40 Under Forty 2026

2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

JASON GLUSKIN He can ‘see the forest through the trees.’ Win, lose or draw, I am always confident that a case will be litigated fairly when Jason is on the other side. ” AGE: 38 FIRM : Barker, Castro & Steinback, LLC LAW SCHOOL : Chicago-Kent College of Law AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Medical malpractice, healthcare defense

I t hasn’t taken Jason Gluskin long to build a reputation as one of Chicago's most respected young medical malpractice de- fense attorneys. At the young age of 38, he’s already earned the confidence of major hospital systems, physicians and healthcare providers while also drawing praise from colleagues and adver- saries for his legal skill. A partner at Barker, Castro & Steinback, Gluskin focuses his practice on medical malpractice and healthcare defense. He was promoted to partner at just 34 years old, a reflection of the trust that both clients and firm leadership place in his judgment and litigation abilities. “From the outset, it was obvious that Jason was highly in- telligent, but he was also incredibly personable and down-to- earth,” said Susan Dewey, associate with the Chicago office of Blank Rome, who met Gluskin during law school when Gluskin was a teaching assistant. “He was always willing to take time to explain concepts to us and ensure that the class caught on.” This combination of legal smarts and approachability has de- fined Gluskin’s career. He has second-chaired numerous trials through verdict while handling every phase of litigation, from briefing difficult legal issues to preparing and deposing treating physicians and expert witnesses.

Gluskin’s peers point to his ability to develop trial strategy from the earliest stages of a case. “Jason understands what is important in this complex world of medical malpractice litigation,” said Joseph Rourke, attorney with the Chicago office of Schwartz Jambois. “He can ‘see the forest through the trees.’ Win, lose or draw, I am always con- fident that a case will be litigated fairly when Jason is on the other side.” Gluskin’s record is evidence of his legal skills. In one case, he successfully argued a motion to transfer venue on behalf of his clients. The ruling was appealed, and Gluskin successfully briefed and defended the ruling on appeal. The Appellate Court issued a published opinion in Gluskin’s favor. “He has consistently distinguished himself as an exception- ally skilled, thoughtful, and professional advocate,” said Greta Powell, Partner with Smith Blake Hill, who has tried multiple cas- es with Gluskin as co-defense counsel. “He is particularly effec- tive in the courtroom where preparation, poise, and credibility matter most.” Beyond his client work, Gluskin is committed to developing the next generation of trial lawyers. He mentors younger attor- neys within Barker Castro and leads the firm's monthly associate mentoring meetings.

38 40 Under Forty 2026 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN

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