40 Under Forty 2021

Illinois Attorneys to Watch

Marc Zaslavsky Being a legal adviser is about more than the law and business. It’s about people. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by people – everyone from colleagues, mentors, clients, family and friends – who embody the personal qualities I admire and I strive to incorporate into my practice.

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Success at any age is impressive. But to achieve it at an early age is even more of a feat. This, though is exactly what the 40 young attorneys fea- tured in this publication have done. For the last 22 years, the 40 Under Forty Committee at Law Bulletin Publishing Company sift through over piles of nomination forms to se- lect 40 of the most talented young attorneys working in Illinois. This publication is the result of this work. Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, the competition to be featured in these pages has remained intense. We received more 1000 nominations for attorneys throughout Illinois. Choosing who to include was just as challenging the previous editions. What does it take to earn recognition as one of the best young lawyers in the state? Intelligence, passion, success in the office, a desire to help community and, most importantly, a willingness to work hard at one of the country’s most important professions. Putting together this issue is no easy task. We solicited nominations from across the state. We then worked with our nominated attorneys in fine tuning their profiles. The results, we hope for both an entertaining and educational read.

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HONOREES Table of Contents

10 Daisy Ayllon Levin & Perconti 11 Chirag Badlani

44 Hilary Jaffe

Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C.

45 Rohit Kapuria

Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd.

Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP

Dunstan Barnes McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd.

48 Rob Kohen

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.

Stephen Blecha Coplan & Crane

49 Andrew Lothson

Swanson, Martin & Bell

Kimberly Boike Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.

50 Erin Wright Lothson Uber Technologies, Inc. 51 Dennis M. Lynch Parente & Norem, P.C. 54 Paul Motz Segal McCambridge 55 Joseph R. Napoli II Beermann LLP 58 Kathleen Opal 59 Michelle Parthum MoloLamken LLP 60 Tanvi Patel Neal Gerber Eisenberg 61 Julie Pustilnik 64 Martin Ruhaak Ropes & Gray LLP 65 Raymond Rushing

David Buishas BatesCarey LLP

20 Liz Butler

Elrod Friedman LLP

Tiffany Carpenter Howard & Howard

24 Daniel Cozzi

Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth

Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP

25 Marta Davidson Clifford Law Offices 28 Bridget S. Davis Berger Schatz 29 Jeremy Edelson Laner Muchin, Ltd. 30 Matthew Feery Much Shelist, P.C. 31 Sarah Frazer 34 Kelly Sabo Gaden Levin & Perconti 35 David Gallagher

Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC

Hall, Prangle & Schoonveld, LLC

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

68 Daniel Saeedi

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

69 Evan Schanerberger Internal Revenue Service 70 Nilofer Umar Sidley Austin LLP 71 Nneka Umeh Quarles & Brady LLP 74 Marc Zaslavsky Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC 75 Adam Miel Zebelian Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP

Motherway & Napleton, LLP

38 Amy Gibson

Aronberg Goldgehn

39 Brianna Golan

Golan Christie Taglia LLP

40 Adam Guetzow Hinshaw Culbertson 41

Precious S. Jacobs-Perry Jenner & Block LLP

JOSEPH R. NAPOLI II BEERMANN LLP CONGRATULATES divorce & family law partner

on being selected as one of The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch

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40 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS UNDER 40 TO WATCH

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONOREES!

Tanvi Patel (JD ’11) Neal Gerber & Eisenberg

Paul Motz (LAS ’04, JD ’07) Segal McCambridge

Marc Zaslavsky (JD '09) Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC

We are extremely proud of all your accomplishments and are honored to call you DePaul Law alumni.

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2021

DAISY AYLLON

She is a strong advocate and gets exceptional results.”

D aisy Ayllon has earned her reputation as one of the most successful per- sonal injury lawyers in the city. During her short career, she has earned more than $40 million in verdicts and settlements for her clients. Examples of Ayllon’s results? She helped obtained a $3 million settlement on behalf of a construction worker who fell at a construction site, suffering per- manent injuries to his back. She also earned a settlement of $1.2 million for a man who was allowed to fall at a nursing home, breaking his hip. Those aren’t Ayllon’s only million-dollar successes. She also earned a settlement of $1.1 million on behalf of a veteran who developed a pressure ulcer on his heel that became infected, leading to a be- low-the-knee amputation and a $1 million settlement on behalf of a nursing home resident who developed a serious pres- sure injury that became infected, causing his death. Her peers say that Ayllon is known for her strong work ethic, persistence, calm demeanor under pressure, and ability to simplify complex factual scenarios and legal issues. Though she is only 31, Ayllon has already second-chaired a trial, has handled three appeals, and has argued twice before the Illinois Appellate Court. In one appeal she argued, Ayllon helped persuade the Appellate Court to de- cline to follow its own precedent, which shortened the statute of limitations for disabled individuals, and to acknowledge its past ruling as “harsh and unfair” and a “miscarriage of justice”. “Daisy had a great demeanor both in and out of court. She gets along with her adversaries while promoting her client’s

