Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., is proud to announce that Principal Andrew P. Tecson has been honored along with his wife, Nancy Hagen, for the Partner in Caring Award for their work founding the glenhagen farm retreat.

This inaugural award, distributed by Clarke, a global environmental products and services company, recognizes environmentally friendly businesses that go beyond the bounds of business to give back to the people and community they serve.

Andy and Nancy, an accomplished musician and volunteer for several not for profit organizations, established glenhagen farm retreat in 2018 as a not for profit dedicated to providing educational and worship opportunities to people of all ages and walks of life. The camp is named in honor of Nancy’s late father, Glen Hagen, who strongly believed everyone should have equal opportunities for personal growth, learning and recreation.

This is not the first time Andy has been recognized for his steadfast commitment to community service. He was previously awarded the Seeds of Hope Award by Wheat Ridge Ministries, the Alumni Achievement Medal Award by Riverside Brookfield Township High School, and honored as Outstanding Community Leader by Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Andy’s father, Joseph A. Tecson, began serving as Clarke’s legal counsel in 1946 and Andy joined the team supporting Clarke in 1983. With Andy’s strategic counsel on mergers and acquisitions and corporate strategy, Clarke has realized its dream of growing into a national, and now international, public health company.

To learn more about glenhagen farm retreat click here.

Seasoned Business, Tax and Estate Planning attorney takes reins from Andrew Tecson, bringing extensive management and operational experience to the role

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. proudly announces that Mitchell D. Weinstein has assumed the role of President of the firm. Succeeding firm co-founder Andrew Tecson who will continue as a Shareholder, Weinstein provides Chuhak & Tecson and its clients with seamless continuity, experienced leadership and a steadfast commitment to the firm’s core values of responsive service, creative collaboration and exceptional value.

The transition marks the first time in Chuhak & Tecson’s three decades of existence that its stewardship has been placed in the hands of someone who was not one of the firm’s founders. Tecson says that Weinstein is uniquely prepared to guide the firm as it moves forward.

“Mitch has been a hands-on leader in the firm for years, chairing numerous committees and taking active roles in firm governance, management and operations,” Tecson says. “We are confident that Mitch’s experience and judgment will ensure that we continue providing clients with the level of service and representation they’ve come to expect from us.”

Weinstein, a seasoned business, tax and estate planning attorney and practice group leader of the firm’s Corporate Transactions & Business Law group, says he is humbled and honored to be entrusted with the leadership of the firm he has called home for almost a quarter-century.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to keep Chuhak & Tecson on the trajectory of success it has been on since it was founded,” Weinstein says. “I know that I am following in the footsteps of fantastic lawyers and exceptional leaders who have made the firm an exemplar of high-quality client service as well as a great place to work and practice law.”

Weinstein joined Chuhak & Tecson two years after earning his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. His practice encompasses a wide range of estate planning, federal and state taxation, general corporate and real estate transaction matters.

A certified public accountant as well as an attorney, Weinstein helps family-owned and closely held businesses as well as midsized companies navigate day-to-day challenges and position them for long-term prosperity. His accounting background reinforces and complements his expansive knowledge of the law, allowing him to offer counsel that incorporates tax and financial considerations along with legal implications.

Weinstein says that his participation in Chuhak & Tecson’s management over the years not only has prepared him for his new role but has provided him with insights and perspectives which directly benefit his clients.

“Understanding the dynamics of working with and managing a diverse group of employees, ensuring consistency and quality in the services we provide, handling expected and unexpected logistical or financial issues–these are challenges every business faces,” Weinstein says. “When a matter arises for one of my clients, the odds are pretty good that I’ll be able to say, ‘I’ve been there.’”

In his estate planning practice, Weinstein helps clients preserve their assets and protect their loved ones and businesses. He counsels clients in all stages of their lives and provides comprehensive estate planning for those with modest estates and high net worth individuals alike. Weinstein also advises clients on the formation and operation of private foundations, including governance, tax issues and grant matters.

As Tecson leaves behind his duties as firm president, he is filled with pride at what the firm has accomplished and optimism for what lay ahead.

“For three decades, Chuhak & Tecson has earned the trust of its clients through superior responsiveness, extraordinary legal services and excellent value,” he says. “Under Mitch’s leadership, the firm will both thrive and evolve to meet its clients’ changing needs.”

There were the 30 years before Chuhak & Tecson’s Three Decades Anniversary in 2017, and now we begin the 30 years after.

It was a year that began with 68 attorneys and ended with 74, adding yet more dedicated and skilled lawyers that will support us in our goal of remaining positioned to provide the innovative and responsive legal representation companies and individuals need to compete in today’s complex world.

Our new office in New Jersey makes three, adding to our already established locations in Chicago and New York.

For the next 30 years and beyond, Chuhak & Tecson is honored to carry out the vision of our firm’s founders, Thomas S. Chuhak and Joseph A. Tecson, two highly respected attorneys who made enormous contributions to their communities and to the profession of law.

