Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is pleased to announce that Stephanie M. Berardi has joined the firm as an associate in the Trust Administration & Litigation practice.
Stephanie focuses her practice on trust and estate controversies, business succession disputes and guardianship administration and has substantial experience rigorously representing clients at all stages of complex litigation including, but not limited to, matters involving will and trust contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, breach of contract claims, financial exploitation claims, and other related disputes.
Lindsey Paige Markus, leader of the firm’s 25-attorney Trusts & Estates practice group added, “We are thrilled to have Stephanie, a dynamic and energetic attorney, join our great Trust & Estate’s team. I am confident that she will grow and thrive and that our group and firm will benefit from extraordinary skills in complex litigation.”
She appreciates how her counsel and advocacy can make a significant difference in the lives of her clients as they face challenging decisions. She approaches her practice with empathy and creativity, consistently exploring multiple avenues and strategies to provide the best possible solutions for her clients. Stephanie recognizes the emotional weight of matters involving family, aging, illness and death and takes pride in offering compassionate and thoughtful guidance to clients during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Stephanie received her B.A. degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in political science and communications and leadership studies and her J.D. degree from DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, IL.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. proudly announces that Robert (Bobby) Strauss has joined the firm as a principal. A talented dealmaker and trusted business counselor, Strauss brings equal measures of dollars-and-cents analytics, meticulous attention to detail and creative and entrepreneurial big-picture thinking to his work on a wide range of corporate, real estate finance, healthcare and banking matters.
Strauss represents national, regional and community banks and private lenders in lending transactions and also regularly serves as outside general counsel to family-held businesses and entrepreneurs. While Strauss’s 25 years of vast experience extends across multiple industries, he is particularly well-versed in the representation of healthcare providers and practices, including physicians, dentists and related oral health specialists and veterinarians.
Firm president Mitch Weinstein says that he is excited to introduce Strauss to the firm’s clients because of the unique combination of talents and perspectives he brings to the table.
“It is a well-worn cliché that lawyers and numbers supposedly don’t mix. You can’t say that about Bobby,” Weinstein says. “What makes him special is that he complements his mathematical and scientific background with an innate understanding of how and why deals get done or fall apart. Bobby can quickly identify the bottom-line upsides and downsides of a transaction while also leveraging his impressive dealmaking instincts to get all stakeholders pulling in the same direction.”
For his part, Strauss expresses equivalent enthusiasm about joining Chuhak & Tecson, seeing not only an alignment between the substance of his practice and the firm’s service offerings but also a shared perspective on how to counsel and serve clients.
“Between its extensive capabilities in financial services, corporate, real estate matters and healthcare law, the firm is just a natural fit for me and what I do,” Strauss says. “But what sealed the deal for me was the way the attorneys here approach their work. It is a palpable sense of commitment to do right by their clients and a determination to get them to where they want to be, whatever that takes. They also happen to have that rare combination of professional and personable that makes it a joy to work here.”
You can learn more about Strauss and his background and experience https://www.chuhak.com/our-people/robert-bobby-s-strauss/.
Setting an example, leading the way and guiding those who follow in her footsteps are all second nature for Loretto Kennedy. As the oldest of 10 kids, she has served as a de facto mentor, teacher and cheerleader for others her entire life. While Loretto’s nine siblings may think of her as just their loving big sister rather than a “hero,” countless others won’t hesitate to apply that label to the accomplished attorney, principal and general counsel at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. That’s because Loretto has spent decades putting her heart and soul, time and effort into helping young people learn, grow and thrive.
In recognition of just one of her many such endeavors, Loretto has recently been honored by Lawyers Lend-a-Hand to Youth as the recipient of their annual “My Hero Award,” bestowed upon attorneys for their contribution to tutoring and mentoring programs. The award will be presented during the organization’s 2025 Spring Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 3, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago.
Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth channels the legal community’s resources to promote one-on-one mentoring and tutoring programs to support Chicago youth. It is honoring Loretto this year for her more than 10 years of service as a “Mentor Angel” at Imerman Angels, which provides free one-to-one support to cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.
Through its unique matching process, Imerman Angels connects individuals seeking cancer support with a “Mentor Angel” — a cancer survivor or caregiver who is as similar as possible in age, gender and, most importantly, cancer experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.
In addition to the mentoring and support she provides to Chicago youth and those impacted by cancer, Loretto also manifests her prodigious sense of service through her work raising up women in the legal profession. Loretto was a founding member of and continues to be a driving force behind Chuhak & Tecson’s award-winning Women Helping Women program. For more than 15 years, this groundbreaking initiative, designed exclusively by women, for women, has fostered professional empowerment and strengthened bonds among women professionals while partnering with nonprofit organizations to provide resources and expand opportunities for women throughout Chicagoland.
Chuhak & Tecson congratulates Loretto for her well-deserved honor as a recipient of the “My Hero Award” and are proud of all that she has done to help others overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. She is our hero as well.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to congratulate Janet Wagner, principal and member of the firm’s Financial Services practice, who has been named co-chair of the newly formed Chicago Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Committee. The first meeting of the committee will be March 27 at 12:15 p.m. via webcast.
The mission of the committee is to educate and to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence and abuse, which may include initiating legislation and other laws intended to strengthen the legal consequences, both criminal and civil, of domestic violence acts as well as educating practitioners, judges and other legal professionals involved in domestic relations and criminal law. The Chicago Bar Association (CBA) held a Domestic Violence conference in 2024 and on-demand session recordings on a range of important and informative topics from the conference can be accessed at Learn.ChicagoBar.org. CLE credit is available. There is a fee for members and non-members.
Wagner focuses her practice on transactions in the banking, corporate and real estate areas. With her comprehensive knowledge of all phases of a loan or credit transaction, she offers solutions to problems but also provides analysis of the issue. Wagner is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA). Formed in 1974, ACMA is comprised of lawyers in North America who are authorities in mortgage law.
In addition to her financial services practice, Wagner is committed to advocating on behalf of domestic violence and abuse victims, their suffering and the devastating consequences of domestic violence and abuse through education and the application and utilization of the law.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to announce that David J. Bloomberg, principal and leader of the firm’s Condominium & Common Interest Community Association practice group, will present a program titled “Walking a Tightrope: Communicating Management Contract Expectations” on Friday, February 21, 2025, 1:00- 1:50 p.m. in conjunction with the 2025 Illinois Condo-HOA Conference & Expo at the Donald E. Stephens Conventions Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL.
Bloomberg will discuss the shifting expectations and issues associated with property management in community associations. Bloomberg’s on-the-ground experience, significant knowledge and seasoned savvy in dealing with every day issues will serve as a springboard to provide practical solutions and best practices.
The Illinois Condo- HOA Conference & Expo attracts more than 1,600 industry professionals and homeowner volunteer leaders for a comprehensive event for community associations. This year’s sessions offer education on legal updates, self-defense, project funding, productive meetings as well as opportunities to network and discuss challenges and solutions.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is pleased to announce that Olive Wassen has joined the firm as an associate in the Estate & Trust Administration & Litigation, Estate Planning & Asset Protection and Elder Law practices.
Olive focuses on estate and trust administration, guardianship matters, estate planning, long-term care planning and a wide range of elder law issues. She provides thoughtful guidance to clients during some of the most challenging and emotionally stressful times in their lives and is dedicated to supporting her clients with care, understanding, empathy and respect.
“Olive comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in estate planning and elder law and is passionate about these areas of law,” said Mallory Moreno, principal and leader of the firm’s Elder Law practice. “Olive believes deeply in being a champion for her clients during sensitive and difficult times. Her compassion and attention to detail set her apart from the crowd. We could not be more excited to welcome her aboard!”
Olive is committed to helping her clients find peace of mind, providing support and thoughtful, understandable communication though tough transitions and unforeseen circumstances. In her adult guardianship practice, Olive is particularly zealous to upholding the autonomy and dignity of the individuals she serves. Having extensively navigated the adult guardianship process, Olive brings an empathetic perspective, recognizing the importance of collaboration and ongoing support to those involved throughout their entire journey.
Olive devotes her time away from the office to her industry and to her community. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Attorneys (NAELA), a member of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois and a member of the Probate Practice Committee, Young Lawyers Section Estate Planning Committee and Elder & Disability Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association, She is also an active volunteer of the Lupus Society of Illinois where she is a member of several committees and sits on the Associate Board.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to congratulate Christine A. Barone, principal in the Estate Planning & Asset Protection and Estate & Trust Administration & Litigation practice groups, who has been honored as one of “40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch” by Law Bulletin Media. This award recognizes excellence, talent and successful attorneys from across the state.
Christine focuses her practice on elder law and is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), an exclusive honor bestowed on a select group of attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. There are only 13 CELAs in the state of Illinois providing complete and inspired solutions for seniors and people with disabilities. Her practice encompasses estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, contested and uncontested adult guardianships, and decedents’ estates. Christine handles planning for those with disabilities or special needs and long-term care planning, Medicaid and veterans benefit issues.
“Christine has been a wonderful addition to our Elder Law Practice and our Private Wealth Services Team,” said Lindsey Paige Markus, principal and leader of the Estate and Trusts practices. “ Her professional designation as a CELA underscores her knowledge in this unique area of practice. And her innate ability to make clients feel comforted and at ease allows Christine to seamlessly guide families through guardianship, probate, trust administration and elder care planning. We are thrilled that Christine has been recognized for her extraordinary contributions and feel privileged we have the opportunity to collaborate with her every day.”
Mallory A, Moreno, principal and leader of the firm’s Elder Law practice added, “Christine perfectly encapsulates what it means to be selected for this “40 Under 40” honor. She is brilliant, creative, and genuinely cares about the work she does and the lives she is able to change through her practice. Christine’s skills have even earned her the esteemed title of CELA, which is a recognition bestowed upon only 13 individuals in the entire State of Illinois. Christine’s devotion to the aging population and individuals with disabilities is inspiring and it makes me proud to call her my partner and friend.”
Christine is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is a former president and current board member of the Veterans’ Legal Aid Society. She is an ambassador in the firm’s Women Helping Women initiative. Christine was named an Illinois Emerging Lawyer, selected by Leading Lawyers (2023 – 2024).
Law Bulletin Media conducts an annual survey to determine who Illinois attorneys believe are the “up and comers” of law in Illinois. This is the 25th year for the 40 Under 40 awards and more than 1,000 nominations were received.
One year on, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.’s Elder Law practice has established itself as an indispensable resource, providing peace of mind, clarity and security for seniors, those with disabilities and their families.
When Chuhak & Tecson launched its Elder Law practice group in January 2024, it represented 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. But in the year since, the group has established itself as far more than an adjunct or extension of our other practices. Instead, the Elder Law team’s focused and complementary skill sets, appreciation of the unique concerns of seniors, individuals with disabilities and their families and deep sense of empathy and compassion have fueled the group’s growth and made Elder Law a key service offering of the firm.
Principal and Elder Law practice leader Mallory Moreno says it has been exhilarating and rewarding to see how her team has leaned into its fundamental mission and forged the types of client relationships that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
“What makes our team particularly well-suited to this work is our ability to develop 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.”
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 crisis and pre-planning, disability, special needs and incapacity planning, Medigap coverage, guardianships and elder abuse concerns. In the year since its formation, the group has built on its decades of collective elder law experience, added attorneys and expects to continue ramping up its capacity to serve a growing population of seniors.
Moreno says that it is not just substantive capabilities and knowledge that distinguishes the practice’s attorneys.
“Every member of this group made Elder Law a focus of their work because they understand on a very visceral level why it matters and the immediate and long-term impact it has on the people they serve,” she says. “Being able to use your skills and training to help a senior and their family work through a financial or healthcare crisis or ensure that a loved one with disabilities has the resources and support they need is immensely rewarding.”
Moreno, along with principal Christine Barone, is one of two attorneys in the group (and one of only 13 in the state of Illinois) holding the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). While these certifications are certainly indicative of the group’s extensive substantive knowledge and experience, Moreno notes that the firm’s multi-disciplinary capabilities provide clients with resources and insights that allow for even more holistic approaches and guidance.
“Elder Law is a unique field of law in that it is defined more by the types of clients we serve than the services we provide,” she says. “While seniors and those with disabilities may have distinct needs and concerns that we can address, they also benefit from us having colleagues down the hall who can advise on other issues, such as business succession planning, the disposition of real estate, tax matters or estate and trust administration.”
You can learn more about Chuhak & Tecson’s Elder Law practice here.
Chuhak & Tecson is most pleased to announce the names of its attorneys who have been selected as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for Illinois for 2025. 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
Ashley C. Coppola Estate & Trust Litigation
David J. Feinberg Estate & Probate
Mitchell S. Feinberg Estate & Trust Litigation
Lindsey Paige Markus Estate & Probate
David B. Shiner Tax
Stephen A. Wood Business Litigation
Illinois Rising Stars for 2025 are:
Aali S. Fidai Real Estate
Markeya A. Fowler Workman’s Compensation
Melissa (Missy) Turk Firmage Estate & Trust Litigation
Cecilio (Cy) I. Porras Banking
Nicholas W. 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 2025.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to congratulate the Elder Law practice group on its one-year anniversary with our firm. Our Elder Law attorneys work with seniors, people with disabilities and their families to prevent, address and solve problems associated with aging, long-term care and financial issues. Our team of highly skilled professionals includes two attorneys, Mallory Moreno and Christine Barone, with the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation from the National Elder Law Foundation. There are currently only 13 CELAs in the state of Illinois. Other members of the Elder Law team include Ashley Coppola, Bryan Montana and Olive Wassen. All are members of the Illinois National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
Our Elder Law team provides their extensive knowledge to advise individuals and families regarding the law and financial planning strategies, such as health and long-term care; counseling and representation concerning Medigap, long-term care, prescriptions, disability and life insurance; planning for disability; elder abuse; legal capacity counseling and other areas of critical importance. Our Elder Law attorneys help families maximize the independence and quality of life of seniors and people with disabilities.
We look forward to many more beneficial and successful years ahead.