positions.” said retired judge Kay Hanlon now with ADR systems, “Daisy has a great ability to value a case. She develops a trusting relationship with her clients. She is a strong advocate and gets exceptional results.” Today, Ayllon serves as one of the lead attorneys in several Section 1983 cases, including two separate cases on behalf of two young men who were killed by the po- lice while experiencing mental crises. Ayllon is also known as someone with a deep sense of justice. She is determined to ensure her clients are fairly compensated for their catastrophic injuries, even in the most factually or legally complex cases. “As a first-generation Mexican-Amer- ican, Daisy demonstrates a combination of intelligence, tenacity and diligence un- paralleled by her peers,” said Jacob Ra- decki, attorney with Chicago’s McDonald Hopkins. “She approaches each case with a recognition that client service is para- mount and works hard to gain the trust of her clients.” On top of her courtroom advocacy, Ayllon has worked with state and federal legislators to advocate for victims of po- lice brutality as well as victims of elder abuse and neglect. Additionally, she often appears on the Spanish-language tele- vision news station Univision to discuss legal issues affecting Chicago’s Hispanic community. She also volunteers with Casa Central, an agency that provides family-oriented, culturally responsive social services to those in need. Now Ayllon serves as an investigator with the Alliance of Bar As- sociations for Judicial Screening, which evaluates judicial candidates to improve the quality of the judiciary.

FIRM Levin & Perconti LAW SCHOOL IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Personal injury, nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice, civil rights

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

CHIRAG BADLANI

Chirag can quickly grasp the issues before him and achieve results for his clients.”

C hirag Badlani makes a difference. Not only has he built a busy practice in diverse areas of the law such as em- ployment, civil rights, class actions, and commercial litigation, he also represents clients in immigration matters before agencies and the federal courts. And the reason for his success? He gets results for his clients in all facets of his practice. One example is the favorable pre-trial settlement Badlani recently obtained for whistleblowers in Lake County, Illinois, who alleged they were fired after making reports of improper spending. He also served on the trial team representing the bankruptcy trustee in litigation against the directors and officers of the Emerald Casino. The trial resulted in a $272 million verdict that was upheld by a federal ap- peals court in 2017. Badlani is a staunch advocate for crim- inal justice reform too. He represented a class of individuals challenging the ap- plication of cash bail in Cook County, and worked with community groups to advocate for rule changes in Cook Coun- ty Bond Court and statewide. He also currently represents indigent individuals in Giles County, Tennessee, who brought constitutional and state law claims chal- lenging user-funded private probation and the use of wealth-based detention. He was instrumental in obtaining prelimi- nary injunctive relief for those clients, and recently, preliminary approval of a class- wide settlement.

“Chirag has achieved a diversity of practice areas but has an in-depth knowl- edge and know-how in each one,” said Erin McGinley, an attorney with the Chi- cago office of Jones Day. “From com- plex class-action litigation to individual employment representation, Chirag can quickly grasp the issues before him and achieve results for his clients.” Badlani’s talents haven’t gone unno- ticed. He was appointed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the Illinois Supreme Court Statutory Court Fees Task Force in April 2021 to address access to justice issues. He also received the LGBT Bar Associa- tion 40 Under 40 Award in 2018 and is a frequent speaker on immigration and civil rights issues. John Sullivan, a lawyer with the Chica- go office of Plunkett Cooney, met Badlani when the two were opposing counsel in a commercial dispute in DuPage County. Like others who have worked with Bad- lani, he came away impressed with this attorney’s legal skills. “Chirag was an associate when we first were on opposite sides and showed an ability to master technical issues quickly. He became Partner in 2016 and continued to show strategic judgment and creativi- ty in his lawyering skills,” Sullivan said. “In the time we have been on opposite sides, he has been a zealous advocate for his cli- ents on both procedural and substantive issues.”

FIRM Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. LAW SCHOOL New York University School of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Employment law, civil rights litigation, commercial litigation, immigration law

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN 11

CONGRATULATIONS TO Rob L. Kohen (rkohen@salvilaw.com)

ON BEING NAMED TO LAW BULLETIN MEDIA’S “FORTY UNDER 40” LIST OF ATTORNEYS TO WATCH IN ILLINOIS

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MALPRACTICE

PERSONAL INJURY

WRONGFUL DEATH

Rob. 40-40 2021 v2 Ad.indd 1

8/13/21 3:33 PM

Chuhak & Tecson congratulates Kim for her achievement as a 2021 40 Under Forty honoree. We are proud of Kim’s commitment to client service, which took root during her early days as a law clerk for our firm—and has never stopped. Her trajectory continued to associate, principal and now leader for two practice groups—Healthcare and Not for Profit & Mission-Based Organizations. Kim, we remain honored that Chuhak & Tecson is the place you have chosen to grow. As your teammates, we learn from you every day.

Kimberly T. Boike

unique challenges. “

My years of volunteering for not for profit organizations has given me a deep understanding of their

”

A business attorney whose practice is concentrated in Healthcare and Not for Profit & Mission-Based Organizations.

30 South Wacker Drive | Suite 2600 Chicago, Illinois 60606-7512 | 312 444 9300 270 Madison Avenue | Suite 1400 New York, New York 10016-0603 | 646 532 4636 chuhak.com

2021

DUNSTAN BARNES

I consider him to be one of the top-10 design patent lawyers in the United States, period.”

