B rian Raterman’s peers describe him as nimble in the courtroom, proactive in case law upkeep, unafraid to alter his strategy to bet- ter client odds and altogether, an attorney who “can litigate his way out of a mess.” Raterman’s ability to think quickly and balance a pleasant yet aggres- sive demeanor has well-served him in building a successful workers’ compensation defense practice and attracting a steady stream of sat- isfied and loyal clients. Opposing counsel give praise to Raterman’s skills, witnessing his levelheaded and effectively prepped process firsthand. Andrew Domin of Minkow Domin Trial Attorneys noted a case they managed that spanned five hearings and multiple witnesses, contrary to usual workers’ compensation cases that are completed in a day. In this matter, Domin’s client sustained significant injury which could have exposed Raterman’s client to a large sum of money. Domin acclaimed Raterman’s thorough research and preparation, recalling he found a novel issue that was persuasive to the arbitrator and unpleasant for his own client’s case. “Brian managed to convince the client to buy in, saving them a hefty amount,” Domin said. “His preparedness in pretrial and court was a tes- tament to his trial skills. He advocated well for his client and made this particularly long and drawn-out court process worth it for them.” Marc Parker of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission has seen Raterman in action, too. Like others, he was impressed. Raterman won a pro se case in front of Parker in which an opposing injured worker represented herself on appeal. It can be easy for attor- neys to ignore opponents who aren’t represented; however, Parker not- ed Raterman didn’t succumb to this temptation. Instead, he was patient and respectful, all while zealously representing his client. Raterman won his case on appeal. But for Parker, what mattered most was how he won it. “He made sure the worker was respected by being polite, sensitive and professional, which are characteristics too often undervalued in the combative arena of workers’ compensation litigation,” Parker said. “His professionalism, intelligence and preparedness make him not only a ter- rific advocate for his clients, but one of the best attorneys who appears before me.” Raterman’s results speak for themselves. One of his arbitration wins was so compelling and well-handled it has been used as training for new arbitrators. Caroline Manley, executive director of Chicago’s Center for Disability & Elder Law, added Raterman is committed to his profession and com- munity. As a member of the Young Professionals’ Board, Raterman con- tinues to rally members of his firm to support CDEL’s mission to provide free legal services to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. He is also a member of the WCLA, a former member the CBA’s Worker’s Compensation Committee and chair of Nyhan’s Charitable Committee. “He embodies the aspiration of fostering the spirit of pro bono ser- vice throughout the Chicago and Cook County legal communities,” Manley said.
BRIAN RATERMAN
AGE 39
FIRM Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.
LAW SCHOOL Valparaiso University School of Law
AREA OF PRACTICE Workers’ compensation defense, civil defense and subrogation
2023 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
One of the best attorneys who appears before me.”
40 Under Forty 2023 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN 40 Under Forty 2023 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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