The Women Helping Women program at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to embrace its 10th Anniversary in 2019 with a year-long celebration titled 10 Ways to Give Back. To honor the milestone, the program is hosting and/or partnering in a series of 10 service projects throughout the year, with the pinnacle event—the annual mix-and-mingle.
In 2009 the women attorneys of the firm recognized that they developed business differently than their male counterparts. They also acknowledged that it was a challenge for women professionals to find the time to give back to their communities through activities that bring personal satisfaction, fulfill a sense of social responsibility and create joy. From this realization, the attorneys banded together to develop a unique initiative, coined Women Helping Women (WHW).
WHW’s annual mix-and-mingle is tailored to achieve two aims at once—to support professional women with relationship-building opportunities while simultaneously arranging the means to partner with different service providers to collect and deliver goods and services for underrepresented women in the community. This two-hour event is held in a central location to expedite commuting, and ends early enough so guests can then get on with the rest of their evening.
The inaugural event attracted 60 local women business leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic partners who gathered in Chuhak & Tecson’s lobby in support of Bottomless Closet. Ten years and 15 additional mix-and-mingles later, WHW has supported such organizations as All God’s People, Between Friends, Concordia Place, Jewish Child & Family Services, New Mom’s, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School and, our 17th set for October, Magdalene House Chicago. Thousands upon thousands of goods and monetary gifts have been donated—from personal care necessities for homeless youth, to school supplies for young women traditionally underrepresented in the math and science fields, to clothing for women veterans so they could feel confident at job interviews.
Lindsey Paige Markus, a founding member of WHW and leader of Chuhak & Tecson’s Estate Planning & Asset Protection group, looks forward to celebrating this achievement with all the women who have supported Women Helping Women—many for the entire decade.
“It has been an honor working side by side with my colleagues, championing Women Helping Women and partnering with 16 not for profit organizations that serve women or women and children,” said Markus. “These 10 years have also been a win for those who have attended our mix-and-mingles, many of whom have developed strong business relationships as a result.”
The program’s commitment, passion and sweat equity was recognized in 2017 when WHW was honored as a 2017 recipient of the IDEA Award from the Association of Legal Administrators. This award—Innovation, Development, Engagement and Advancement—recognizes one-of-a-kind programs, services and events that enrich the legal community and advance the business of law.
As it commemorates its 10th anniversary with 10 Ways to Give Back, women attorneys, paralegals and staff are participating in such projects as drafting wills for first responders, harvesting produce as an educational experience for youth and adults who face the challenge of poverty, and collecting funds for children who need new warm coats, hats and accessories this coming winter.
“10 Ways to Give Back is uniquely aligned with one of our firm’s core values—dedication to our community,” said Markus. “Our employees who participate in our programs have a common bond—love of service—and their ability to form stronger bonds at these special events dovetails nicely with the firm’s commitment to internal teamwork and service to Chicagoland communities.”
Visit Women Helping Women to learn more about the program. For questions about 10 Ways to Give Back or the fall mix-and-mingle in support of Magdalene House Chicago, contact Jane LaGrassa at jlagrassa@chuhak.com.
This year, Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women program (WHW) is celebrating its 10th anniversary by giving back to the Chicagoland community through an effort titled, 10 Ways to Give Back.
In tribute to our clients, friends and nearly 20 community service partners since 2009, we have launched a year-long service initiative benefitting 10 different organizations in need. Check back throughout the year for updates to our service project list!
10 Ways to Give Back
Pacific Garden Mission (January)
Pacific Garden Mission meets physical, emotional and spiritual needs of homeless and hurting men, women and children. Learn more about Pacific Garden Mission.
Misericordia — Candy Days (April)
Misericordia provides housing and support services to more than 600 children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Learn more about Misericordia.
Chicago Bar Association — Wills for Heroes (May)
Since 2001, Wills for Heroes participants have prepared thousands of estate planning documents for Chicagoland police officers, firefighters and first responders.
Chicago Lights Urban Farm (June)
Chicago Lights provides hope and opportunity to our city’s children, youth, and adults who face the challenges of poverty. Through supportive relationships and diverse programs, learn how Chicago Lights empowers people to thrive.
Volunteers of America of Illinois — Operation Backpack (July)
Providing hundreds of Chicagoland students with backpacks filled with school supplies, VOA of IL helps children get their year started off right.
Jewish United Fund — Chanukah Coat Club (August)
A gift of $18 to JUF’s Chanukah Coat Club provides a local child in need a warm, new coat and accessories to brave harsh winters.
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services – Race Judicata (September)
Race Judicata is a 5K Run/Walk benefiting Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation in a mission to ensure that the law works for everyone.
Gigi’s Playhouse (September)
To see a world where individuals with Down Syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities, Gigi’s Playhouse delivers free educational, therapeutic-based and career development through a replicable playhouse model.