A leader in his field. That’s how the peers of Dunstan Barnes describe this rising star with McAndrews, Held & Malloy. Barnes has quickly built a reputation as a top intellectual property law specialist, especially in the area of design patents. Barnes is a frequent writer and lecturer on this topic and wrote the U.S. chapter of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property’s 2017 book, “Design Rights: Functionality and Scope of Protection.” Barnes also wrote the U.S. chapter of the upcoming second edition of that book, and he has present- ed at numerous international conferences on design patent protection, including the 2021 and 2019 ABA-IPL Spring Meetings, the 2019 AIPLA Annual Meeting, and the 2017 AIPPI World Congress. “Dunstan has shown aptitude well be- yond his years of experience in practice,” said Matthew Dillinger, with the law firm Berry, Appleman & Leiden. “Dunstan’s warm and amicable personal skills also help him to deliver impeccable results for his clients in a variety of different situations, including in negotiations with opposing counsel or during pro- tection of both utility and design patent applications.” Erin Lothson, senior counsel with Uber Technologies, said that Barnes is also a tough negotiator, demonstrating a skill that many patent attorneys rarely draw upon. “Usually, patent practitioners draft patents behind the scenes,” said Lothson, “but Dunstan can also do the extroverted

work necessary to resolve disputes, ob- tain licenses, or prosecute applications. He’s articulate and able to communicate complex concepts in plain English, which is a much-appreciated skill for those around him.” Alexis Simpson, senior counsel for in- tellectual property at Gilead Sciences, frequently works with Barnes, who rep- resents Gilead as outside counsel. She says that Barnes has been an invaluable partner for her company. “Dunstan represents Gilead well,” Simp- son said. “Indeed, I consider him to be one of the top-10 design patent lawyers in the United States, period.” When not serving his clients, Barnes supports his community and profession. He chairs the ABA Industrial Designs Committee and vice chairs the AIPLA In- dustrial Design Committee. He is also a board member of and active within the Intellectual Property Legal Association of Chicago. Barnes also ardently supports the fu- ture of the industry. He mentors junior attorneys internally at McAndrews and through IPLAC’s mentoring program. Working pro bono through the National Immigrant Justice Center, he represents a family from El Salvador who fled gang violence and are seeking asylum. He also works pro bono with the Chicago Legal Clinic to assist clients who have moved forward with their lives and wish to seal or expunge their criminal records, which can be a major hurdle when seeking new jobs, housing, and other opportunities.

FIRM McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd. LAW SCHOOL IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Intellectual property law

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

STEPHEN BLECHA

Stephen truly shines in his ability to understand the issues and present those issues and arguments in a concise and creative manner.” D edicated to his clients. That’s how his peers describe plaintiff’s trial attor- ney Stephen Blecha.

failure to settle a case. These results don’t surprise his peers. Andrew Prindable, partner with struc- tured-settlement firm Waterville Advi- sors, worked with Blecha on the medical malpractice case involving the Wiscon- sin Injured Patients Compensation Fund. He came away impressed with Blecha’s talents. “This was not a typical medical mal- practice case. It was very complicated medicine and the Fund aspect made the negotiations and the ultimate resulting decisions very tricky,” Prindable said. “Stephen cared so much not just about the lawyering that led to a great result, but also about what happened after the result was obtained.” Blecha also brings his talents to the ap- pellate court as a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) amicus committee. Miranda Soucie, a partner with Spiros Law, first met Blecha in 2017, when on behalf of ITLA, he submitted an amicus brief in a case before the Illinois Supreme Court. “Stephen truly shines in his ability to understand the issues and present those issues and arguments in a concise and creative manner,” Soucie said. “His work on the amicus brief was truly exception- al. His arguments shed new light on the issue and were complimentary of the ar- guments I was presenting.” Blecha is actively involved in ITLA and its Amicus Committee. He is an editor of the ITLA Trial Journal and a co-author of the “Negligence and Standard of Care” chapter of the ITLA Medical Malpractice Notebook.

Blecha has developed a reputation as a committed advocate for his clients, help- ing them recover financially from medical malpractice, trucking accidents, and other personal injury cases. And the common thread with all these cases? Blecha works tirelessly to earn the best results for his clients. “Stephen is exceptionally bright, in- sightful and curious, and is not content to look at traditional litigation and trial issues in a conventional way,” said Christopher Norem with Chicago’s Parente & Norem. “He is very gifted at legal writing and caus- ing a court to look at an issue with a new perspective.” Blecha is not afraid of a challenge. He picked up a trucking case a month before trial after the handling partner suffered a medical emergency. He learned every aspect of the case and helped secure a $15 million verdict, the largest verdict in Winnebago County. In another Winneba- go County verdict ($1.5 million), Blecha organized the cross-examination of the defendant doctor using the defense’s own demonstrative timeline— a moment that jurors said sealed the case for the plaintiff. Blecha is aggressive at all stages of lit- igation. Recently, he successfully barred a defense geneticist and several other expert opinions, resulting a $13 million settlement for a birth injury against the Wisconsin Injured Patients Compensation Fund. His depositions of defense experts and motion for punitive damages led to a $11.5 million settlement in a bad-faith

FIRM Coplan & Crane

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois College of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Plaintiff’s civil litigation

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP 40Under40 Class of 2021 Andrew A. Lothson

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLPcongratulates our partner, Andy Lothson, on being named one of the 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch. Andy’s product liability, class action and commercial litigation practice leads him to regularly defend clients in complex, high-stakes matters across the country. Andy has also taken on leadership positions in the firm, serving as the Product Liability Practice Group Co-Chair and the Recruiting Committee Co-Chair. We are proud of Andy’s commitment and contributions to our clients, firm and community.

