of Emerging Lawyer.
Chuhak & Tecson congratulates its Leading and Emerging Lawyers for 2022.
Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce the firm’s attorneys who have been named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2022. The following attorneys and their respective practice areas selected as Illinois Super Lawyers are:
Mitchell S. Feinberg* Estate & Trust Litigation
Lindsey Paige Markus Estate & Probate
David B. Shiner Tax
Illinois Rising Stars for 2022 are:
Kimberly T. Boike Healthcare
Julie F. Gardner Estate & Probate
Christina M. Mermigas Estate & Probate
Mallory A. Moreno Elder Law
* Denotes a Super Lawyer for 10 years or longer
Super Lawyers is a rating service of premier lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a notable degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers provides a patented selection process that includes research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Lawyers are selected from all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
According to the Super Lawyers, each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers recognizes no more than 5% of attorneys in each state; Rising Stars recognizes no more than 2.5 % or 10 years or less. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.
Chuhak & Tecson congratulates its Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2022.
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.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is pleased to sponsor American Technion Society (ATS) – Chicago Planned Giving Committee’s 2021 ATS Federal Tax Legislation Seminar, “Tax Reform: The Insider’s View, A Virtual Webinar,” on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Lindsey Paige Markus, principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., co-chairs the ATS Chicago Planned Giving Committee. Markus heads the firm’s 25-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice group. Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, she has a national practice assisting business owners and families in planning their estates, protecting assets, transferring wealth and minimizing taxation.
The program will feature Russ Sullivan, shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and chair of Brownstein’s National Tax Policy Group, and former Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Sullivan is one of the top tax attorneys and advocates in the country. He represents clients’ interests on healthcare, pension planning, trade, energy, financial services and economic development policies. He worked firsthand on many of these issues during his 14 years of service on the Senate Finance Committee. During his time in Congress, Sullivan helped draft landmark legislation such as the 2001 tax legislation, the 2005 and 2007 Energy Policy Acts and the Affordable Care Act.
The program also features Harold Hancock, shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and former Tax Counsel to three House of Representative Ways and Means Committee chairs. Hancock provides technical tax advice for planning transactions and investments and resolves complex policy and regulatory issues by engaging key officials in Congress, the Treasury Department and the White House. Whether he is advocating for a tax policy before members on the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee or meeting with an Internal Revenue Service regulator as guidance is being drafted, he bolsters clients’ credibility by presenting thoughtful recommendations to government officials. He is an invaluable advocate for small businesses navigating the Paycheck Protection Program.
The ATS supports visionary education and world-changing impact through the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (Technion). The Technion has pioneered in science and technology education and delivered world-changing impact. Since 1940, the ATS nationwide supporter network has funded new Technion scholarships, research, labs and facilities that have helped deliver world-changing contributions and extend Technion education to campuses in three countries. Investments in the Technion’s growth and innovation advance critical research and technologies that serve the State of Israel and the global good.
Illinois attorneys will receive 1.5 CLE credit hours and Certified Public Accountants will receive 1.0 CPE credit hours, pending approval. There is no charge for this event. Registration is required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Joy Leff at 312-553-2222 or technion.chicago@ats.org.
Mitchell Weinstein, president, and Lindsey Paige Markus, principal, both of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., are the featured speakers at the Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) Planned Giving presentation titled Solution Focused Strategies for Financial Health & Well-Being, part of JNF-USA’s Planned Giving Speaker Series, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, from 3 to 4 p.m. CST. This program will be held via Zoom.
Weinstein and Markus will discuss how to reduce one’s tax liability and address financial and philanthropic goals, including helpful year-end tax tips.
Weinstein focuses his practice on a wide range of estate planning, federal and state taxation, general corporate and real estate transaction matters. He assists family-owned and closely held businesses and midsized companies to navigate day-to-day challenges and positions them for long-term prosperity. A certified public accountant as well as an attorney, Weinstein is uniquely qualified to take a holistic approach to the issues facing his corporate and business clients. In his estate planning practice, he helps clients preserve their assets and protect their loved ones and businesses.
Weinstein’s role as president of Chuhak & Tecson’s 64-attorney firm extends to leadership and service for several committees, including as chair of the Executive Committee, as well as spearheading initiatives facilitated by the leaders of the firm’s 12 practice groups. Equally dedicated to his community, Weinstein is a member of the Buffalo Grove (IL) Planning and Zoning Commission and has also served as legal counsel and as a member of the Board of Trustees for Temple Chai in Long Grove (IL).
Markus 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.
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 Federations of North America’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, most recently as a 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders in Law from Crain’s Chicago Business.
JNF-USA’s strategic vision has always been to ensure a strong, secure and prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. Everything the organization does—projects, initiatives and campaigns—is integral to its vision of building and connecting to the land. Visit jnf.org to learn more.
There is no cost to attend this program, but an RSVP is required. To register, click here.