Magdalene House Chicago (October)
Seeking an end to a culture that allows human beings to be bought and sold, Magdalene House Chicago nurtures change for women who have survived and are in recovery from abuse, sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction.
Volunteers of America of Illinois — Holiday Wishes (December)
Providing gifts during the holidays to the children served in its foster care program and to children of veterans its serves, VOA of Illinois ensures that over 300 children have something to unwrap and open during the holiday season.
Note: Dates are subject to change.
First responders are usually called upon to help those in need. This Saturday, the tables will be turned when Chuhak & Tecson attorneys and staff lend a helping hand to Chicago firefighters and police officers in need of estate planning services.
Firm employees will once again participate in the Chicago Bar Association’s Wills for Heroes event, on May 4. By providing basic will and estate planning services, these employees will help first responders effectively plan for their families’ futures.
The Chicago Bar Association runs Wills for Heroes throughout the year. Since 2001, program participants have prepared thousands of estate planning documents for first responders.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. attorney Julie F. Gardner will present the basics of guardianship in Cook County at “Guardianship 101 & the Basics of Elder & Disability Care” from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago.
Hosted by The Chicago Bar Association (CBA), the annual seminar for the Elder Law Committee will cover alternatives to guardianship, including review of powers of attorney, health care surrogate decision making, standards as set forth within the Probate Act and capacity issues, and will examine the practitioner’s perspective on the basics of practicing before the guardianship Court of Cook County. Attendees will hear from a retired judge and local mediator regarding guardianship cases and when to seek assistance or relief outside of the courtroom, as well as from a Cook County guardianship judge on his perspective from behind the bench. The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion.
As chair of the CBA Elder Law Committee, Gardner will moderate and present at the upcoming 2.75 MCLE-accredited informative discussion. Cost for attendance is $80 for CBA members, $160 for non-members and free for law students. For additional information or to register, click here.
Gardner centers her law practice on contested and non-contested estate matters, and executing all stages of the administration of probate, guardianship estates, decedent’s estates and trusts, as well as other related estate litigation.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal David J. Bloomberg will be one of the panelists at the second annual Deconstructing Deconversion summit from 7:30 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Maggiano’s, 516 N. Clark St., Chicago. Cost of attendance is $89.
Hosted by The Illinois Real Estate Journal, the panel will discuss the deconversion movement in Chicago, including the current state of the deconversion market, issues in deconversions and tips to succeed. Other topics include the types of buildings that are candidates for deconversion, neighborhoods in high demand, incentives for yes votes, and the roles of buyers, brokers, boards and counsels in deconversion.
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 on the subject of Section 15 of the Illinois Condominium Act.
To register or access additional information, visit RE Journals.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principals Kimberly T. Boike and Andrew P. Tecson will discuss the “Top Ten Things to Consider in an Affiliation or Merger” at the 2019 LeadingAge Illinois Annual Meeting & Expo from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Attendees will examine strategies for pursuing the right partner, explore how the structure of an affiliation can maximize return for all stakeholders and gain deeper insight on integrating affiliation opportunities with an organization’s strategic plan.
Michael Renetzky, a partner at Locke Lord, and Stephen Johnson, managing director at Ziegler, will also partake in this one hour, CLE-accredited educational session. For additional information or to register, click here.
Boike is a business attorney who concentrates her practice in the healthcare and not for profit fields. She advises healthcare entities of all sizes including, healthcare systems, hospitals, senior living providers, such as continuing care retirement communities and skilled nursing facilities, physicians and healthcare startups on a multitude of issues with a focus on regulatory concerns.
Tecson focuses his practice on corporate law, including legal considerations unique to not for profit and tax-exempt entities, corporate financing and bond issues, administrative law, and healthcare law relating to hospitals, physicians and continuing-care retirement communities. Leader of the firm’s Healthcare and Not for Profit & Mission-Based Organizations practice groups, he serves as counselor for senior management and boards of directors in additional industries such as churches, continuing medical education, manufacturing, domestic and international distribution, higher education and environmental services.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal Kevin M. Coyne offers career strategies and insights to students of The John Marshall Law School’s Center for Real Estate Law from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in room 420, 315 S. Plymouth Court. Organized by the Center for Real Estate Law at The John Marshall Law School, the program titled “Let’s Taco ‘Bout Real Estate Law,” provides students the opportunity to network and discuss the latest topics in commercial real estate law and business with leading real estate lawyers and professionals. For additional information, click here.
Leader of the firm’s Real Estate practice group, Coyne represents national franchises, restaurants, bars and professional practices and has substantial experience negotiating office, retail and industrial leases on the national and local levels for landlords and tenants. Priding himself on the personal attention he brings to every transaction, Coyne crafts meticulous documentation tailored to align with his client’s present and future business needs and goals. Serving on the City of Naperville’s City Council has given him a unique perspective and constructive insight for clients facing municipal issues in Chicagoland.