CHICAGO LISLE LIBERTYVILLE MADISON COUNTY ST. LOUIS INDIANA

www.smbtrials.com

Attorney Advertising

− Christine Bedi Vice President, Associate General Counsel & Assistant Secretary | Elkay

Congratulations to our Intellectual Property Partner TANVI B. PATEL on being selected as an emerging leader in the Illinois Legal Community.

Neal Gerber Eisenberg is committed to fostering a firmwide culture where our attorneys shine. We are proud that Tanvi’s dedication to the legal profession and her community has been recognized. It is an honor to have one of our own named to the list of “40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch” for over a decade.

www.nge.com

2021

KIMBERLY BOIKE

Kim is a first-rate attorney and a counselor in the truest sense of the term.”

I t hasn’t taken Kimberly Boike long to become one of the top nonprofit cor- porate and healthcare attorneys in Chica- go. Her success at a young age also isn’t surprising to her peers: Those who have worked with Boike say that she possesses a deep understanding of the law and uses this knowledge to meet her clients’ needs. An example? Earlier in her career, Boike played a key role in facilitating the merg- er of Holy Cross Hospital and the Sinai Health System. This was a one-of-a-kind transaction in Chicago. Since then, Boike has provided advice to a large number of nonprofit and healthcare clients in some of the most sensitive situations. “Kim is a first-rate attorney and a coun- selor in the truest sense of the term,” said Larry Singer, associate professor of law emeritus and former director of the Bea- zley Institute for Health Law & Policy at Loyola University Chicago. “She is knowl- edgeable about the law, but more impor- tantly she is able to interpret it cognizant of who her client truly is and what they hope to accomplish. “This special sensitivity is really on dis- play in the nonprofit and mission-oriented worlds in which Kim has established her leadership, where understanding client goals and believing in your client, is so important,” Singer said. “Kim truly feels a ‘calling’ to do this work. All attorneys work hard, but Kim goes the extra mile, and brings with it a calm, caring personali- ty that makes working with her, and being in her presence, such a joy.” Janet Hoffman, senior counsel and pro bono counsel with the Chicago office of

Katten Muchin Rosenman, said that Boi- ke’s skills are especially appreciated by her clients. Boike works on several trans- actions that are interest-rate sensitive. Delays in these cases can cost clients 30 years of debt at a higher interest rate. Boike, though, works not only smartly but quickly, avoiding expensive delays. Hoffman points to a series of com- plex financing transactions for Roosevelt University as an example of Boike’s le- gal talents. These transactions involved three issues of bonds, which together restructured the university’s debt. These transactions relieved Roosevelt of bur- densome financial covenants and pro- vided financial relief during challenging economic times. “Kim shows unusually deep and broad experience in complex nonprofit transac- tions,” Hoffman said. “Her calm, knowl- edgeable handling of clients and others is exemplary. She is an excellent draftsper- son, putting into words clients’ desires, as well as skillfully negotiating the nuances of collaboration with opposing counsel.” Kathryn Kaler, associate with the Chi- cago office of Neal Gerber Eisenberg, said that Boike’s communication skills are an- other important factor in her quick rise in her field. “Kim leverages her communication skills to break down complex health- care regulations and provide clients with straightforward guidance,” Kaler said. “She cares about her clients and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that she provides clients with the answers they need no matter the time of day.”

FIRM Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. LAW SCHOOL Loyola University of Chicago School of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Healthcare, corporate transactions

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

DAVID BUISHAS

“Dave stands out from a very distinguished body of attorneys across the United States as a thought leader and an innovator.”

W inning results matter. And few in- surance coverage specialists deliv- er them with as much consistency as does David Buishas. Buishas, a partner with Chicago’s Bates- Carey, represents domestic and interna- tional insurers at both the trial and appel- late levels, earning successful decisions for his clients in state and federal courts across the country. Drew Campbell, partner with the law firm Bricker & Eckler in Columbus, Ohio, has worked with Buishas and his team on COVID-19 business interruption cases in the state of Ohio. This hasn’t been easy work. Inconsistencies in the Ohio court system led to the Supreme Court of Ohio accepting a series of certified questions designed to create uniformity in the low- er courts. Campbell said that Buishas has been instrumental in framing the argu- ments that ultimately led to the court’s acceptance of these cases. “The Ohio Supreme Court rarely ac- cepts certified questions, which highlights Dave’s exceptional work,” Campbell said. “It is also notable that Dave is a deeply collaborative person, who includes and af- firms all members of the team. The same qualities make him an effective advocate and an exceptional professional to oppos- ing counsel and courts alike. Dave models the highest aspirations of the Bar.” Campbell said that Buishas has also turned in stellar work while serving as national coordinating counsel for a large insurance company that is defending coverage claims for COVID-19-related business closures. He has been integral in

