Andrea M. Despotes

After two years as a law clerk at Cooney & Conway, Lawrence (Larry) Robert Weisler joined the firm as an associate in 2004. Receiving his B.S. from Michigan State University, Mr. Weisler graduated with a J.D. from John Marshall Law School. Mr. Weisler’s practice includes a wide variety of civil trial matters concentrated in asbestos litigation, product liability, premise liability, and personal injury. Since joining the firm, Mr. Weisler has obtained settlements in over 100 mesothel...

Attorney Michael W. Lenert is an experienced litigator who has obtained tremendous results for both injured individuals as well as businesses and government entities. Mr. Lenert practices in the areas of personal injury , medical negligence , workers' compensation , commercial and general litigation. As a trial attorney, Mike understands that regardless of the nature of the case or the client involved, the only way he can passionately and effectively tell the story of his client is to be know...

Gil Soffer, managing partner of Katten's Chicago office, has made his mark on both sides of white-collar actions. As a former federal prosecutor and senior Department of Justice (DOJ) official, he thoroughly understands the government's enforcement strategies and tactics. As an experienced white-collar defense lawyer and national co-chair of the firm's litigation practice, he devotes his practice to keeping clients out of trouble and navigating them safely through government investigations an...

ADAM J. ZAYED Founder, Managing Attorney of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Adam Zayed is a top-rated and award-winning Chicago personal injury lawyer . Since Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys was formed in 2009, Adam Zayed has built a reputation among his peers in the legal field by providing vigorous yet compassionate representation. As the leader of one of Illinois’ most formidable trial law firms, Adam has been decorated with awards and appointments to leadersh...

For more than 30 years, Walter Weinberg has been advising private equity funds and other corporate clients as well as private equity professionals and executives. He represents sponsors in forming private equity and other funds as well as institutional investors and high-net-worth families who invest in this asset class. His years of experience and sound judgment in guiding clients through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, financings and other transactions allow him to offer...

Phil Comella is a partner in Taft’s Environmental group. His practice spans both regulatory counseling and environmental-based litigation. With over three decades of experience in environmental law and a focus on the solid and hazardous waste industry, he regularly counsels owners and operators of landfills, treatment facilities, recycling operations, and waste generators on compliance, enforcement, and litigation matters arising under environmental laws.

Peter G. Rush is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Sports Law. Peter G., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael R. Friedberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Michael R., who practices law in Lake Forest, Illinois, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009. Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years. Jonathan has grown his firm to include 4 other attorneys, an excellent staff and an additional office location in the suburbs. Jonathan has a great deal of e...

Mark E. Schmidtke represents clients in ERISA and Non-ERISA employee benefits matters in state and federal courts throughout the United States for nearly 30 years. He has been lead or co-lead counsel in ERISA litigation matters pending in the courts of 49 states. He has argued appeals in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits, as well as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Minnesota Suprem...