The Center for Real Estate Law at The John Marshall Law School is dedicated to educating and training the next generation of real estate attorneys and real estate professionals in the substance and practice of commercial real estate law. In addition to providing degree candidates with a superior education in a transactional context, the Center is committed to promoting research and scholarships in the field of commercial real estate and practice.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is pleased to announce that Mark Altschul has joined the firm as a principal in the firm’s Litigation practice group. Altschul brings to Chuhak & Tecson an impressive record of achievement in high-stakes, complex civil litigation. Since 2016, Altschul had been a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Before that he was an associate and later a partner in the litigation practice at McDermott Will & Emery.
“I was thrilled at the opportunity to join Chuhak & Tecson because it offers a great platform to provide excellent service to, and obtain excellent results for, sophisticated clients,” said Altschul. “Because the firm is essentially full-service, it affords opportunities not only to work with existing litigation clients but to attract new business as well. This is a terrific proposition.”
Steve Wood, the principal who leads the firm’s Litigation practice group said Altschul is a valued addition to a growing and formidable team.
“Mark is an accomplished courtroom advocate,” Wood said. “His addition gives our firm greater depth in complex litigation, offering our business clients more resources for their dispute resolution needs while advancing our reputation as a top tier litigation practice.”
Altschul’s commercial litigation practice involves breach of contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, business torts, state and local tax controversy issues and trade secret disputes. He has litigated matters in federal and state courts throughout the United States in addition to handling matters before the American Arbitration Association. Clients frequently rely on his strategic judgment and role as a trusted advisor on business matters to resolve disputes outside of a courtroom.
“Each client is unique and collaborating with clients requires an emphasis on understanding the client’s business,” said Altschul. “This ensures that when a client has an active or anticipated dispute, I am able to team with the client to lead the litigation and implement a strategy to achieve an outcome that meets the client’s legal and business objectives.”
Altschul recently served on the Planning Committee for the Seventh Circuit Bar Association’s 2018 annual meeting and is a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, Illinois. Prior to becoming a courtroom advocate, he served as a term law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Norman C. Roettger and United States Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Altschul has represented clients pro bono on a variety of matters, including a case involving a contested guardianship proceeding of a minor and another concerning inadequate medical care of an incarcerated individual.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal Lindsey Paige Markus will speak on the relationship between women and financial planning strategy at the National Diversity Council’s Illinois Women’s Conference from 10:40 to 11:40 a.m. Thursday, March 28. The event is set to take place at the Double Tree by Hilton Chicago on the Magnificent Mile. Markus will inform women on the importance of estate planning, protecting their assets and the steps to get started on their planning journey.
The cost to attend, which includes access to the Top 15 Awards Breakfast, luncheon and all sessions, is $249. For more information, click here.
Markus, leader of Chuhak & Tecson’s 21-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection group is an educator at heart, making her a sought-after speaker. In addition to her regular column in Chicago Daily Law Bulletin where she clarifies the complexities of estate planning, she is a dynamic contributor to local news outlets such as NBC 5 Chicago, Fox News Chicago, WGN Radio and WCIU. In serving her clients, she draws on her early career in business, finance and neuroscience to develop innovative solutions to fit their estate planning, wealth protection and corporate needs. Her breadth of experience and commitment to training audiences about estate planning has afforded her recognition as a Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Women Lawyer, a Law Bulletin 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty, a Woman Making an Impact in the Law, an Illinois Super Lawyer and a Leading Lawyer. Markus has a national practice and is licensed in Illinois, Florida and New York.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal Loretto M. Kennedy will moderate a panel discussion at the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association’s (NRRDA) 2019 Annual Conference. The interactive discussion, titled “He Said, She Said…How About We Said? Exploring Options for Collaborative Defense Among Defendants,” will cover collaborative defense of claims and lawsuits and how this can be used as a tool to reduce costs, legal expenses, settlements and verdicts.
The discussion will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Hilton West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. The panel will include Hon. F. Keith Brown (Ret.), senior mediator at ADR Systems; LaToya Lee, senior claims manager of Raising Cane’s; and Caryn Seibert, vice president at Gallagher Bassett.
Kennedy focuses her practice on litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. She counsels and assists clients on a wide scope of matters including business planning, risk management, claims handling and litigation defense. She gets to know each client and their business so she can understand all issues from the client’s perspective and best create strategies to meet their larger goals. She is a founding member of Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women initiative which integrates business development, networking and philanthropy into events that benefit not only the attendees, but the Chicagoland community. She is also an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, having served on its board of managers and several terms on the Judicial Evaluation Committee.
To learn more about the 2019 NRRDA Annual Conference or to register, click here.