developing strategies that have won dis- missal of the vast majority of the cases his team is defending, Campbell said. “Given the enormous exposure -- in the trillions of dollars -- and the large number of cases filed nation-wide, the COVID cov- erage cases are the most consequential litigation in America today,” Campbell said. “Dave stands out from a very distinguished body of attorneys across the United States as a thought leader and an innovator in these historic coverage cases.” Another good example of Buishas’ le- gal skills? Buishas successfully resolved a contentious reinsurance dispute involving a $28 million consent judgment and bad faith claims for failure to settle. Mike Skoglund, Vice President at Arch Insurance Company, has long worked with Buishas and attested to his extraordinary record of success. Skoglund says that Bui- shas is “an exceptionally gifted litigator with great instincts, creative strategies, and a discerning eye for quickly under- standing and absorbing key details.” In addition to his insurance work, Bui- shas also has developed a reputation for successfully litigating cases involving product liability, railroad liability, breach of contract, and civil rights claims. For example, Buishas serves as coordinating counsel for a national nonprofit organiza- tion that provides behavioral and mental health services in correctional facilities. He also serves as counsel for a Fortune 100 waste company, a national alarm company, and several short-line railroads, further demonstrating his diversified practice and breadth of experience.

FIRM BatesCarey LLP

LAW SCHOOL Saint Louis University School of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Insurance coverage litigation, commercial litigation

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

LIZ BUTLER

Liz is unflappable, a strategic thinker and a skillful advocate.”

W hen companies want to build new apartment towers, shopping centers or distribution facilities in and around the city of Chicago, they turn to Liz Butler, an outstanding zoning and land use attorney with Elrod Friedman LLP. When they need creative land use planning and legal analysis to plan for the disposition or acquisition of property, they seek her counsel. They rely on Butler’s expertise and keen insights. There’s a reason for all of this: Butler gets results. She is an integral part of Elrod Friedman’s premier land use and government law practice. Butler works closely with the owners and developers of institutional, residential, commercial and industrial property when these clients want to buy land or buildings, dispose of their residential or commercial properties or navigate the often-complex zoning re- quirements in Chicago and its surround- ing communities. She advises clients in the private sector every day on their inter- actions with the City of Chicago and sub- urban communities. Her goal is always the same: to build consensus between neigh- boring property owners, government rep- resentatives and community residents. This is rarely an easy job. Just ask Mary Dempsey, president of DePaul Col- lege Prep in Chicago. Butler represented the not-for-profit institution before the Chicago Plan Commission, Chicago City Council Committee on Zoning, and De- partment of Planning and Development when DePaul College Prep sought an amendment to a planned development for its new campus. DePaul College Prep was working on a short deadline to open its new institution. Butler, though, was unflappable, Dempsey said. She guided the project

through the process and the many layers of approval, even as COVID protocols caused delays. DePaul College Prep’s applications were approved, and the $12.6 million reno- vation and construction of the institutional campus was completed on time. “Liz is unflappable, a strategic thinker and a skillful advocate,” Dempsey said. “At every step of our rather complicated mat- ter she was fully prepared, well-spoken, pleasant and gracious. Our matter pro- ceeded through the sometimes-lengthy procedural steps and approval processes because she was responsive, thoughtful and straightforward throughout the pro- cess, and because she knew the law and applied it to the facts of our case.” Richard Gertson, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services with the City of Arlington, Texas, knows, too, just how strong Butler’s legal skills are. He hired Butler as an urbanplanner for the City of Mesquite, Texas’ Department of Planning and Development Services. He said that Butler’s experience as an ur- ban planner has helped her build her now thriving legal career. “Knowing how public agencies operate and what motivates them, Liz is able to position her clients for success,” Gerston said. “Liz is adept at making presentations to planning commissions and other reg- ulatory bodies. Her poise, presentation style and clarity help the client put their best foot forward and offer decision-mak- ers well-grounded reasons for approval.” Butler also donates her time taking on pro bono work. She has represented afford- able housing and religious institutions, not- for-profit arts organizations in zoning mat- ters and federal prisoners seeking clemency for non-violent low-level drug offenses.

FIRM Elrod Friedman LLP LAW SCHOOL IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Zoning and land use

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

TIFFANY CARPENTER

She is a rare breed where she is articulate, quick on her feet, and a legal thinker.”

