Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to acknowledge Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. While Juneteenth has been celebrated in many communities across the U.S. for generations, it was first established as a federal holiday in 2021. It commemorates the day that the news of Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, thereby making official the freedom of more than 250,000 slaves living in the formerly Confederate-controlled state over two years after the executive decree went into effect. The holiday name is derived from the actual day the news was announced, i.e., a combination of “June” and “nineteenth.”
Many celebrations will be taking place to celebrate this special day, including the following events being held online and around the Greater Chicago area. Here are just a few.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Resilience Online Exhibition
The National Museum of African-American History and Culture has created an exciting, interactive online exhibit. Featuring stories, photographs, videos and live presentations, Juneteenth: Celebrating Resilience explores the history and origins of Juneteenth, the legacy of slavery, the ongoing impacts of racism on Black Americans and communities of color and contemporary ways to celebrate. The exhibit also includes hands-on activities for families to complete together. The Museum’s parent guide offers detailed guidance on addressing this complex and challenging topic in an age-appropriate and historically accurate manner.
Juneteenth Village Fest
Saturday, June 15; 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Free entry. Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park; 1470 S. Albany Ave., Chicago, IL 60623
The third annual Juneteenth Village Fest celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the rich cultural heritage of Chicago. This free, family-oriented festival is hosted by It Takes A Village Family of Schools and this year’s headliners are India Arie, Dead Prez and Domani. Experience a day filled with live performances, rides, games and delicious food.
DuSable Museum of Black History and Education Center’s Juneteenth Annual Celebrations
Wednesday, June 19; 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Free entry. DuSable Museum; 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637
Activities include “DuFarm” with a petting zoo, horseback riding, a farmers market and a planting station, as well as performances from Blues and R&B artists such as Glenn Jones, DJ Ambassador Kevin Nevels, A Patch of Blues and many more.
On-site Juneteenth Commemoration: A Legacy of Hope and Allyship
Wednesday, June 19; 6:30 p.m.; Free entry but reservations required (sign-up here). Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center; 9603 Woods Dr., Skokie, IL 60077
Hear a profound discussion on the enduring impact and legacy of friendship and coalition between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Featuring Jonathan Eig, 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life, and Professor Susannah Heschel, renowned Jewish and biblical scholar and daughter of Rabbi Heschel, this captivating conversation moderated by Pastor Chris Harris, Sr., Senior Pastor of Bright Star C.O.G.I.C. and St. James C.O.G.I.C., will examine the complexities of racial and religious identity, the ongoing struggles to build solidarity across communities and the imperative of collective action in the creation of a more inclusive and equitable world. Through their insights, participants will reflect on the past, consider the present and envision a future guided by the principles of empathy, justice and understanding. Book signing to follow.
Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce that Edgar A. Quintero has joined the firm as an associate in the Financial Services practice.
Edgar comes to the Chuhak & Tecson from the Northern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Court, where he was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Timothy A. Barnes. Through his clerkship, he gained invaluable knowledge of the complexities of the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Bankruptcy Rules and how they apply in commercial cases, including Chapter 11 reorganization and liquidation matters.
In addition to serving financial institutions in bankruptcy matters, Edgar focuses his practice on representing creditors in foreclosure proceedings and breach of contract litigation.
Edgar received his B.S. degree from Texas A&M International University, Laredo, in criminal justice and his J.D. degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, Urbana-Champaign.
Mallory Moreno, a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), principal and leader of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.’s Elder Law practice group, is a special guest speaker at the “Building Financial Stability” workshop hosted by Rachel Ruffin Solutions on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Level K Events, 110 East 23rd Street, First Floor, Chicago, IL 60616.
Mallory, who will speak on estate planning, retirement and other important areas affecting seniors and their families. Other speakers include Esther Rades of Bohannon Financial, Rachel Ruffin of Executive Realty Group and Tyler Cornelius of Vybe Mortgage, who will address mastering ones financial future, gaining insights and practical advice that will empower participants and arm them with the tools and actionable steps to transform their futures.
Admission is free. To register, click here.
Brandon R. Freud, principal in Chuhak & Tecson’s Financial Services and Litigation practice groups, and Adam K. Beattie, principal in the firm’s Real Estate and Litigation groups, represented real estate developer Shepherd Real Estate Subsidiary, LLC — 1901 Halsted Series in an appeal before the First District Appellate Court, which affirmed the trial court’s decision to award the developer in excess of $1.3 million in lost profits and other damages against ComEd related to a construction project.
ComEd ran a live power line under the developer’s property at 1901 North Halsted Street in Chicago, which significantly delayed and increased the costs of constructing an apartment building on the property.
Among other things, ComEd argued on appeal that the trial court misapplied the new business rule in awarding lost profits and that the testimony from the developer’s damages expert was speculative. Construction is now complete and the apartment building is fully leased.
Click here for a link to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin article.
The case is Shepherd Real Estate Subsidiary, LLC – 1901 Halsted Series v. Commonwealth Edison Co., 2024 IL App (1st) 221766-U.
