delivering to our clients. The recognition helped expand the reach of our service offerings to additional layers of networks, opening new opportunities for the firm to establish strong relationships with new clients and achieve successful business outcomes. Thank you to Law Bulletin Media for including me and for all the impactful and rewarding relationships I have gained and shared since the list was published. KERRYANN M. HAASE MINTON Managing Partner, Michael Best
Being honored for the 40 under 40 is one of my lasting memories as an attorney. While the individual recognition was incredibly meaningful, the pleasure of meeting the other recipients has provided several lasting friendships and business relationships for over 20 years. I look forward to meeting this year’s honorees in September. KENNETH A. HOFFMAN Partner, Mitchell Hoffman & Wolf LLC Class of 2003
Receiving the 40 Under Forty in 2012 was a great honor to me because I had for many years seen others receive it and it had been a personal goal of mine to also one day receive it. Each year since then has been a joy for me to see others who are deserving of the award receive it, and I am especially proud to say that a few in our firm have also been recognized since I had been.
As a first-generation college graduate, I was incredibly honored to be recognized by my peers as one of the Forty Under 40 attorneys to watch in Chicago. Not only did this accolade credential me as an up-and-comer, it also ignited new opportunities in my career. Now, as an Office Managing Partner, I am thrilled to be able to nominate worthy recipients from the next generation of great lawyers. Awards like these can act as powerful catalysts, propelling our careers forward and expanding our influence in ways that are both transfor- mative and inspiring. For me, it is a constant reminder that to whom much is given, much is expected. WILLIAM "TOBY" T. EVELAND Partner, Saul Ewing LLP Class of 2016
& Friedrich LLP Class of 2002
FRANK A. SOMMARIO Senior Partner, Romanucci
& Blandin LLC Class of 2012
The recognition I received as a past “40 Under 40” recipient has both boosted my career and expanded my professional network. Being featured in such a prestigious list has provided substantial visibility and credibil- ity, unlocking opportunities to advise the “who’s who” of Chicago in their most significant economic, reputational and strategic matters. This accolade also highlighted my dedica- tion to pro bono work and civic engagement, reflecting my commitment to these core values which I have carried with me throughout my career. Building on my early success, I launched Willkie Chicago in 2020, establishing it as a pre- mier destination law firm which has grown to over 90 attorneys in just 4 years. CRAIG C. MARTIN Chairman Midwest, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Class of 2001
My 40 Under Forty inclusion 14 years ago was arguably one of the proudest moments of my professional life. It played a direct role in accelerating my legal career and family law practice at Berger Schatz. Chicago is a big and tough place to practice law, and being named to this list was and is an honor. It’s immensely gratify- ing to be nominated by peers and mentors for an award of this caliber, and I hope every recipient this year and in the future appreciates the level of excellence involved in achieving this distinction. BRIAN J. BLITZ Principal, Berger Schatz Class of 2010
I was extremely excited to be recognized as a 40 Under Forty honoree years ago as a young lawyer, and I will always carry that recognition with pride. The 40 Under Forty designation carries a lasting credibility that follows a lawyer throughout his or her career. The lawyers recognized today will no doubt be among the future leaders of our legal community. MATTHEW A. PASSEN Partner, Passen Powell Jenkins Class of 2015
Being named to the 40 Under Forty to Watch list was one of the initial professional distinctions in my career. It was a great honor to be recognized amongst a class of highly es- teemed, capable, and respected practitioners, a testament to the incredible work and value the team at Michael Best was
40 Under Forty 2024
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CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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