A long list of victories. That’s what Tiffany Carpenter, a commercial lit- igation specialist at Chicago’s Howard & Howard, has earned for her business cli- ents. And it’s this record of success that has helped Carpenter build a reputation as one of the most trusted products liabil- ity, employment and commercial litigation experts in the city. How successful has Carpenter been? She represented a plaintiff in a civil rights case that resulted in a $1.5 million judgment for her client. This success came after a complex trial that lasted nine days. Carpenter served as trial counsel in a breach-of-contract construction dispute that brought a $500,000 judgment for her firm’s client following a bench trial lasting five days. And these results aren’t unusual. Cal Burnton, a partner at the Chicago office of Steptoe & Johnson, previously worked with Carpenter when they were both at the predecessor to Edwards Wildman Palmer, “Right from the start one could tell Tiffany was a great lawyer.” Burton continued, “She is a rare breed

where she is articulate, quick on her feet, and a legal thinker. I have no doubt that the time is not far away when people talk about the top trial lawyers in the city, as in who are the go to lawyers, her name will be top of the list.” “Tiffany is the first person that I put cli- ents in touch with if I am conflicted out or otherwise unable to handle their needs,” said Lily McNulty, associate with Chicago’s Greenberg Traurig. “With Tiffany, I know without a shadow of the doubt, they are in good hands.” Ellen Ernst, tax counsel with Chicago’s JBT Corporation, previously worked with Carpenter at Howard & Howard. She re- fers to Carpenter as a “force of nature.” “Tiffany is unmatched in her ability to develop strong relationships with her cli- ents,” Ernst said. “To her clients, she is a strong listener, advisor and a measured resource. She skillfully takes that knowl- edge and passion for her clients to be- come a strong and fierce advocate.” Ernst also says that Carpenter has built relationships with sophisticated corpo- rate counsel that usually come with law- yers who are two decades older.

FIRM Howard & Howard

LAW SCHOOL John Marshall Law School

AREA OF PRACTICE Commercial litigation

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

Congratulations to our partner

Michelle Parthum on being named one of 40 Under Forty Attorneys to Watch

“Brilliant lawyers with courtroom savvy.”

—Benchmark Litigation

CHICAGO

WASHINGTON, D.C.

NEW YORK

www.mololamken.com

The Law Firm of Parente & Norem, P.C. takes great pleasure in congratulating DENNIS M. LYNCH for his selection as a Top 40 Under 40 Member WAY TO GO DENNIS!

Parente & Norem, P.C. is a Plaintiff’s litigation and trial practice that concentrates in workmen’s compensation, wrongful death, medical negligence and all forms of personal injury including FELA. We have offices in Chicago and Joliet, IL.

221 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1750, Chicago, IL 60601 312-641-5926 • pninjurylaw.com

2021

DANIEL COZZI

His advice has always been practical, timely and legally sound.”

D an Cozzi is known for his drive to win. He made his mark as a standout pitcher at the University of Chicago be- fore going on to play professional baseball in Italy. Now, he brings his competitive spirit to work for his clients as a partner at Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth. Cozzi—who has significant experience in neurosurgical, birth injury and medical device litigation—has already established a record of winning results in big cases. One example? Cozzi represented a medi- cal practice group in a mass tort action in Cook County in which 60 patients sued the group for negligently destroying their sperm, which was stored in a cryo- genic freezer. Cozzi successfully prosecuted third-party actions against the freezer manufacturer, component part manu- facturers and a service company. Though the odds were stacked against his client, Cozzi obtained a significant recovery for the medical practice group. Cozzi is currently representing Cook County and the Cook County Treasurer’s Office as lead counsel in litigation filed by multiple plaintiffs in federal court. This is another complex case, in which the plain- tiffs are making constitutional challenges to the mass appraisal practices of the Cook County Assessor. Cozzi’s peers aren’t surprised that he gets tapped to take on big cases. His com- mand of the facts, 24-hour dedication to his clients and presence in the courtroom give him the edge that clients seek. “Dan is a meticulous researcher and tenacious advocate for his clients,” said

Chicago attorney Frank Tuzzolino. “Yet he displays a genuine humility that is refresh- ing in today’s world. He can disagree with you without being disagreeable.” While his courtroom record is impres- sive, Cozzi has gotten many of his cases dismissed on dispositive motions prior to trial. That ability is part of what makes him valuable to clients like Julia Lynch, vice president and senior associate general counsel at Northwestern Medicine. “I regularly tap Dan for assistance in cases with complex legal issues because he has a talent for written advocacy. Dan is a good counselor in the truest sense of the word; he has excellent instincts and is wise beyond his years.” Lynch said. “His advice has always been practical, timely and legally sound.” When not representing his clients, Cozzi gives back to his community. He volunteered at the Midtown Education- al Foundation, tutoring underprivileged grade-school students. He also volun- teers for the University of Chicago, men- toring undergraduates interested in a ca- reer in law. This summer, he stepped back on the diamond to help coach his son’s baseball team. “Dan stands out for his professionalism and civility,” said Ted Jennings, attorney with Chicago’s Coplan + Crane. “Dan is a defense-oriented attorney and a strong advocate for his clients, but he always ex- hibits great respect for the process and the participants in that process. Dan is always well-prepared and exhibits a calm, professional demeanor that is a credit to him, his firm and the judicial system.”

FIRM Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth

LAW SCHOOL Washington University in Saint Louis School of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Medical malpractice and mass tort defense

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

MARTA DAVIDSON

She has repeatedly shown exceptional results in cases where verdicts or settlements have reached the substantial million-dollar mark.”