Chuhak and Tecson, P.C. congratulates Lindsey Paige Markus, shareholder and practice group leader of the firm’s 25-attorney trusts and estate practice group, on being named a Notable Woman in Law for 2024 by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Crain’s notable women in law recognizes women who have a track record of significant legal accomplishments, exemplary service for their clients and mentoring the next wave of women in law – all while finding ways to give back to their communities.
Cited in the nomination, Lindsey was mentioned as the first woman shareholder in firm’s 35-year history. Licensed in Illinois, Florida and New York, she has a national practice working with business owners and families, advising on estate planning, business succession planning, minimizing gift and estate taxation, and creating lasting legacies for families and charitable organizations.
The nomination further describes Lindsey as a natural educator, mentoring women and men attorneys and creating collaborative teams in a positive environment. Lindsey’s book, A Gift for the Future, released in spring 2022 on Amazon, quickly became a #1 Best Seller in legal self-help and a #1 new release in several categories. Her well-received book has garnered significant recognition for Lindsey and the firm. Her straightforward, understandable and enjoyable book has solidified Lindsey’s distinguished career in the estate planning area.
Lindsey has served on numerous Chuhak & Tecson committees over the years, including the Executive Committee, Management Committee and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council. She was instrumental in creating Women Helping Women, the firm’s women’s program, a networking group integrating business development with philanthropy and a nationally recognized IDEA award winner by the Association of Legal Administrators. Women Helping Women collaborates with nonprofit organizations helping women or women and their children.
Lindsey sits on the Jewish United Fund’s Executive Board, Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and co-chair’s American Technion Society’s Midwest Planned Giving Committee. She speaks at nonprofit organizations, addressing boards and donors providing counsel on how to use the tax code efficiently and to leverage charitable bequests made during life and upon death. She regularly speaks on radio and television programs offering professional advice on estate planning, succession planning and charitable giving.
Crain’s states that the honorees do not pay to be included. Profiles are drawn from submitted nomination materials, include only executives and are accepted after an editorial review. To qualify for this distinction, honorees must be employed within Chicago or the surrounding counties and serve in a senior-level role at a law firm with a staff size of at least 10. Honorees must have been practicing law for a minimum of 10 years and served as a role model or mentor to other women attorneys and promoted inclusive practices in the workplace.
Christina Mermigas, attorney in Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.’s Estate Planning & Asset Protection and Corporate practice groups, and Mallory Moreno, attorney in the firm’s Elder Law and Estate & Trust Administration and Litigation practice groups, are panelists hosted by the Chicago Bar Association’s (CBA) Probate Practice Committee and the YLS Estate Planning Committee at a program titled “Turning Red Flags Green: Views on How to Spot and Address Potential Estate Planning Issues to Avoid Future Contests” on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (CST). The program is in-person at the CBA or via a live webcast.
The presentation will discuss a range of red flag issues facing proactive estate planners and probate litigators in estate planning from a drafting and litigation perspective. Two Illinois MCLE credits are offered. The cost for CBA members is $65; nonmembers $125.
Licensed in both Florida and Illinois, Christina Mermigas represents business and individual clients in estate planning and administration of estates and trusts. She prepares estate planning documents, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney and other estate planning vehicles for clients with modest estates as well as those with large, complex portfolios of assets. Christina has been recognized as one of 40 Under 40 to Watch in Illinois in 2023, has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star and has earned the ranking of Emerging Lawyer in Illinois from Leading Lawyers.
Mallory Moreno’s practice focuses in 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. Mallory is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), which is an exclusive honor bestowed to a select group of attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. She is also a member of the Board of Directors and the immediate past president of the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (IL NAELA) and chairs many of IL NAELA’s committees. Mallory formerly served as co-chair of the young lawyers’ section of the CBA’s Serving our Seniors Committee and currently is the vice chair of the CBA’s Probate Committee. Mallory has been recognized as one of 40 Under 40 to Watch in Illinois in 2022, has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star and has earned an Emerging Lawyer in Illinois distinction from Leading Lawyers.
To register for this program, visit learn.chicagobar.org or call 312-554-2052.
Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce the names of its attorneys who have been selected as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for Illinois for 2024. The following attorneys have well-earned this distinction and are awarded Illinois Super Lawyers in their respective practice areas.
David J. Bloomberg Real Estate
Edmond M. Burke Bankruptcy: Business
David J. Feinberg Estate & Probate
Mitchell S. Feinberg Estate & Trust Litigation
Ryan A. Haas Employment & Labor
Lindsey Paige Markus Estate & Probate
David B. Shiner Tax
Illinois Rising Stars for 2024 are:
Aali Fidai Real Estate
Julie F. Gardner Estate & Probate
Cecilio (Cy) Porras Banking
Melissa (Missy) Turk Firmage Estate & Trust Litigation
Nicholas Zausch Estate & Probate
Super Lawyers is a rating service of premier lawyers including more than 70 practice areas. Selected lawyers have attained a notable degree of peer acknowledgement and professional accomplishments. 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 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 attorneys practicing 10 years or fewer and comprises no more than 2.5 % of attorneys in each state. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.
