CHICAGO, SEPT. 25, 2024. On September 18, 2024, almost 200 women business leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic partners gathered together at Rivers Restaurant, 10 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, to celebrate a major milestone and support a wonderful and compelling cause. The occasion was the Women Helping Women Mix-and-Mingle marking the 15th anniversary of Chuhak & Tecson’s award-winning Women Helping Women program. This groundbreaking initiative, designed exclusively by women, for women, fosters professional empowerment and strengthens bonds among women professionals while partnering with not for profit organizations to provide resources and expand opportunities for women throughout Chicagoland.
At this year’s event, Women Helping Women welcomed its 21st not for profit partner, #LovePurse. This innovative nonprofit organization and its volunteers collect new purses, fill them with necessary toiletries, personal items, small gifts and inspirational notes of encouragement and distribute them to organizations supporting women coping with personal tragedies, living in emergency shelter situations or facing domestic violence, human trafficking or homelessness.
The women who gathered at this year’s Mix-and-Mingle contributed over 125 purses and more than $1000 in cash donations — all to support deserving women.
Maria Castro, who started #LovePurse in March 2021, was both thrilled by the success of the event and grateful for the overwhelming support shown by Chuhak & Tecson and the women in attendance.
“We were so proud to participate in Women Helping Women’s 15th anniversary. It was such a blessing and inspiration to see all of these impressive professionals come together to support fellow women and let them know that they are seen, supported and loved,” Castro says. “It is not an understatement to say that the purses, materials and personal messages gathered that evening will change lives.”
Over the past 15 years, Women Helping Women has brought together thousands of local women attorneys, business leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and strategic partners at its annual Mix and Mingle gathering. Over delicious food and drink (such as this year’s specially concocted “Purse-Your-Lips C-Tini”), these accomplished women forge bonds, exchange ideas, generate new business and share laughter and conversation, all while bringing hope, assistance and opportunities for women facing an array of personal and economic challenges.
For its creative, integrated approach to professional growth and community service, Women Helping Women received the IDEA award from the Association of Legal Administrators, which recognizes new practices that deliver immense value and transformational impact through innovative achievement.
This year’s Mix-and-Mingle earned ecstatic reviews from guests, including the following comments:
- “I’ve never experienced such a warm and welcoming event – and we get to help women too! This is amazing! I’ll be there next year.”
- “I was so moved by the speakers and the stories they shared about what women go through to escape horrible situations.”
- “I remember the first few events as smaller and intimate. While larger now, that intimacy is still present. Well done.”
- “What an event! Honestly, it is my favorite Women’s networking event. Every one of my colleagues expressed the same sentiment. It’s truly what all networking events, women or coed, try to be but never succeed. You all do it right!”
To learn more about Women Helping Women or to suggest a not for profit partner for upcoming events, contact Sydney Iglitzen, Manager of Marketing & Communications, at siglitzen@chuhak.com.
This fall, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is celebrating a milestone anniversary for its award-winning Women Helping Women program. For 15 years, this groundbreaking initiative, designed exclusively by women, for women, has fostered professional empowerment and strengthened bonds among women professionals while partnering with not for profit organizations to provide resources and expand opportunities for women throughout Chicagoland.
The cornerstone of Women Helping Women is the annual, two-hour Mix-and-Mingle networking event that draws women from scores of industries across the business and professional spectrum. For each invitation-only gathering, which consistently brings together more than 125 women, Women Helping Women identifies and partners with a local not for profit organization dedicated to helping women or women and their children.
For its 21st Mix-and-Mingle, to be held on September 18, 2024, Women Helping Women will be supporting #LovePurse. This innovative not for profit organization and its volunteers collect new purses, fill them with necessary toiletries, personal items, small gifts and inspirational notes of encouragement and distribute them to organizations supporting women coping with personal tragedies, living in emergency shelter situations or facing domestic violence, human trafficking or homelessness. Since its inception in 2021, #LovePurse has gifted more than 12,000 purses with more than 360,000 toiletries to women in need in the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Turkey and Ukraine.
Janet Wagner, a principal in Chuhak & Tecson’s Financial Services practice group and active participant in the Women Helping Women program, learned of the mission for #LovePurse and says she is thrilled to help bring more resources and awareness to the organization and the women it serves.
“A purse may seem like such a basic, unremarkable thing, but when you think about it, a purse and its contents are really an indispensable part of the woman carrying it,” Wagner says. “For women who have experienced trauma or lack this fundamental aspect of day-to-day living, #LovePurse provides them with a sense of much-needed normalcy, independence and strength. I am so gratified that we get to be a part of those efforts.”
Maria Castro, who started #LovePurse in March 2021, is also excited about the partnership with Women Helping Women and looks forward to a great event for the organization that she is so passionate about.
“We are so proud to be able to participate in Women Helping Women’s 15th anniversary. It is such a blessing and inspiration to see all of these accomplished professionals coming together to support fellow women and let them know that they are seen, supported and loved,” Castro says. “It is not an understatement to say that these purses, materials and personal messages can change lives.”
Those who would like to support Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women and #LovePurse’s important efforts can click on the unique Women Helping Women/LovePurse Amazon link to purchase a purse and select a variety of the essentials to be included in the purse.
To learn more about Women Helping Women or about how to receive an invitation to this year’s event, contact Sydney Iglitzen, Manager of Marketing & Communications, at 312.201.3437 or siglitzen@chuhak.com.
Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to announce that Mallory A. Moreno has received the Member of the Year Award from the Illinois National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (IL NAELA). Moreno is leader of the firm’s Elder Law practice and a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), an exclusive honor bestowed to a select group of attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. As of 2024, there are only 13 CELAs in Illinois providing creative solutions for clients who are faced with elder law issues.
Moreno was presented the award at IL NAELA’s Spring 2024 UnProgram held on May 30, 2024, at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, Bloomingdale, IL. The UnProgram featured a full-day of programming, including a breakout session moderated by Moreno on “Addressing Family Disputes – First Steps” as well as presentations by Mary Anne Ehlert, CEO & Founder of “Protected Tomorrows” and Rory Quinn of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
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. Clients value her compassionate, pragmatic and collaborative approach to resolving issues while she remains conscientious of their unique needs, tailoring plans accordingly. A large portion of her practice is also dedicated to long-term care planning, Medicaid, Medicaid appeals, estate planning, special needs planning and disability law.
Moreno is a member of the Board of Directors and immediate past president of IL NAELA, an organization that is closely involved in advancing legislation on behalf of elder law attorneys and their clients. She also serves on and chairs many of IL NAELA’s committees. Moreno is a reoccurring faculty speaker for Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) as well as other organizations. In addition, she formerly served as co-chair of the Young Lawyers’ Section of the Chicago Bar Association’s Serving our Seniors Committee and currently is the incoming Chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Probate Committee.
Chuhak & Tecson congratulates Ms. Moreno.
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.