Three Decades was a year where Chuhak & Tecson emphasized education—educating our clients, our communities, ourselves. It was a year to reflect on the diverse ways we honor our commitment and responsibility to our communities. While our service and values will always remain constant, some of the ways in which we’ve evolved in the last year also mean we’ll never be quite the same again.

Education is a convention in our firm and Three Decades has been a way to bring it to the forefront. As speakers and writers, our attorneys continually develop ways to empower our clients and colleagues with the latest legal information on a wide range of topics, and do so through presentations, newsletters, client alerts and articles.

Throughout 2017, as we positioned ourselves as thought leaders, our attorneys wrote and distributed more content than in previous years, covering a variety of topics our clients wanted to hear about—from DACA to HOAs and from the actions banks should take now to corporate and business highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Attorneys were out among our audiences more than ever before and, as educators, carried on the firm’s tradition of meeting personally with clients at a time and place convenient for them.

Yet our responsibility to education begins at home. In 2017 our attorneys, paralegals and staff have had more opportunities than ever for training as we strive to stay at the forefront of security issues, technology upgrades, human resource initiatives and business development. Maintaining a nimble team that can elevate service and meet the ever-changing needs of our clients is a cornerstone of Chuhak & Tecson, now more important than ever as we experience swift change on a daily basis.   

As it has for 30 years, Chuhak & Tecson remains committed to improving the lives of others through philanthropic and diverse efforts. Being part of the communities we serve is a core value of the firm and we are proud to call out but three examples.

Our Women Helping Women program held one of its most successful events ever. Donations from attorneys, staff and guests helped The Nora Project collect enough refurbished iPads to outfit nearly three classrooms. In March, Women Helping Women was honored with an IDEA Award, sponsored by the Association of Legal Administrators, which recognizes one-of-a-kind programs, services and events that enrich the legal community and advance the business of law.

In 2017 we held our second of what is now an annual event—Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service—to honor the man who fought so courageously for inclusion. More than 80 employees volunteered to support three local organizations—packing essential items for distribution to homeless individuals through St. Ignatius Church; tying blankets for chemotherapy patients of Loyola University Health System; and performing housekeeping and serving meals at Pacific Garden Mission, a Gospel mission that aims to save and restore the lives of homeless and hurting men, women and children. Where possible, the firm partners with organizations that align with Dr. King’s work in six key areas: poverty, fair wages, affordable and safe housing, quality education, justice and peace.

Chuhak & Tecson proudly established the Joseph A. Tecson Scholarship Fund for first-year law students admitted to DePaul University College of Law, with a preference for those who have performed community service. Joe Tecson was passionate about community service and 30 years after its founding, Chuhak & Tecson continues to adhere to the decorum Joe instilled in the firm—integrity, hard work, quality, community service, civility toward one another and, equally important, a sense of humor.

Yes, our Three Decades Anniversary year was a success indeed! Education was the means by which we ensured our clients continued to receive the attention, support and skill that brought them to Chuhak & Tecson in the first place, many of them three decades ago. Our commitment to community service bound us all together with a collective belief in the significance of giving back to communities that give so much to us in return.

Our attorneys, paralegals and staff remain committed to staying at the forefront of changes in the law and contributing to the success of our clients and colleagues. When Tom Chuhak and Joe Tecson formed the foundational principles of our firm, Right there with you meant to them what it will always mean to us—the timeless values of Responsive Service, Creative Collaboration and Exceptional Value.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, more than 80 employees of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., volunteered their time and efforts to support three different local organizations: Loyola University Health System, Volunteers of America of Illinois and Pacific Garden Mission.

Chuhak & Tecson’s commitment to community service has always been a priority since the firm opened its doors over 30 years ago. In honor of the upcoming 50^th anniversary of Dr. King’s death in April, the firm chose organizations that align with issues he was most concerned with during the last years of his life, including poverty and affordable and safe housing.

“It’s truly inspiring to see so many employees from the firm honoring Dr. King’s life through volunteer work and service, especially with it being the 50^th anniversary of his death,” said Kristen Hudson, a principal and chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council at Chuhak & Tecson.

Chuhak & Tecson employees gathered to cut, tie and create a variety of fleece blankets that will be given to the men, women and children chemotherapy patients who are part of Loyola University Health System’s Comfort Care Project. The project started nine years ago when Loyola hospital’s pastoral care staff saw an opportunity to fulfill Loyola’s promise to “treat the human spirit” for patients and families in difficult situations.

Meanwhile, another group of volunteers traveled to Volunteers of America of Illinois’ Hope Manor I, a supportive housing unit for veterans that provides an immediate home for up to 50 veterans in need of intensive services as well as rental support for up to 30 veterans who require less intensive services but longer-term rental assistance. Employees worked together to sort contributions and organize the donation closet so that veterans have access to appropriate clothing for job interviewing and employment.

“Our veterans appreciate the help a lot,” said Bridget Hickey, senior development manager for Volunteers of America of Illinois. “Your work today helped veterans who were not able to easily access donations in the past.”