Chuhak & Tecson congratulates its Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2024.
Representing a natural progression and enhancement of the complex estate planning and asset protection work that has been a calling card of the firm for more than 35 years, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to announce the launch of its new Elder Law practice.
The attorneys in our Elder Law practice combine the most sophisticated planning strategies with a deep appreciation and understanding of the unique issues, concerns and challenges of seniors and their families. With a combination of compassion and commitment, experience and empathy, our team of highly skilled professionals works closely with our clients to protect their assets, interests and well-being throughout their golden years.
“In many ways, this new practice is hardly ‘new’ for us at all, given the work we’ve done for decades helping clients prepare themselves and preserve their resources for the health, housing and quality of life issues that all of us face as we age,” says principal and practice leader Mallory Moreno, one of two attorneys in the group (and one of only 17 in the state of Illinois) holding the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). “But breaking out our work for seniors into a separate yet integrated practice group allows us to better serve their needs and coordinate our efforts on their behalf
Chuhak & Tecson’s Elder Law practice covers all of the legal, financial and practical aspects of planning for older clients, including long-term care planning, Medicaid and V.A. benefits pre- and emergency planning, disability, special needs and incapacity planning, Medicare and Medigap coverage, guardianships and elder abuse concerns.
Moreno says that it isn’t just substantive capabilities and knowledge that distinguishes the practice’s attorneys.
“What makes our team particularly well-suited to this work is our ability to forge close, genuine connections with the individuals and families who come to us for help,” she says. “We meet our clients where they are, communicate with them in language that brings clarity to complex issues, and give them the confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing that they now have and will have the resources and assistance they need for many years to come.”
You can learn more about Chuhak & Tecson’s Elder Law practice on the firm’s recently relaunched and reimagined website here.
Reflective of both our continuous investment in exceptional client service and our foundational commitment to being right there with you, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to announce the launch of our new and reimagined website.
The new site was designed for visual clarity, ease of navigation and a seamless user experience. The goal was to mirror the accessibility and responsiveness of our attorneys and convey the firm’s core values, services and capabilities in a conversational and informative manner. The site provides actionable insights for clients and visitors as to the latest developments in the law and other matters relevant to their interests and goals, and spotlights the talents, perspectives, endeavors and accomplishments of our attorneys and staff.
“When we embarked on this project, we wanted to build a website that wasn’t just an extended ad for the firm,” says firm president, Mitch Weinstein. “We are certainly proud to share who we are, what we believe and what we can do for our clients. We also sought to make our online presence a valuable resource and a useful, informative tool for those seeking to learn more about substantive legal issues facing businesses and individuals. Significantly, visitors to our site can also do a deeper dive into what makes Chuhak & Tecson such an attractive place to work and build a career.”
In addition to highlighting the firm’s work for clients, the site also prominently features the importance we place on serving the communities in which we live and work and improving the lives of others by contributing our time, talents and efforts to a wide range of philanthropic initiatives. It also reflects Chuhak & Tecson’s long-standing and demonstrable commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and supportive workforce and workplace.
The debut of the new site is a product of the tireless efforts of many people within and outside of the firm. We are grateful for all of their hard work in bringing this project to fruition.
Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to announce the names of its attorneys who have been selected as Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers in Illinois for 2024.
Leading Lawyers are recommended by their peers in their respective areas of practice. Less than 5% of all lawyers licensed in Illinois receive the distinction of Leading Lawyer. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto the list of Leading Lawyers, which 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 are also approved by the advisory board are selected as Leading Lawyers.
Emerging Lawyers are those lawyers recognized by their peers who are 40 years old or younger and have practiced for no more than 10 years or fewer. Only 2% of all licensed lawyers in Illinois receive the distinction of Emerging Lawyer.
Chuhak & Tecson congratulates its Leading and Emerging Lawyers for 2024
Leading Lawyers
John P. Adams
Mark J. Altschul
Adam K. Beattie
David J. Bloomberg
Steven P. Bloomberg
Kimberly T. Boike
Mark E. Broaddus
Edmond M. Burke
Kevin M. Coyne
Michael W. Debre, III
William F. DeYoung
Phyllis K. Fasel
Barry A. Feinberg
David J. Feinberg
Mitchell S. Feinberg
Brandon R. Freud
Daniel J. Fumagalli
Andrew Luczak Glubisz
James B. Gottlieb
Ryan A. Haas
Jeffrey M. Heller
Terrell J. Isselhard
Edwin I. Josephson
Arnold E. Karolewski
Loretto M. Kennedy
Lindsey Paige Markus
Bryan M. Montana
Adam R. Moreland
Donald J. Russ, Jr.
David B. Shiner
Andrew P. Tecson
David J. Tecson
Will Trevena
Janet Wagner
Molly A. Ward
Mitchell D. Weinstein
Anne M. Wolniakowski
Stephen A. Wood
Emerging Lawyers
Christine A. Barone
Missy T. Firmage
Julie F. Gardner
Christina M. Mermigas
Mallory A. Moreno
Margaret M. Salinas