40 Under Forty 2025

2025 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

CODY HARTMAN

AGE 38

FIRM Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

advocate should be. “

AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Workers' compensation

He exemplifies what an

”

C ody Hartman displays the type of command in the complex and ever-evolving field of workers' compensation law that many attorneys with several more years of experience lack. Cody's peers say he boasts a deep understanding that the heart of the legal profession lies in serving clients. Cody knows that his job is to make sure that he provides wise counsel and committed representation to these clients while also ensuring the integrity of the legal system. Cody understands, too, the business side of the law. As one nominator says, Cody doesn't wait for clients to come to him or for his partners to spoon feed him cases. Instead, he develops and maintains strong client relationships, lectures at industry

"Cody is extremely responsive and courteous in exchang- ing information required to establish acceptance vs. denial of claims," Joesph Brancky said. "He solicits expert opinions to his client's benefit and does not pursue frivolous defenses." Joseph said, too, that Cody is a fierce advocate for his cli- ents, is always prepared for arguments and is also reasonable and communicative. Cody has earned praise from his peers for his skill in the ar- eas of workers' compensation fraud and insurance compliance, two complex areas of the law. As one nominator said, Cody has mastered the art of representing his clients fiercely while also treating his opponents with respect, a combination that has led to plenty of legal victories for his clients. "No one does that better than Mr. Hartman," said one nominator. Matthew Smart, an attorney with Chicago's Coven Law Group, has worked frequently with Cody, often while both law- yers were representing the opposing parties in a case. "He exemplifies what an advocate should be," Matthew said. "He works well on behalf of his clients but is capable of commu- nicating that message in a professional manner that allows both parties to work amicably rather than confrontationally."

events and speaks at meetings and workshops. It's all led to a thriving career at a young age.

"He demonstrates a quality that is increasingly uncommon in today's world: common sense," said Joseph Amarilio with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. "Most notably, his word is his bond. When he makes a promise, he keeps it, not just when it's easy, but more importantly, when it's not." Joseph Brancky, partner with the Chicago office of Leonard Law Group, said that Cody excels during the most important part of any workers' compensation matter: the initial phase.

40 Under Forty 2025

CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN