2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
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Having been an opponent on cases with Kim, I can say that she is prepared, steadfast and has a strong command of the issues at hand. ”
KIMBERLY FLANIGAN AGE: 38 FIRM : Pretzel & Stouffer LAW SCHOOL : DePaul University College of Law
AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Civil litigation, medical malpractice defense
I t’s easy to see why Kimberly Flanigan has already built a rep- utation as one of the rising stars in the medical malpractice field: Her peers say that no one comes to a case better pre- pared, while few attorneys can match her courtroom poise and mastery of the medical issues at the heart of complex mal- practice litigation. A partner with Pretzel & Stouffer, Flanigan represents phy- sicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. From pre- suit case evaluations through jury verdicts, she is known for handling challenging cases with a steady, disciplined approach that has earned the respect of clients, colleagues and even opposing counsel. “These are the qualities of an outstanding trial lawyer, and they were evident in every phase of the case I tried against her,” said Daniel Madigan, trial attorney with Chicago’s Napleton & Partners. “She delivered the closing argument on behalf of her client, an assignment that requires both confidence and credi- bility. Her presentation was clear, organized, and persuasive, re- flecting not only a deep understanding of the medicine involved but also a refined ability to communicate effectively with a jury.” Flanigan’s work has produced impressive results in some of Illinois' highest-stakes medical malpractice lawsuits. In March 2026, Flanigan and a fellow partner secured a complete defense
verdict in a case involving a $5 million demand for non-econom- ic damages. The victory followed another successful defense verdict in a multiparty medical malpractice trial in Lake County in 2025, where plaintiffs sought $5.5 million in damages. Earlier in her career, she also helped defend a local hospital against claims exceeding $20 million. “Having been an opponent on cases with Kim, I can say that she is prepared, steadfast and has a strong command of the is- sues at hand,” said Jordan Powell, with Chicago’s Passen Powell Jenkins. “But while being a strong advocate for her clients, she does this in a professional way and never loses sight of the con- geniality that is necessary to successfully defend her clients.” Flanigan's accomplishments have also been recognized throughout the legal profession. In 2024, she received Law Bulletin Media's Trial Lawyer Excellence Award for Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case. “Kim has obtained exceptional results for her clients both in the courtroom through motion practice and verdicts and through settlements that are fair and reasonable,” said David Gallagher with Chicago’s Napleton & Partners. Beyond the courtroom, Flanigan contributes to the profes- sion through mentorship and trial advocacy programs, helping develop the next generation of litigators.
34 40 Under Forty 2026 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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