I t hasn’t taken Marta Davidson long to notch several multi-million-dollar ver- dicts and settlements in her personal in- jury and wrongful death practice. Though Davidson might be just 25, this legal pro with Clifford Law Offices has already es- tablished herself as a go-to attorney for clients seeing financial justice. For example, Davidson second-chaired a trial in Winnebago County with partner Bradley Cosgrove involving the negligent placement of an Unna Boot on a 65-year- old man that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. The jury returned with a ver- dict of $3.57 million, a record for this type of injury in Winnebago County. Davidson tried another case involv- ing a 68-year-old man who died two days after knee replacement surgery. This case earned a verdict of $8.25 mil- lion for the family. Davidson has also played a key role in several negotiations resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements. This includes a $10.7 million settlement on behalf of a woman who suffered perma- nent brain injury from a ruptured aortic aneurysm and a $5.4 million settlement on behalf of a family whose husband and father died as a result of a failure to time- ly treat a bowel perforation. Davidson also played a key role in a $3.75 million settlement in DeKalb Coun- ty on behalf of the family of a 45-year-old man who died from a pulmonary embolus. And these victories are obviously just the start of her successes in what promises to become a long career. Margaret Battersby Black, with Chicago

law firm Levin & Perconti, said that David- son’s future looks especially bright, with this young attorney having achieved so much so fast. “Marta has the ability to be a great tri- al partner to the many lawyers she has worked with at Clifford’s office,” Black said. “She has repeatedly shown excep- tional results in cases where verdicts or settlements have reached the substantial million-dollar mark, something not often done in medical malpractice cases.” William Rogers, with Chicago’s Swan- son, Martin & Bell, also had high praise for Davidson. As he says, every building needs a strong foundation, whether a two-sto- ry home or the soaring Willis Tower. By the same reasoning, every lawsuit needs a strong foundation, Rogers added, while every personal injury trial needs a skilled second chair/co-counsel. Davidson, Rogers said, has been pro- viding both that strong foundation and stabilizing presence as a second chair and co-counsel during her career. “Marta has performed the investiga- tion, pleading and discovery foundation work that is necessary before a case goes to trial,” Rogers said. “At trial, she has been an active co-counsel and second chair.” Rogers said that Davidson’s success doesn’t surprise him. She built a strong foundation for her legal work, he said, graduating cum laude from the University of Illinois School of Law. Davidson is fluent in Polish and profi- cient in Spanish, having studied in Barce- lona when an undergraduate at the Uni- versity of Illinois.

FIRM Clifford Law Offices

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois Law School AREA OF PRACTICE Plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

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by Law Bulletin Media

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Motherway & Napleton

Congratulates David J. Gallagher

for being selected to 2021 40 Under Forty

Firm’s Past Honorees:

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2000

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2021

BRIDGET S. DAVIS

She’s a tenacious litigator.”

C ommitted to her clients. That is how peers describe Bridget Davis, a fam- ily law attorney with Chicago’s Berger Schatz. As her fellow attorneys say, Davis works hard not just to represent her clients, but to lead them to the best possible resolu- tion in the most efficient way possible. Emotions run high in family law cases. Davis takes the necessary steps to avoid court intervention by resolving matters outside of the courtroom. But in cases in which this is not possi- ble? Davis is a fearless and compassionate advocate in court for her clients. Gloria Block, managing partner at Hof- fenberg & Block, LLC stated, “Bridget is al- ways a well prepared, insightful attorney. She is the epitome or professionalism. She personifies everything that is positive in family law. Her word is her bond.” Attorney Azadeh Akbari has known Da- vis since 2015, when both attorneys were associates. The two worked strategies together for their cases, and while doing this, Akbari soon discovered just how deep Davis’ knowledge of the law ran. Akbari said that she often turned to Da- vis for advice on litigation issues because of her extensive trial experience, skills and her familiarity with judges. “Bridget achieves results for her clients through her fierce advocacy,” Akbari said. “She cares about her clients and she’s invested in the people she represents, a quality that is rare but extremely im- portant in the area of family law. She’s a tenacious litigator. She works faster than almost anyone I know, while maintaining quality and a high level of legal skill.”

Akbari points to two results that show- case Davis’ skills. She earned sole deci- sion-making and a majority parenting schedule for a father against the recom- mendation of the Child’s Representative and expert. She also obtained court-sanc- tioned international relocation for a client. Davis also gives back to her profession. She serves as the chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Domestic Relations Com- mittee. Davis is also a frequent speaker on family law matters. Timothy Jasper, partner with Chicago law firm Davis|Friedman, served as oppos- ing counsel on a difficult case with Davis including, amongst other issues, an IPO of a private company going public. The result? Davis successfully negotiat- ed a settlement to save the marital estate more than $12 million. “Bridget not only had to know some intricate details regarding IPOs, she also had to navigate a tough non-disclosure agreement with her client and his prior company,” Jasper said. For years, Bridget has been participat- ing in David Inlander, managing partner at Fischel Kahn, matrimonial mediations involving cases with complicated finan- cial issues and at times unique, challeng- ing situations. Inlander said, “Bridget represented her clients with a staunch advocacy, creativity in problem solving, and thoroughness in analysis. She is not only highly responsible, but respectful of everyone engaged in the process. Those traits are very special for any attorney, but are especially noteworthy for someone at Bridget’s young age.”

FIRM Berger Schatz

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois College of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Family law

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

JEREMY EDELSON

His preparation for those matters is always thorough yet concise, demonstrating his understanding of value for our company.”