A third group of the firm’s volunteers went to Pacific Garden Mission. Since 1877, the country’s oldest continuously operating gospel rescue mission aims to save and restore the lives of homeless and hurting men, women and children. Volunteers worked side-by-side to prepare bedrolls; set, serve and clear dining room tables for meals; and perform other light housekeeping assignments.

“It is a luxury knowing that you guys faithfully show up,” said Gerald Casey, director of outreach ministries. “Knowing that you’re a reliable group is a great comfort.”

Chuhak & Tecson employs people from diverse backgrounds, creating an environment in which each person feels supported so that everyone is able to do their personal best. Parallel to the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity to demonstrate that lending a hand is a responsibility and a privilege, especially for local communities in need. 

On Nov. 1, Julie Gardner, an attorney with Chuhak & Tecson, was one of four selected panelists who spoke at Loyola University Chicago’s Student Leadership Development event titled “Engage Chicago and the World: Alumni Stories of Connecting Engaged Learning to Opportunity.”

The event is part of Loyola’s Connections for Extraordinary Lives Program which includes discussions that provide opportunities for undergraduate students to connect with Loyola staff, faculty, alumni, employers and their peers. Each event focuses on encouraging students to seek out opportunities that will provide them with knowledge, skills and relationships needed to prepare for extraordinary lives after their undergraduate studies.

With it being the 10^th anniversary of Loyola’s Experiential Learning Program, this particular event featured four alumni, including Gardner, who as students took advantage of experiential learning courses at Loyola to build on their current professional lives.

Gardner discussed how her internship with the U.S. Senate office of Barack Obama, while an undergraduate student at Loyola, allowed her to develop her professional network in Chicago and instilled in her an awareness towards her career goals in the legal field.  

Other topics of discussion included how course experiences connect to socially responsible leadership along with advice on choosing the right experiential opportunities at Loyola.

This year Chuhak & Tecson is celebrating its 30^th anniversary with an emphasis on education. Attorneys are getting out among the firm’s audiences and communities and sharing their knowledge through discussions and presentations—like this one. To see a list of upcoming presentations, click here. 

On the evening of Oct. 25, the women attorneys of Chuhak and Tecson, P.C., along with over 130 women business leaders and entrepreneurs, gathered at Rivers Restaurant in Chicago in support of Lauren Schrero and The Nora Project, an organization that designed an elementary school curriculum to teach empathy by sparking friendships between typically developing students and children with disabilities, as part of this year’s Women Helping Women (WHW) Mix-and-Mingle. 

Hosted by the women attorneys of Chuhak & Tecson, WHW is an after-hours networking group that offers professional women the opportunity to build their businesses and also supports a charitable organization. While enjoying wine, specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, each Mix-and-Mingle highlights a different nonprofit agency serving women or women and their children in the Chicagoland area. WHW is also a winner of the 2017 IDEA (Innovation, Development, Engagement and Advancement) Award sponsored by the Association of Legal Administrators.

This particular night also demonstrated that Schrero was more than the president of an organization with a successful elementary school curriculum – she also happens to be the mother of Nora Levy, a child with epilepsy and developmental delays and the organization’s namesake.

“On the day I brought my daughter Nora to a trial day at a therapeutic preschool near my house, it was immediately obvious that there were no students quite like her in the class,” Schrero recalls. “I asked myself if it was really necessary to put her in an environment where she would be so different from her peers, and I thought: ‘YES.’”

Then came the women attorneys of Chuhak & Tecson. Kim Boike, a Chuhak & Tecson principal, met Schrero from The Nora Project and suggested partnering with the organization for this year’s event. To support Schrero’s mission of fostering inclusivity in elementary schools, Chuhak & Tecson women attorneys along with women business leaders and entrepreneurs came with gifts in hand to the event – refurbished IPads, school supplies, monetary donations and more totaling over $6,500 – for children participating in The Nora Project.

The event included remarks by Schrero and Kerry Ryan Lynch, the mother of a participant in the program. After Schrero’s heartfelt speech concerning her daughter and The Nora Project, Lynch spoke about how The Nora Project is a perfect complement to her tireless work spreading the message of inclusion by encouraging students to “Choose Kind.” She was recently quoted in an article about an upcoming movie that promotes the same message.

This particular Mix-and-Mingle was one of the most successful WHW events to date with 23 refurbished IPads collected, enough to outfit almost three classrooms of students and their Nora Friends so that they can work to better connect and understand each other. And the donations keep rolling in.

Prior to the event, Chuhak & Tecson hosted a Jeans & Jersey Day where Chuhak & Tecson attorneys and staff had the opportunity to wear jeans and jerseys in exchange for a donation that went toward The Nora Project. Between that and online donations made through the event’s website, over $2,800 was collected.

Providing the tools needed for The Nora Project to achieve its two fundamental goals – to teach students to see the world through another’s eyes and to create opportunities for social inclusion of children with complex medical needs and disabilities – is just one of many reasons why Chuhak & Tecson is proud to support The Nora Project.

If you would like information on Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women program, contact Jane La Grassa at jlagrassa@chuhak.com.