Chuhak & Tecson’s co-general counsel and leader of the firm’s Aviation practice group, Loretto has amassed an impressive record of favorable results at the trial and appellate levels in litigation involving commercial disputes, product liability claims, insurance coverage cases and other high-stakes matters. Leveraging her theatre background, she is a formidable courtroom presence who knows how to capture and hold the attention of judges and juries with compelling, persuasive and comprehensible narratives.
Loretto’s approach emphasizes early, holistic assessment of both the case at hand and how that case implicates and intersects with broader operational, financial and reputational interests. The guidance she delivers is frank and clarifying, allowing her clients to make informed choices and ensuring that adopted strategies align with their expressed goals.
Although her advocacy extends across a broad spectrum of disputes, it is in aviation-related litigation where Loretto has earned a particularly stellar reputation among her fellow practitioners in the aviation bar. Balancing her expansive legal and technical subject matter knowledge with an appreciation of the human elements involved in these cases, she has represented major aviation entities in multi-district, multi-forum litigation arising out of various domestic and foreign mass-casualty airline accidents, including international litigation concerning high-profile incidents in Peru, Indonesia and Mexico. Rapid, proactive engagement is a cornerstone of her efforts, with thorough investigations and the marshaling of experts and other key resources laying the foundation for creative, effective case strategies.
Loretto’s other litigation engagements have included serving as lead counsel prosecuting an owner’s defective design claim related to a $25 million laboratory facility and defending large telecommunications companies and vertical transportation systems. In addition to her litigation practice, Loretto also counsels self-insured clients who use commercial risk managers and third-party administrators. She advises corporations, not for profits, start-ups and individuals on a broad array of matters, including business and estate planning, risk management, corporate formation, negotiations and dispute resolution.
Each year, Loretto serves on a Chuhak & Tecson committee, including prior service on the Associate/Paralegal Oversight Committee, Finance Committee, Litigation Committee, Operations Committee, Professional Education Committee and Technology Committee. She currently co-chairs the Business Development & Marketing Committee and is a founding member of the firm’s Women Helping Women program.
Loretto has been an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, having served on its board of managers and for several terms on the Judicial Evaluation Committee. She has also been a principal performer in the Association’s Christmas Spirits Production.