O nly the most senior of lawyers tend to tackle labor law. This isn’t surpris- ing: It takes decades of experience to mas- ter this field. That’s what sets Laner Muchin’s Jere- my Edelson apart from his competitors. At just 39, he is known as one of the top labor lawyers in the city. His numbers tell the story. While many labor and employment lawyers might not handle more than 10 labor arbitrations during several years, Edelson took on more than that figure in 2020 alone. And during his career? He’s handled more than 50 labor arbitrations in ad- dition to dozens of other employment disputes. He’s done this for a variety of companies, from start-ups to global gi- ants such as PepsiCo. PepsiCo, in fact, has trusted Edelson to handle its arbitration cases for two large Quaker Oats plants for the last eight years. Edelson’s clients have noticed his talent. “He is essentially our ‘in-house external’ counsel for arbitrations resulting from certain collective bargaining agreements,” said Morgan Ruey, senior employment counsel for PepsiCo. “His preparation for those matters is always thorough yet con- cise, demonstrating his understanding of value for our company.” Edelson traces his interest in manu- facturing companies to his childhood. His grandfather’s family owned a bar- rel-making factory in Hungary. Edelson’s grandparents, following the loss of much of their family in the Holocaust, eventually arrived in the United States after World War II. Edelson’s grandfather founded a

company in Chicago that produced fibre drums. Edelson heard stories about the business while growing up. This included stories about the interesting labor issues that his family’s business regularly faced. Labor law blended Edelson’s passion for the law with his history and connection to manufacturing. Today, Edelson represents one of the largest employers in the Kankakee area, CSL Behring, a global biotechnology com- pany. CSL Behring employs approximately 1,000 union members in Kankakee, and the Company trusts Edelson to handle all of its larger arbitrations. Another long-time client is Oak Street Health. Edelson has worked with this healthcare firm as it has grown to operate more than 80 medical clinics across the na- tion. Edelson and Laner Muchin handle Oak Street’s labor and employment law work. Carrie Rose, corporate counsel for Oak Street Health, said that Edelson has been instrumental in Oak Street’s success. “The proactive measures Jeremy has helped OSH take have been invaluable to the company,” she said. “He is viewed as a respected and valuable asset to OSH. I cannot think of another attorney I have worked with more deserving of this honor.” Edelson also gives back to his com- munity, serving on the board of not-for- profit Bethel New Life, which provides assistance to underserved communities on the west side of Chicago. He also ranks as one of Illinois’ top paddle tennis-playing lawyers, a game he picked up after playing college tennis at the University of Michi- gan where he received Academic All-Big Ten honors.

FIRM Laner Muchin, Ltd. LAW SCHOOL IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Labor & Employment Law

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

2021

MATTHEW FEERY

Matt has a natural intellectual curiosity that makes him a very effective and trusted advisor.”

A problem-solver. An attorney adept at crafting practical solutions for his clients. Calm under fire. That’s how Mat- thew Feery’s peers describe this young attorney at Chicago’s Much Shelist. Feery has built a busy employment law career by acting as a trusted advisor to companies of all sizes, including startups and other emerging companies. He helps his clients develop strategies to not only comply with their legal obligations, but also position themselves for growth and success consistent with their culture and values. He doesn’t just focus on legal ad- vice. Feery also provides his clients with practical business advice that never loses sight of the human element at the heart of employment law. Count Bethany McCurdy with Michael Best as one attorney who isn’t surprised at Feery’s success. She has known Feery for more than a decade and watched as his career has grown. She points to Feery’s intellect and commitment to his clients as two reasons for his success. “Even as a younger lawyer, Matt was able to grasp complicated legal argu- ments and distill them down so they could be easily understood by the client,” McCurdy said. “I recall several instances when he demonstrated an ability to ana- lyze cases often in better detail than more senior attorneys.” McCurdy remembers one case when Feery, then a very green attorney, helped identify issues and developed a winning defense. The result? A favorable outcome and a happy client.

Companies turn to Feery for all aspects of employment law, from hiring to firing and everything in between. But clients also turn to Feery for help with day-to- day business matters. He works with his clients to develop sound policies and healthy workplaces, and to prevent prob- lems from rising to the level of litigation. And when his clients do face litigation? Feery is a devoted and zealous advocate for them, defending employers in both state and federal courts and before ad- ministrative agencies. Thomas Phillips, senior claim supervi- sor with Healthcare Services Group, has also witnessed Feery’s legal skills. He says that Feery excels at finding practical solu- tions to complex problems. “Matt has a natural intellectual curios- ity that makes him a very effective and trusted advisor,” Phillips said. “Clients can count on him to be up to date with the latest developments in the law and how societal trends may be influencing em- ployment practices.” Outside of his field, Feery serves as an associate board member of Clearbrook, an organization that works closely with individuals with intellectual and develop- ment disabilities and their families. “Matt is one of the best brief writers with whom I’ve worked,” said Jerilyn Ja- cobs with the Eu Claire, Wisconsin, office of Crivello Carlson. “He is also the rare attorney who is truly calm under intense fire.”

FIRM Much Shelist, P.C.

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois College of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Employment law

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

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