40 Under Forty 2022

2022 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

COURTNEY LINDBERT

A true measure of an attorney’s suc- cess? Winning cases that could easily go in the loss column. And by that mea- suring stick, Courtney Lindbert, a medical malpractice defense specialist, is a star in the Chicago legal scene. Lindbert’s peers say that she is fiercely devoted to her clients. At the same time, she possesses a deep knowledge of the intricacies of her field. Combine that with her stellar performances in the court- room, and it’s no wonder that Lindbert remains a sought-after defense attorney. “Courtney is a rock star in every way,” said Natalie Federle, general counsel with Sermo. “She is creative, zealous, loyal, fierce and dogged in her approaches. Unlike many litigators, Courtney is logical and realistic while maintaining a steadfast focus on her clients’ needs.” A look at Lindbert’s legal career shows why so many in the profession hold her in such high esteem. In one case in which Lindbert served as defense counsel, she earned a not-guilty verdict for two defendants in a case in- volving emergency eye surgery and claims that this surgery was necessary because of negligence on the part of medical pro- fessionals. The defense argued that cause for the surgery was an acute event caused by the plaintiff’s smoking. The jury sided with the defense, reportedly deliberating for just 46 minutes. In what her peers call a stunning vic- tory, Lindbert earned a rare mid-trial win for her defendant .The plaintiff dismissed all claims against her client mid-trial be- fore cross-examination of the plaintiff.

Lindbert identified key information show- ing that the plaintiff’s claims against her defendant were untrue. “Courtney is meticulous with every- thing she does,” said Katie Twardak, an attorney with Tomasik Kotin Kasserman. “Courtney is unwavering in her commit- ment to seeking justice for her clients and is always willing to put in the work. Courtney’s character and integrity truly set her apart from others. The actions she takes as an attorney are done because they are the right thing to do. She doesn’t go for a cheap victory. Even as an oppo- nent, I know I can trust her with sensitive information. She treats every person she meets with the utmost respect.” “Whether you work on a case with or against Courtney you can tell she takes the utmost pride and in her work and is extremely dedicated to her clients,” said Sarah King, an attorney with Clifford Law. “She fiercely defends her clients’ interests in an effective and profession- al manner. Having been across the table from Courtney on multiple occasions, I can attest to how exceptionally well pre- pared and knowledgeable she is regarding the complex medical subjects at issue in her cases.” Outside of the courtroom, Lindbert is a dedicated mentor. She currently heads up Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine’s clerkship program, and previously served on the board of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She is also a founding member of the Illinois Force of Lawyers Against Sexu- al Harassment.

“ Courtney is a rock star in every way”

AGE 38

FIRM Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine LAW SCHOOL The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Medical malpractice defense

40 Under Forty 2022 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN